If you’re doing the washing up after a meal and find your sink isn’t draining properly, or the water is resting in the bowl without going down, you’re probably dealing with a blockage somewhere in the system. You should pay attention to what you discard down your sink, as it is not a bin, and waste can create problems in your pipes quickly and cause damage that may be expensive to repair.

Here are 5 things you should never put down your sink if you want to keep those drains clear.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds do not dissolve in water,  becoming stuck in pipes. If they attach themselves to other waste already in your pipes this can quickly lead to major blockages.

Flour

When mixed with water, flour can create a glue-like substance that will clog your drains. Other waste put down drains will attach themselves to the flour and create bigger clogs.

Medicine

It might be a dramatic move in television shows to pour medication down a drain, but adding pharmaceuticals into the water supply is an environmental hazard. While they may not cause a blockage, it is important not to put medicine down your sink for this reason.

Butter

Butter can congeal over time and build up to create water-resistant barriers in your sink. This will make it even harder to remove the longer it is left.

Pasta & Rice

Pasta and rice absorb water, so if they become stuck in your drains, they will expand every time you use the sink and eventually block the pipes.

Clearing Tips

Before calling in a professional, there are a few home methods you can try to clear your sink. Before you do, make sure you clear as much standing water from your sink as possible. Your drains should preferably be empty of water for these methods to be effective.

• Boiling Water – Pouring boiling water down your drains should help loosen or melt away a clog in your sink, especially if there is grease or fat lurking in your pipes.
• Plunger – A plunger can help to pull a clog out of your sink using suction. This is a useful method if the clog is close to the drain.
• Baking Soda – By adding a spoonful of baking soda to the drain before pouring boiling water into it, the baking soda will help to combat the harder parts of the clog.

Aqua Road South West Limited

If none of the above methods work and your drains are still blocked, you may need to call in a professional to help you. Aqua Rod South West Limited is a family run business that offers first-class domestic and commercial drainage services. We work with clients across the South West of England to help clear blocked drains quickly and with little disruption to their day.

We don’t just deal with drains, helping with septic tank emptying, repair and maintenance. So give us a call on 01209 861099 if you have a stubborn blockage to clear or visit our website now to find out more about our full range of services.

Published by: David Parkes on: December 2nd 2021