Kitchen Drain Cleaning in North York

Why kitchen drains clog

Hot dishwater carries fat down the drain as a liquid. A few metres into the wall it cools, clings to the pipe and catches food particles. Over months that layer narrows the opening until a single plate of rice or a scoop of grounds seals it. Dishwashers and garbage disposals add more fine material to the same run.

• Water standing in one or both sink bowls
• The dishwasher leaving dirty water in the tub
• a sink that gurgles as the dishwasher drains
• A greasy, rancid smell from the drain opening

How we clear a kitchen line

1. We remove the trap under the sink and check it first. Sometimes the clog is right there.
2. A cable goes past the trap arm into the wall, where the grease usually sits.
3. For heavy buildup we may use a small water jet to scrub the whole bore instead of only poking through the plug.
4. We reconnect the trap, run hot water and test the dishwasher cycle.

Kitchen plumbing in North York houses

Many bungalows and backsplits in North York had kitchens remodelled several times. Each remodel can add a longer horizontal drain, a new island sink or an extra bend. We often find an original galvanized drain hidden behind new cabinets. Galvanized pipe roughens on the inside and holds grease much more readily than plastic. In condos, kitchen drains tie into shared risers, so a building-wide clog can show up in your sink even when your own habits are good.

Keeping it clear

Blot greasy pans with paper towel first, then wash them. Scrape plates into the green bin. Run plenty of cold water with a disposal so food moves through. Avoid pouring cooking oil down any drain. Our guide to what not to put down your drains has a longer list, and the drain cleaning page covers other fixtures.