5 Reasons Your Kitchen Drain Clogs And How To Fix Them

Kitchen drain clogs can be a hassle, disrupting your daily routine and causing frustration. From greasy pans to stray food particles, it’s no surprise this issue is a common headache for Calgary homeowners. Over time, even small blockages can escalate into major plumbing problems if not addressed promptly.

Timely drain cleaning in Calgary is crucial to avoid expensive repairs and prevent clogs from recurring. After all, no one likes dealing with a flooded sink during dinner prep! Thankfully, Calgary’s highly qualified plumbing contractors are here to help with expert solutions.

Here are 5 reasons your kitchen drain keeps clogging and simple fixes to solve them!

Reason #1: Food Scraps And Grease Build-Up

How Food Scraps And Grease Clog Your Drains?

It’s easy to rinse off plates without considering where those food scraps go. Over time, small bits of food and cooking grease can stick to the walls of your pipes. This buildup creates a sticky surface, which traps more debris leading to stubborn kitchen drain clogs.

Why Improper Disposal Of Oil And Scraps Is Problematic?

Many homeowners in Calgary pour leftover cooking oil down the drain, thinking it will flow through easily. Unfortunately, this habit causes significant damage over time. Grease hardens quickly, creating sticky clogs that require professional drain cleaning in Calgary to remove.

Solution: How To Prevent Food And Grease Build-Up

• Dispose Of Cooking Grease Properly: Never pour grease or oil down the sink. Instead, collect it in a disposable container and throw it in the trash. Wipe greasy pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing them.
• Install A Sink Strainer: Use a quality sink strainer to catch food scraps before they enter your drain. Empty the strainer regularly to prevent it from clogging up.
• Flush Your Drain With Hot Water: After washing dishes, flush your drain with boiling water. This helps dissolve small grease particles before they harden.

Reason #2: Soap Scum Buildup In Pipes

How Soap Scum Forms And Clogs Your Pipes?

Soap scum may seem harmless at first, but it’s a sneaky cause of clogged drains. Over time, soap residue from dishwashing and cleaning can build up inside your pipes. This residue combines with minerals in the water to form a sticky, chalky layer.

How Hard Water In Calgary Makes It Worse?

Calgary is known for having hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals react with soap, creating even more residue that sticks to your pipes.

Solution: How To Prevent Soap Scum Buildup?

• Use A Drain-Safe Cleaner Regularly: Choose a cleaner specifically designed for drains. This helps dissolve soap scum and mineral deposits safely. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage your pipes over time.
• Flush Your Drains With Hot Water: Pour boiling water down your drain weekly to break down small accumulations of soap residue. Hot water also helps loosen any grease or debris that may stick to soap scum.
• Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning Services: Professional drain cleaning services in Calgary can clear tough soap scum buildup that DIY methods can’t handle. Routine maintenance ensures your pipes stay free-flowing, even with Calgary’s hard water challenges.

Reason #3: Foreign Objects Blocking The Drain

How Foreign Objects End Up In Your Kitchen Drain?

Your kitchen drain is not designed to handle everything that falls into it. Common items like small utensils, food wrappers, and other debris can accidentally slip into the drain. Even seemingly harmless things, such as tiny pieces of packaging or stray bits of trash, can get lodged in your pipes.

Why A Blocked Drain Can Be A Serious Problem?

When items block your drain, the problem often worsens quickly. A partially blocked drain traps food particles and grease, making the clog bigger and tougher to remove. If foreign objects continue to pile up, the blockage can become so severe that water stops flowing altogether. In extreme cases, this can lead to pipe damage, requiring costly repairs or replacements.

Solution: How To Prevent Foreign Objects From Blocking Your Drain?

• Use A Sink Cover Or Strainer: Install a sink cover or strainer to catch solid items before they fall into the drain. Choose a strainer with small holes to block even tiny particles.
• Be Mindful Of What You Throw In The Sink: Always double-check that no utensils, wrappers, or trash ends up in your sink. Teach household members to properly dispose of waste instead of rinsing it into the drain.
• Consider Installing A Garbage Disposal Unit: A garbage disposal can help break down small food scraps safely. However, avoid putting non-food items or fibrous foods like celery into the disposal.

Reason #4: Kitchen Drain Clogs Due To Aging Pipes

How Aging Pipes Lead To Kitchen Drain Clogs?

Many homes in Calgary have older plumbing systems, which can deteriorate over time. As pipes age, they may corrode, weaken, or develop cracks. This corrosion causes rough surfaces inside the pipes, making it easier for grease, soap scum, and debris to stick and accumulate.

Why Older Pipes Require Extra Attention?

Aging pipes don’t just clog more easily—they also pose a greater risk of leaks or even pipe bursts. Over time, the structural integrity of old pipes weakens, and blockages can put added pressure on these vulnerable sections.

Solution: How To Address Clogs In Aging Pipes?

• Schedule A Professional Inspection: Hire qualified plumbers to inspect your aging pipes for signs of corrosion or wear. Inspections help identify problem areas before they cause severe blockages or leaks.
• Invest In Regular Drain Cleaning: Routine drain cleaning in Calgary can remove buildup before it causes clogs. Professionals use specialized equipment to clean pipes thoroughly, even in narrow or fragile systems.
• Consider Upgrading Old Pipes: If your pipes are severely corroded or frequently clogged, replacing them may be the best solution. Modern materials, like PVC, are more durable and less prone to clogs.

Reason #5: Tree Root Intrusion In Pipes

How Tree Roots Invade Underground Pipes?

Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture, making underground pipes a prime target. Pipes connected to kitchen drains often carry water and nutrients, creating the perfect environment for roots to grow.

Why Tree Root Intrusion Is A Hidden Problem?

For many Calgary homeowners, tree root intrusion is an unexpected cause of drain clogs. Learn more about how to prevent tree roots from blocking your drains in Calgary. Since this issue happens underground, it’s not always immediately visible. You might notice signs like slow drainage, frequent backups, or gurgling sounds in your pipes.

Solution: How To Fix And Prevent Tree Root Intrusion?

• Call Experts For Advanced Drain Cleaning: Professionals use tools like hydro-jetting and root cutters to remove tree roots from pipes. These methods safely clear blockages without damaging your plumbing system.
• Schedule Pipe Inspections: Routine pipe inspections with cameras can identify early signs of tree root intrusion. Early detection prevents severe damage and helps you avoid costly repairs.
• Consider Pipe Repairs Or Replacement: Severely damaged pipes may need repairs or replacement to eliminate future root intrusion. Modern materials like PVC are more resistant to root penetration.
• Create A Root-Free Zone Around Pipes: If tree roots frequently invade your pipes, consider creating a root-free barrier around your plumbing. Professional plumbers can help with solutions like chemical root inhibitors.

Your Reliable Partner For All Plumbing Solutions In Calgary

At Jack’D Up Plumbing, we pride ourselves on providing reliable and professional plumbing services in Calgary. With years of hands-on experience, our highly qualified team is committed to delivering exceptional solutions tailored to your home’s unique needs.

We specialize in everything from routine maintenance to advanced repairs, ensuring your plumbing system runs smoothly year-round. At the core of our work is a dedication to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Don’t let plumbing issues disrupt your daily life. Contact us or visit our website. Let our experts take care of your plumbing needs!