Kitchen Clogged Drain? Things You Should Avoid Putting Down the Drain
A clogged kitchen drain is one of the most frustrating problems to deal with in any household. It’s messy, time-consuming, and often expensive to fix. But the truth is, many clogs can be avoided by simply being mindful of what we discard down the drain.
Why Do Kitchen Drains Get Clogged?
Kitchen drains are designed to handle wastewater and small amounts of residue, but they’re not built to accommodate everything. Over time, materials like grease, food scraps, and fibrous waste accumulate, narrowing the pipe and eventually leading to blockages. Regular cleaning and careful disposal habits can make a world of difference.
Things to Avoid Putting Down Your Kitchen Drain
- Cooking Oil, Grease and Fat
When hot, these substances are liquid and seem harmless, but as they cool, they solidify and cling to the inside of pipes. This build-up creates a sticky surface that traps other debris, forming clogs.
- Coffee Grounds & Eggshells
You might think coffee grounds are small enough to wash away, but they don’t dissolve in water. Instead, they collect in the pipe and mix with grease, creating stubborn clogs. Eggshells may seem harmless, but the small, sharp fragments combine with other waste to form blockages. The membrane inside the shells can also stick to pipe walls, worsening the problem.
- Flour
When flour is mixed with water, it forms a thick, sticky paste. This paste clings to surfaces, such as the sides of a container or pipes, creating a barrier. As a result, it obstructs the free flow of water, making it harder for the liquid to move smoothly. The sticky nature of the mixture can also cause blockages, leading to further difficulties in maintaining an even water flow.
- Starchy Foods & Stringy Vegetables
Starchy foods expand when exposed to water, even after cooking like rice and pasta can clump together in pipes, creating tough-to-remove blockages. Fibrous vegetable scraps such as celery, onion skins, or asparagus can tangle together, forming a net-like barrier that blocks water flow.
- Stickers On Fruits
Stickers have a glue-like paste that makes them able to stick to everything, including your pipes. Over time, this can lead to serious blockages.
- Hard Food Waste
Hard items like fruit pits and nutshells can damage your pipes or garbage disposal unit. Even small fragments can contribute to clogs.
- Harsh Cleaning Chemicals
Harsh chemicals, including paint, cleaning solvents, and pesticides, can corrode pipes and harm the environment. They might not cause immediate blockages but can lead to long-term damage.
Tips for Preventing Kitchen Drain Clogs
Use a Drain Strainer
Clean the strainer after every use to prevent it from accumulating debris, which can still lead to blockages. Opt for a larger strainer if possible, to catch more waste.
Rinse with Hot Water
Consider pouring hot water after every use, especially after frying or cooking with fatty ingredients. This helps prevent grease buildup over time. For extra power, you can add a small amount of dish soap to the hot water to break down grease.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
After pouring hot water, sprinkle a little baking soda into the drain, followed by vinegar. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with more hot water. This simple cleaning routine will keep your drain fresh and clear.
Install a Garbage Disposal
Avoid scraping large food scraps into the sink. Compost or throw them away instead. If you have a garbage disposal, only put in small amounts of soft food waste at a time.
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Conclusion
To keep your kitchen drain clog-free, adopt mindful disposal habits and a regular cleaning routine. Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, starches, or harsh chemicals down the drain. Instead, use a drain strainer, flush with hot water, and opt for natural cleaning methods. These simple steps will ensure smooth plumbing and spare you the hassle of dealing with blockages. Find the perfect fit for your sink with LIPKA’s top-quality sink couplings.
