Kitchen drains take a lot of punishment. Cooking oils, food scraps, and soap all go down the sink every day. It's no surprise that kitchen drains are the most commonly blocked drains we see in Glasgow homes.
Why Kitchen Drains Block So Easily
The main cause is fats, oils, and grease — known as FOG. When hot, FOG is liquid and flows down the drain easily. But as it cools inside your pipes, it turns solid. It sticks to the pipe walls. Over time, it catches other debris and causes a blockage.
Daily Habits to Prevent Blockages
Never Pour Grease Down the Drain
This is the most important rule. Don't pour cooking oil or fat down the sink. Instead:
- Let it cool and go solid, then scrape it into the bin
- Pour small amounts into a container and throw it away with your rubbish
- Take large amounts of oil to your local recycling centre
Use a Sink Strainer
A mesh strainer sits in your plughole and catches food bits. Empty it into the food waste bin after each wash. This simple, cheap tool stops most kitchen blockages before they start.
Scrape Plates Before Washing
Scrape all food off plates, pots, and pans before putting them in the sink. Even with a waste disposal unit, too much food waste can block your pipes.
Run Hot Water After Use
After washing up, run hot water for 15 to 30 seconds. This helps push any leftover grease through the pipes. It's especially useful after washing greasy pans.
Weekly Maintenance Tips
Hot Water Flush
Once a week, boil a full kettle and pour it slowly down the kitchen drain. The hot water helps dissolve grease that is starting to build up.
Natural Cleaning Solution
Try this simple method once a month:
- Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain
- Add half a cup of white vinegar
- Wait 15 minutes while it fizzes
- Flush with boiling water
This breaks down grease and food without harsh chemicals that could damage older pipes.
What to Avoid
- **Chemical drain cleaners**: They can clear small blockages, but using them often can corrode your pipes
- **Coffee grounds**: They don't clean drains — they build up and cause blockages
- **Flour and starchy foods**: These turn into a paste inside pipes
- **Eggshells**: They break into tiny pieces that trap other debris
When to Call a Professional
If water drains slowly despite these tips, or if blockages keep coming back, there may be a bigger problem. A CCTV drain survey can find the root cause and stop it happening again.
For stubborn kitchen blockages, professional drain jetting cleans the pipe walls and removes grease far better than any DIY method. If you have a blocked sink that won't clear, our engineers can usually fix it within the hour.
Call Glasgow Drain Unblocker on 0141 221 5164 for help and advice, or get in touch online.