Blog Layout

Four Culprits That Can Clog Your Kitchen Sink

Docs Appliance • November 30, 2017

We can all agree that a clog in your kitchen sink stinks. Once you realize it, it creates one of the worst feelings. You immediately want to know how it got that way. Perhaps, someone let food or grease wash down the drain one too many times. With so much food to cook with, who can remember what’s acceptable to put down the sink? Do you know which items to avoid? Lucky for you, we’ve created a list of the top four foods you want to prevent from washing down your sink. By doing so, you can avoid a clog.

1.      Grease

If there were to be an overarching, number-one rule to kitchen sink maintenance, it would be to never, ever, put leftover grease or solid fats down the drain. Grease left over from cooking meat is a sneaky culprit—while it may appear liquid while it is still warm, as soon as it cools, it solidifies causing a clog in your sink. Other greasy foods you want to avoid are butter, lard, or leftover oil from frying.

2.      Starchy Foods

Foods high in starch and carbohydrates, like pasta, rice, and potatoes, often swell when they come in contact with water. Think about cooking pasta—when you boil it, the shape becomes softer and larger, right? The same concept applies to your kitchen sink.  Washing starchy grains and veggies down your drain, along with water will cause them to swell.  Their texture makes it hard for the garbage disposal to grind them up, allowing them to slip through and create a viscous-like texture that can clog the drain or pipes.  It’s best to avoid putting these foods in the sink.

3.      Coffee Grounds

When the coffee grounds come in contact with water, the water makes the grounds sticky, allowing them to pack in tightly and form a dense, paste. Putting coffee grounds down your sink, along with running water, is a recipe for disaster. As a result, the paste builds up if not flushed thoroughly, causing a blockage and a backed-up drain. Be sure to put your coffee grounds in your compost or the trash for proper disposal.

4.      Tough, Fibrous Foods

By Doc’s Appliance February 15, 2025
In this blog, learn the warning signs that your dryer needs repair and explore common issues it may face, from overheating to drum malfunctions.
By Doc's Appliance February 11, 2025
Read this blog to discover common causes of failure, practical maintenance tips, and solutions to keep your unit running efficiently for years to come.
By Doc’s Appliance January 21, 2025
Read this article to learn about several oven parts that you can replace yourself and why you should contact a professional if you need help.
By Doc’s Appliance January 13, 2025
Is your refrigerator malfunctioning? Read our blog to learn why you should consider getting it repaired instead of buying a new one.
By Doc’s Appliance January 13, 2025
Read this article to learn about the benefits of getting your home appliances repaired instead of spending money on new appliances.
By Doc’s Appliance December 30, 2024
Is your garbage disposal acting up? Read our blog to learn how to troubleshoot issues, and know when to call the appliance repair professionals.
By Doc’s Appliance December 12, 2024
Have you noticed that your dryer isn't working as well? Read our blog for some signs you should hire a professional for dryer repair.
By Doc’s Appliance November 8, 2024
You know to repair your larger appliances if they need it, but what about your smaller appliances? Read on to learn why small appliance repair matters.
By Doc’s Appliance October 31, 2024
A washing machine is an essential appliance in most households. Read on to learn the signs that your washing machine needs repair.
By Doc’s Appliance October 21, 2024
If your oven is malfunctioning, read our blog to learn what to expect from the process of getting it repaired, so you can be empowered as a homeowner.
More Posts
Share by: