5 Common Causes of a Slow Draining Kitchen Sink

A slow-draining kitchen sink can turn a simple routine task, like washing the dishes, into a highly inconvenient nightmare. The consequences of a slow-draining sink - dirty water, smelly drains and the worry of a blocked drain - are the last thing anyone needs.

Most slow-draining sinks are the result of one of a select number of common causes which we’re here to explore. Luckily, with a bit of DIY and occasionally the assistance of a licensed plumber, you can fix your clogged drain with relative ease.

Let’s take a look at five of the most common causes of slow drains in the kitchen so you can best determine what’s causing yours.

1. Grease and Oil Build Up

One of the most common of a slow draining kitchen sink is a build-up of grease and oil in the drain pipes.

When you wash dishes, leftover cooking oils and fats flow down the kitchen sink and cool inside the pipes. Over time, they solidify and create a sticky residue that catches food particles and other debris. The combination of the food scraps with the cooking grease and oil causes a blockage that results in your sink draining slowly.

The best way to resolve this problem? Start by avoiding pouring grease down the sink in the first place. If your blocked sink is draining slowly, try flushing it with boiling water to break down the build-up. You can also use a natural remedy like baking soda and vinegar.

2. A Build Up of Dish Soap Scum

Another reason a kitchen sink drains slowly is a possible build-up of soap scum in the drain pipes.

When soap mixes with the minerals in water, it forms a residue that sticks to the inside of your pipes. Gradually it causes drain clogs and sink blockages. This layer of soap scum traps other debris, resulting in your slow, smelly drain problem.

To combat this and clear away minor clogs, regularly flush your sink with hot water. For stubborn blockages, try a natural solution of baking soda and vinegar—this creates a gentle chemical reaction that will dissolve the residue and keep your pipes clean. We suggest staying away from chemical drain cleaners though; they can potentially corrode your pipes and leave you with other problems.

3. Food Waste and Debris

Food waste and debris are regular offenders when it comes to a slow draining sink.

Small particles from washing up end up in the drain pipes; particles like

• vegetable peels
• coffee grounds
• grains of rice and
• other bits of food

Over time these can accumulate and form a blockage that causes your sink to drain slowly.

So, how you do best avoid food-related blocked drains? Using a sink stopper or strainer can help catch debris before it goes down the drain. If your kitchen drain is already blocked, a drain snake or even a simple bent wire hanger can help dislodge the blockage.

4. P-Trap Problems

The P trap is an important part of your sink’s plumbing. It can also become easily blocked, causing a slow-draining kitchen sink.

Despite its name, the P-trap is actually U-shaped (to clarify, the P shape forms when you combine the U-shaped trap with the horizontal plumbing pipe). It’s a pipe designed to hold water and prevent foul smells from coming up through the drain. Over time, however, it can fill with food scraps, grease and other debris. When this happens your sink drains slowly or may even become blocked.

One of the best solutions for this problem is to simply clean out the P trap. Just remove it, empty out the built-up debris and flush it with hot water. For tougher blockages, use a plumber’s snake.

5. Foreign Objects in the Drain Pipe

Sometimes, foreign objects accidentally finding their way down the drain can be the cause of your slow-draining sink. We’re talking items like:

• utensils
• sink stoppers
• wedding rings
• small bits of kitchen waste

All of these can cause blockages in the drain that make your sink drain slowly.

If your sink is draining slowly, check for any obvious obstructions near the drain opening. You can often fish these out using a bent wire hanger, maybe some kitchen tongs, or another similar tool. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves for safety. Removing these foreign objects will restore your sink to normal drainage without the need for a harsh chemical drain cleaner.

When to Call a Licensed Plumber

If your sink is still slowly draining after trying these DIY methods, it’s time to call in the big guns. It’s time to call a licensed plumber.

While you’ll certainly be able to clear minor blockages with the likes of a drain snake, baking soda or boiling water, you might have more serious plumbing problems further down the drain. A licensed plumber has the tools and knowledge to fix complex issues like blockages in the main sewer line or tree roots blocking the pipes.

Ignoring these problems will only cause more damage to your sink drain and cost you more in the long run. For peace of mind and to save money get qualified help from a licensed plumbing professional.

Get Back to a Smooth Flowing Kitchen Sink

A slow draining kitchen sink is a common problem. From built-up grease and soap scum to food scraps and other foreign objects, many things can cause a slow drain.

By keeping on top of regular maintenance like flushing the pipes with hot water or using baking soda and vinegar, you can prevent many clogged drains before they get a chance to occur. But if your sink is slow draining, despite all your best efforts, call a licensed plumber to avoid long term damage.

Keep your kitchen sink in good working order to prevent future blockages and enjoy smooth drainage all year round.

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