The kitchen sink handles more grease and food waste than any other drain in the house. Even careful households build up a layer of fat and residue inside the pipe over time, and eventually that buildup narrows the line enough to cause a clog.
Scarborough Drain clears kitchen sink drains and the branch lines behind them, and gives practical advice to help reduce future blockages.
Common signs of a kitchen drain problem
- Water sitting in the sink after the tap is off
- Dishwasher water backing up into the sink
- Gurgling or bubbling when the sink drains
- Persistent odour from the drain or garbage disposal
- Clogs that come back soon after plunging
What causes kitchen sink clogs
Grease, oils and fats are liquid when hot but harden as they cool in the pipe. Coffee grounds, rice, pasta, eggshells and vegetable peels collect in that sticky layer. Hot water alone moves grease further down the line rather than removing it.
How professional clearing helps
Clearing the trap only removes what's close to the sink. Stubborn kitchen clogs are often in the branch line inside the wall. We clear the blockage using a method suited to the pipe and explain whether buildup further down the line might be contributing.
Habits that help prevent clogs
- Wipe greasy pans with paper towel before washing
- Collect cooking oil in a container and dispose of it with household waste
- Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps
- Put coffee grounds and peels in the green bin, not the drain
Kitchen Sink Drain Cleaning in Scarborough
Scarborough's diverse food culture means many home kitchens see lots of cooking, which can mean more grease in the drain. We help households across Scarborough, from Agincourt to Port Union, keep kitchen drains flowing.
See the full list of neighbourhoods on our Scarborough service area page, or contact us to request service.
Related services
Drain problems are often connected. You may also find these helpful: drain cleaning, main drain cleaning and clogged toilet service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pour boiling water down a clogged sink?
It may soften light grease, but it can damage some pipes and fixtures and rarely clears a solid clog.
Why does my dishwasher back up into the sink?
They usually share a drain line, so a clog in the sink drain affects both.
Is a garbage disposal bad for drains?
Disposals don't eliminate waste. They grind it up, and some foods can still contribute to clogs.
Do you service kitchen drains in condos?
Yes. Check with building management first in case the line is shared.