The 3 Signs of Drain Doom: How to Recognise Kitchen Sink Drain Problems Before a Big Blockage
Blocked kitchen sink drains may seem like they happen suddenly in many cases. Maybe one day the water flows normally, and then, you wake up to find a completely blocked drain whilst trying to prep breakfast for your family. If you recognise the signs of impending drain doom, you can take action to fix blocked kitchen sink drains before they happen. Read on to learn what you need to look out for.
Slow Water Draining
In most cases, kitchen sink drains grow clogged slowly over a period of weeks or months. Because of that very slow progression, you might not notice the main early warning sign of clogged kitchen sink drains: slow-moving water. Watch your kitchen sink drain closely on a daily basis, noting how fast the water dissipates. A clean and clear drain whisks the water away almost instantly, whilst a drain that's accumulating debris might siphon the water slowly but steadily. As soon as you notice any slowing, it's time to ring your plumber to arrange a professional drain cleaning.
Returning Water
Once the water has drained away, it shouldn't make a return appearance in the kitchen sink. This can happen when you use another water source nearby. For example, whilst the dishwasher cleans your dishes, you might notice water rising up from the kitchen sink drain. Returning water, whether crystal clear or murky looking, is an indicator of an obstruction within the pipe system. Your plumber can determine the obstructed area and can often fix the problem straight away. But, make sure to schedule an appointment quickly as the obstruction could potentially damage your pipe and compound your issues.
Odour
If you notice a distinctly unpleasant odour wafting from the kitchen sink drain, there's a very good chance it's some type of blockage or debris accumulation within the pipes. Because you prepare food in the kitchen, the kitchen sink drain is all too often the site of rather smelly odours. Often, an odour from the kitchen sink drain means that some food particles got caught within the pipe and then started accumulating more of the same, along with other random debris. Don't ignore an odour or try to cover it up with an extra dose of bleach. You can't reach the source of the odour from the sink, so that smell will remain (and grow worse) without help from your plumber.
Don't let your kitchen sink drain shock you with a major clog. Instead, monitor the sink closely and work with your plumber to deal with blocked drains before they can wreak havoc in your kitchen.