The best step to avoiding sink drain mistakes and blockages is to prevent them. And that comes with knowing what can and cannot go down the drain. 

As a homeowner, you should be prepared to deal with minor plumbing problems or clogs. For major problems, you should always seek help from a reliable Sydney plumber for professional results. 

If you’re in the midst of a blocked drain emergency now, please call our team at VIP Drains on 0480 024 323.

WHY ARE SINK DRAINS SO IMPORTANT?

We all know when water is not managed properly it can damage pipes and property or at least cause some chaos. Misdirected water can lead to mould, dampness, a burst pipe, or even damage the foundation of the property if there is a blockage or a leak.

What you might not be aware of, however, is that water can also create a mess outside your property in your garden, lawn, gutters and outside pipes. It is crucial to pay attention to the drainage system of your entire home; inside and out to avoid all drainage issues. 

A well-functioning drainage system eliminates surplus water from your property. Taking it away from where it can do harm. It is crucial to drain surplus water for clearing the entire system and pipes. Otherwise, it could lead to flooding, leakage, slow draining, filthy odours and significant water damage.

To ensure the drainage system of your property is healthy and functional, you can contact a local plumber in your area to inspect your pipes and drains. A professional will be able to give you advice and locate any potential issues before they become emergencies. 

WHAT IS THE FUNCTIONS OF A SINK DRAIN?

A drain is basically an entry point for any water or waste you’re looking to get rid of and send away from your dwelling. A drainage pipe system is the unit responsible for “draining away” water.

Typically the water that gets drained away is taken far from your home, in an effort to protect your lawns from soil erosion and create an unstable foundation for your home.

Your household drains are connected through a series of pipes to your main drain. This is where all the water and waste will pass on its way out of your property. 

WHAT CANNOT GO DOWN A SINK DRAIN?

The drains in your home are meant to be squeaky clean and free from debris. This way, water can safely pass through your drains and pipes on its way out and away from your property. 

As a part of your routine plumbing maintenance, make sure you take care of your sinks with a good clean on a monthly basis. The best way to clean your sinks is to prevent a clog in the first place. Be aware of what you are pushing down the drain to avoid any sink drain mistakes.

HERE ARE SOME ITEMS THAT SHOULD NEVER FIND THEIR WAY INTO YOUR DRAINS:

• Grease

  Grease is one of the most common sink drain mistakes that people make. While grease appears to be a common byproduct of cooking in the kitchen, it cools and solidifies when you pour it down the drain. It leaves an immense potential for sink clogging as any debris or organic matter that gets pushed down the drain after the grease can stick to it and get trapped on its way through the pipes. Then more matter accumulates on top of that, then more grease.. And it’s a never-ending story that could result in a very badly blocked drain.

  To make matters worse, other food substances get stuck with grease in the drainage system. Always leave grease in some left-over jar. Then, you can throw it away separately once the grease has solidified.

• Pasta, Rice and bread crusts

  Do you love rice and pasta? Most families across Sydney will choose at least one pasta, rice or bread-based dish at some point during the day. Pushing any leftovers on the plate of chopping board down the sink is a common sink drain mistake made. These food items can cause sink blockage problems due to two main reasons:

  Firstly, these expand with exposure to water instead of breaking down. Secondly, they easily convert into a mush-like structure to form a perfect drain-blocking mixture! Keep the carbs out of the sink, please.

• Coffee Grounds

  Love a morning grind? Don’t we all. Coffee grounds can create a lot of trouble for your kitchen sink. While they can easily go down the sink without any problem, they easily get converted into a sludge; ideal for clogging the pipes.

  Ultimately, the sludge will prevent other food items from going down the drain. You should always throw away the coffee grounds in your separate garbage bin and keep them away from the pipes.

• Eggshells

  Are you tempted to do away with the eggshells in your kitchen sink every now and then? You should know that they can easily get stuck in the drainage pipes and lead to larger clogs. Keep them out of the garbage disposal as well, as a garbage disposal will grind them to smaller pieces, then they mix with other items like grease and become a matter of concern. The membrane of eggshells can also get stuck to the sides of the pipe for creating further issues. After you’ve made your morning omelette, throw the eggshells in the compost or the rubbish bin.

• Food Scraps

  Meat, Fish and Poultry as well as chopped up vegetables that find their way into a pipe will most likely stay there, stagnant and rotting. Lovely?! They will not only create a blockage that needs to be cleared by a professional plumber but they will decompose and start to smell – bad. Food scraps belong in the compost or rubbish bin and never down a drain.

For a list of more “never put this down a drain” items, click here.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR SINK DRAIN CLEAN AND FUNCTIONING?

Kitchen or bathroom sink not draining? Here are some useful ways to keep your sinks clean and functioning to avoid further sink drain mistakes:

#Use Boiling Water

As soap, hair, and grease residue get stuck in the drain, you can use boiling water to loosen the clog. If your drainage system is attached to PVC pipes, then you should avoid using this method and opt for hot water instead as boiling water could warp the PVC.

#Try Vinegar and Baking Soda

It serves to be a natural alternative to using chemical-based drain cleaners on blocked drains. To your greater convenience, vinegar and baking powder are highly common household items that you will find in every kitchen. 

#Plunge Away The Blockage

Use a plunger to bring up any matter that may be blocking your drain. When you are using a plunger, try using a flat-bottomed plunger for the best outcomes.

#Reach Out for Professional Help

Have you tried all fixes, but to no avail? Hiring professional plumbing services can be your sure-shot measure to fix all plumbing issues.

VIP Drains is a one-stop destination offering access to a wide range of plumbing solutions. Whether you are dealing with clogged sinks or emergency plumbing problems, our team of expert plumbers are here to assist you with every step. Call our friendly team now on 0480 024 323 or click here.