We bet you agree that food scraps do not belong to the drains just like cooking oil. Some food remains do not break down and letting them through your kitchen sinks could clog your pipes.
Even though you might have a garbage disposal unit, food waste can still become trapped in your drainage system. It is normal to put leftovers such as chicken bones or coffee grounds into the garbage disposal when cleaning dishes or pots.
Although garbage disposal units offer a quick and convenient way to get rid of kitchen scraps, filling them with too much food waste that your drains cannot manage is harmful in the long term. As a result, you will face issues of foul odors, clogged pipes and congested disposal blades in your sink.
Preventive Tips for a Clog-Free Kitchen
The last thing you want to deal with in your kitchen is a clogged drain. Those unexpected blockages can disrupt your day and leave you with a mess to clean up. Fortunately, with a few simple preventive tips, you can ensure that your drains remain free-flowing and avoid the headache of plumbing problems. Here are some practical steps to keep your drains clear and running smoothly.
- Scrape Before You Rinse: Before you even think about rinsing your dishes in the sink, take a moment to scrape off all those stubborn food particles into the trash can. A trusty spatula is your best friend for this task. By doing this, you’ll prevent food scraps from ever reaching your drain in the first place.
- Garbage Disposal Know-How: If you have a garbage disposal unit, it can be a handy tool, but it’s not a magic solution for all food scraps. When using it, remember to place leftovers in small, manageable bits. While you’re doing this, let a steady stream of cold water flow through the disposal. This combination helps break down the food and wash it away without causing blockages.
- Watch Out for Starchy Culprits: Some foods are notorious for causing drain blockages, and starchy items like rice, potato peels, and bread are among the top culprits. Instead of sending these troublemakers down the drain, toss them directly into the trash bin. This small change can make a big difference in keeping your drains clog-free.
- The Strainer Solution: Invest in a quality strainer or drain cover to serve as your first line of defense against food scraps. These handy devices will catch large chunks of food, preventing them from entering the drain and causing potential blockages. Regularly empty the strainer into the trash to keep it effective.
By following these preventive tips, you can save yourself the hassle and expense of dealing with clogged drains. A little extra care in the kitchen goes a long way in maintaining the smooth operation of your plumbing.
So, remember to scrape, use your garbage disposal wisely, avoid starchy food scraps, and employ a strainer to keep your drains flowing freely. Your kitchen and plumbing will thank you for it!
Fix: Unblocking Drains Clogged with Food Scraps
No matter how careful you might be, some food waste will find its way into the drains. It will cluster together over time creating a blockage.
However, you do not need to worry as there are different ways you can unclog your sink or drains by yourself or through professional help.
- Use a plunger. Take a small plunger cup that is flat at the bottom and seal the sink tightly with it. Pour adequate water into the sink so that it covers the base edge of the plunger and put the cup over the drain. Move the plunger handle up and down swiftly and firmly to create pressure and loosen the food scraps. Confirm if the clog has been cleared by running water through.
- Hot water. If you have metallic pipes (not plastic) under your sink, pour boiling water down the sink. This will aid in softening the food clogs in the pipes. Ensure there is no sand in the water before you start the process. If your pipes are made of PVC, do not try this as the excessive heat can damage them.
- Use an auger. An auger’s long cable comes in handy when unblocking drains. Insert it through to break the clumps by cranking the auger. Run hot water through to push the remaining food clogs down the drain.
- Baking soda and vinegar. Pour a mixture of the two into the drain to create a fizzling reaction that will aid in moving the clogs. You can add hot water afterward to remove any remains. You can use this method as a preventive measure once a week to prevent food buildup.
- Open the P-Trap. Sometimes you need to open your P-trap under the sink to clear the food clogs. At this point, you can choose to do it personally or seek a licensed plumber to help you fix this inconvenience.
Even though blocked drains are a bit of a hassle, there are DIY tips that you can apply to certain drain issues. But there is always a licensed plumber can help you fix these everyday inconveniences, so it’s a must to keep their contact information nearby.
