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PLUMBING
07/17/2023
PLUMBING
07/17/2023
For most households, there’s only one kitchen sink in the home to rely on. When it gets clogged and hinders your ability to wash your hands, and dishes, and cook meals, it can be an extremely frustrating situation. In the worst case scenarios, your clogged sink can back up into other plumbing fixtures, and equipment, or cause extensive water damage in your walls, flooring, or other suites. If you’re renting a home, a homeowner, or a property owner, you’ve likely dealt with your fair share of frustrating clogs. But fear not! With these expert tips, you’ll learn how to prevent and eliminate kitchen sink clogs once and for all!
When kitchen sinks don’t flow effortlessly, not only are they incredibly inconvenient but you may also end up with a hefty repair or replacement bill that puts a dent in your wallet. To avoid this from happening, it’s important to understand the root causes. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of kitchen sink clogs and how you can significantly reduce them from occurring. Today is the day you begin to change how you treat your sink to prevent corroding pipes and parts.
First and foremost, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent clogs is to be mindful of your food waste. In the kitchen, we all handle various foods, oils, soap, and other debris in and around the sink. Over time, the things that end up down the drain won’t successfully make it out of your property. As they accumulate and build-up, blockages happen. Some of the most common culprits that cause these clogs include pasta, rice, beans, potatoes, broccoli coffee grounds, plant matter, and other foreign objects.
The reason why you want to lessen the amount of food going down the drain is because these foods can expand. Have you ever left your beans soaking for too long? They can double in size! As for coffee grounds, we all know how oily coffee beans are. When they are whole beans, you can see them glistening with their glorious and delicious oils. Over time, these oils wreak havoc on the drainpipes.
Rather than allowing food scraps and other matter to go down the drain, get the appropriate strainer or drain screen for your sink. Prevent scraps from flowing down your drain. Simply dispose of them in your compost bin or trash to best protect your drainpipes!
Another fantastic option is purchasing Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners. With regular use, you’ll notice a significant difference in preventing kitchen clogs. These specific cleaners help break down organic matter and help keep your pipes build-up free! You may notice many ‘Best Of’ articles you find online mention Drano. At High Mark, we suggest customers stay away from that product as it can, in fact, damage your plumbing systems and pose health hazards. You can find out more in this blog post.
The second most common culprit to cause kitchen sink clogs – Grease, oils, and fats. After you cook with bacon on a Sunday morning, what do you do with all the grease and fat?
Did we hear you say, “Put it in a jar or can and dispose of it in the garbage”?
You are correct!
For those of you who have answered, “Pour it down the drain with hot water” it’s never too late to change your Sunday morning routine.
Every time that you allow grease, oils, and fats to flow down your drain, they solidify and become thicker, shrinking the width of your drainpipe. Whether a couple of feet down the drain or deep within your plumbing system, the build-up will be accumulating somewhere. As the build-up gathers, your drainpipe shrinks in size because when pipes corrode from the inside – the perfect way to draw in more sediments to adhere.
Although you may have used hot water too when washing the oil off your frying pan, you may find yourself changing the temperature to cold. When you use cold water after the fact, by cooling down the oil and drainpipe, the build-up clumps together and hardens.
Now let’s get into deposits and residue that can shorten the lifespan of your plumbing systems and fixtures. For most of the B.C. residents, hard water deposits are not to worry about. If anything, B.C. has soft water from the snowmelt and rainfall.
Alberta, on the other hand, is known to have some of the hardest water in Canada. Because their water is sourced from run-off from the Rocky Mountains, there is a high concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals accumulate, build up, and harden in the pipes which results in the shortened lifespan of plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances. You’ll often hear of Albertan residents having a supplementary water softener to bring down the hardness.
As for soap scum, this is primarily a concern for those residing in areas with hard water. Soap scum occurs when hard water combines with the fatty acids found in soap. When the scum accumulates in the drainpipes, it can become the perfect environment for mildew and mould to reside. You may only find this issue arises for bathrooms, but we thought it was important to bring it up as all soap contain fatty acids.
Another major problem that tends to catch homeowners off guard is tree roots in the plumbing systems. New homeowners often don’t think about how their landscaping plans can interfere with and disrupt plumbing systems. With pressures of curb appeal, many homeowners want their landscaping to look stunning.
Pro Tip: Always look at your property line map, also known as plates, to know where your utility lines are running and more! In this instance, look for your sewer systems and water lines to know what areas to steer clear of. Root systems are drawn to moisture and humidity. If there ends up being a leak, those roots are going to inch closer to your pipes and eventually make their way inside. This silent rupture can bring about major repairs indoors and outdoors.
Another way of avoiding tree roots in your drains is by scheduling annual or biannual hydro jetting services. Hydro jetting helps dislodge clogs caused by roots, grease, and other debris in the pipes. By utilizing this technology, a high-powered stream of water shoots out of the wand to clear out drains immaculately!
Lastly, one of the most overlooked causes of clogged kitchen sinks – Aging pipes and parts. When you notice your water pressure decreases over time, it’s a warning sign that you have corrosion, mineral buildup, and restriction of flow. Unfortunately, it’s inevitable that parts such as gaskets, seals, and connectors degrade over time. When they do, you’ll find your pipes and plumbing fixtures causing leaks and malfunctioning.
Generally, if your pipes are over 50 years old, it’s highly suggested that you seek a professional plumber for an inspection to assess the condition of your pipes and fixtures. Once you have an assessment of the performance and condition of your plumbing systems, you’ll have a better idea of what needs attention and care.
As you have learned throughout this article, there are several ways to prevent kitchen clogs as well as DIY efforts to unclog them yourself. Here are some DIY tasks that you can perform yourself before calling a licensed plumber.
Have you tried all the tips above and still unsuccessful with your clogged kitchen sink? It may be time to call your local plumber for assistance! You may have a deeper clog that requires expertise and tools that licensed plumbers have available.
Some warning signs that indicate a serious clog:
If you notice any of these warning signs, we strongly suggest that you have a professional to inspect your plumbing system. By doing so, you’ll eliminate expensive repairs and extensive water damage that may occur.
We hope that you’re now equipped with knowledge of how to care for your kitchen sink and how to prevent future clogs. By taking preventative measures and tending to minor repairs, you’ll be sure to have a smoothly flowing sink. Don’t underestimate the power of DIY methods! Try them out and see how they can work wonders. However, if you encounter stubborn clogs on a weekly or monthly basis, it may be showing you signs that the problem is deeper. Regular plumbing inspections not only offer you peace of mind but can also negate problematic situations in the future. Say goodbye to frustrating clogs and enjoy your smoothly running drains by implementing these expert tips!
Are you interested in cutting down your utility cost and/or enhancing your cooling systems in your home or business? Our friendly customer service representatives are taking bookings in the Greater Vancouver area including Burnaby, White Rock, and other areas.
For most households, there’s only one kitchen sink in the home to rely on. When it gets clogged and hinders your ability to wash your hands, and dishes, and cook meals, it can be an extremely frustrating situation. In the worst case scenarios, your clogged sink can back up into other plumbing fixtures, and equipment, or cause extensive water damage in your walls, flooring, or other suites. If you’re renting a home, a homeowner, or a property owner, you’ve likely dealt with your fair share of frustrating clogs. But fear not! With these expert tips, you’ll learn how to prevent and eliminate kitchen sink clogs once and for all!
When kitchen sinks don’t flow effortlessly, not only are they incredibly inconvenient but you may also end up with a hefty repair or replacement bill that puts a dent in your wallet. To avoid this from happening, it’s important to understand the root causes. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of kitchen sink clogs and how you can significantly reduce them from occurring. Today is the day you begin to change how you treat your sink to prevent corroding pipes and parts.
First and foremost, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent clogs is to be mindful of your food waste. In the kitchen, we all handle various foods, oils, soap, and other debris in and around the sink. Over time, the things that end up down the drain won’t successfully make it out of your property. As they accumulate and build-up, blockages happen. Some of the most common culprits that cause these clogs include pasta, rice, beans, potatoes, broccoli coffee grounds, plant matter, and other foreign objects.
The reason why you want to lessen the amount of food going down the drain is because these foods can expand. Have you ever left your beans soaking for too long? They can double in size! As for coffee grounds, we all know how oily coffee beans are. When they are whole beans, you can see them glistening with their glorious and delicious oils. Over time, these oils wreak havoc on the drainpipes.
Rather than allowing food scraps and other matter to go down the drain, get the appropriate strainer or drain screen for your sink. Prevent scraps from flowing down your drain. Simply dispose of them in your compost bin or trash to best protect your drainpipes!
Another fantastic option is purchasing Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners. With regular use, you’ll notice a significant difference in preventing kitchen clogs. These specific cleaners help break down organic matter and help keep your pipes build-up free! You may notice many ‘Best Of’ articles you find online mention Drano. At High Mark, we suggest customers stay away from that product as it can, in fact, damage your plumbing systems and pose health hazards. You can find out more in this blog post.
The second most common culprit to cause kitchen sink clogs – Grease, oils, and fats. After you cook with bacon on a Sunday morning, what do you do with all the grease and fat?
Did we hear you say, “Put it in a jar or can and dispose of it in the garbage”?
You are correct!
For those of you who have answered, “Pour it down the drain with hot water” it’s never too late to change your Sunday morning routine.
Every time that you allow grease, oils, and fats to flow down your drain, they solidify and become thicker, shrinking the width of your drainpipe. Whether a couple of feet down the drain or deep within your plumbing system, the build-up will be accumulating somewhere. As the build-up gathers, your drainpipe shrinks in size because when pipes corrode from the inside – the perfect way to draw in more sediments to adhere.
Although you may have used hot water too when washing the oil off your frying pan, you may find yourself changing the temperature to cold. When you use cold water after the fact, by cooling down the oil and drainpipe, the build-up clumps together and hardens.
Now let’s get into deposits and residue that can shorten the lifespan of your plumbing systems and fixtures. For most of the B.C. residents, hard water deposits are not to worry about. If anything, B.C. has soft water from the snowmelt and rainfall.
Alberta, on the other hand, is known to have some of the hardest water in Canada. Because their water is sourced from run-off from the Rocky Mountains, there is a high concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals accumulate, build up, and harden in the pipes which results in the shortened lifespan of plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances. You’ll often hear of Albertan residents having a supplementary water softener to bring down the hardness.
As for soap scum, this is primarily a concern for those residing in areas with hard water. Soap scum occurs when hard water combines with the fatty acids found in soap. When the scum accumulates in the drainpipes, it can become the perfect environment for mildew and mould to reside. You may only find this issue arises for bathrooms, but we thought it was important to bring it up as all soap contain fatty acids.
Another major problem that tends to catch homeowners off guard is tree roots in the plumbing systems. New homeowners often don’t think about how their landscaping plans can interfere with and disrupt plumbing systems. With pressures of curb appeal, many homeowners want their landscaping to look stunning.
Pro Tip: Always look at your property line map, also known as plates, to know where your utility lines are running and more! In this instance, look for your sewer systems and water lines to know what areas to steer clear of. Root systems are drawn to moisture and humidity. If there ends up being a leak, those roots are going to inch closer to your pipes and eventually make their way inside. This silent rupture can bring about major repairs indoors and outdoors.
Another way of avoiding tree roots in your drains is by scheduling annual or biannual hydro jetting services. Hydro jetting helps dislodge clogs caused by roots, grease, and other debris in the pipes. By utilizing this technology, a high-powered stream of water shoots out of the wand to clear out drains immaculately!
Lastly, one of the most overlooked causes of clogged kitchen sinks – Aging pipes and parts. When you notice your water pressure decreases over time, it’s a warning sign that you have corrosion, mineral buildup, and restriction of flow. Unfortunately, it’s inevitable that parts such as gaskets, seals, and connectors degrade over time. When they do, you’ll find your pipes and plumbing fixtures causing leaks and malfunctioning.
Generally, if your pipes are over 50 years old, it’s highly suggested that you seek a professional plumber for an inspection to assess the condition of your pipes and fixtures. Once you have an assessment of the performance and condition of your plumbing systems, you’ll have a better idea of what needs attention and care.
As you have learned throughout this article, there are several ways to prevent kitchen clogs as well as DIY efforts to unclog them yourself. Here are some DIY tasks that you can perform yourself before calling a licensed plumber.
Have you tried all the tips above and still unsuccessful with your clogged kitchen sink? It may be time to call your local plumber for assistance! You may have a deeper clog that requires expertise and tools that licensed plumbers have available.
Some warning signs that indicate a serious clog:
If you notice any of these warning signs, we strongly suggest that you have a professional to inspect your plumbing system. By doing so, you’ll eliminate expensive repairs and extensive water damage that may occur.
We hope that you’re now equipped with knowledge of how to care for your kitchen sink and how to prevent future clogs. By taking preventative measures and tending to minor repairs, you’ll be sure to have a smoothly flowing sink. Don’t underestimate the power of DIY methods! Try them out and see how they can work wonders. However, if you encounter stubborn clogs on a weekly or monthly basis, it may be showing you signs that the problem is deeper. Regular plumbing inspections not only offer you peace of mind but can also negate problematic situations in the future. Say goodbye to frustrating clogs and enjoy your smoothly running drains by implementing these expert tips!
Are you interested in cutting down your utility cost and/or enhancing your cooling systems in your home or business? Our friendly customer service representatives are taking bookings in the Greater Vancouver area including Burnaby, White Rock, and other areas.
The information contained in https://highmarkplumbing.com is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by https://highmarkplumbing.com and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to https://highmarkplumbing.com or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on https://highmarkplumbing.com for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of https://highmarkplumbing.com.
The information contained in https://highmarkplumbing.com is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by https://highmarkplumbing.com and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to https://highmarkplumbing.com or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on https://highmarkplumbing.com for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of https://highmarkplumbing.com.
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