Commercial Plumber: Common Causes of Blocked Sinks and How to Prevent Them in Wellington Homes
Commercial Plumber: Common Causes of Blocked Sinks and How to Prevent Them in Wellington Homes
Blocked sinks are a frequent plumbing issue we handle across Wellington. Whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry, a blocked sink can quickly disrupt daily routines and escalate into larger drainage problems if left untreated. Slow draining, unpleasant smells, and standing water are just a few signs that you might be dealing with a blockage that requires professional attention.
At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we often see the same common causes of blocked sinks. Knowing what’s behind the blockage can help you avoid future plumbing issues.
Common Causes of Blocked Sinks
1. Food Waste and Fat Build-Up
One of the leading causes of blocked kitchen sinks is the improper disposal of food scraps and cooking fats. Pouring grease, oil, or fat down the drain may seem harmless, but as it cools, it solidifies inside the pipes, restricting water flow. Over time, this builds up and causes complete blockages.
2. Misuse of Waste Disposers
If your sink is fitted with a waste disposer, using it incorrectly can quickly lead to blockages. Always run water before and during the disposal of food scraps. Overloading the disposer with too much waste at once, or not flushing it with water, can result in clogs that affect the entire drainage system.
3. Foreign Objects
Items like coffee grounds, eggshells, or fibrous vegetables should never go down the drain. These materials do not break down easily and often get lodged in bends and joins of the pipe, leading to stubborn blockages.
4. Soap Scum and Hair
In bathroom sinks, soap residue combined with hair can form solid clumps that block water flow. Over time, this mixture sticks to the inside of the pipes, reducing their diameter and slowing drainage.
5. Old or Damaged Plumbing
In some cases, the blockage isn’t caused by something recently added to the drain, but by deteriorating pipework or pipe misalignment. Older homes with aging plumbing systems may experience recurring blockages due to corrosion or internal pipe damage.
How We Unblock Sinks
Our team uses a variety of methods to clear blocked sinks quickly and effectively. In minor cases, a strong plunger or wet vacuum might be enough. For more severe blockages, we may dismantle the waste trap and use specialised tools such as electric drain machines or high-pressure water jetting to remove stubborn obstructions. In rare cases, we may need to replace sections of pipe if there is structural damage.
Call Laser Plumbing Wellington East
If you have a blocked sink that just won’t drain, avoid using DIY chemicals or forcing the blockage yourself, as this can lead to further pipe damage. Call our experienced plumbers and drain unblockers at Laser Plumbing Wellington East. We provide fast, reliable solutions to clear your drains and keep your plumbing running smoothly. Let us help you prevent minor blockages from turning into major plumbing headaches.