Plumber Wellington: Common Causes of Blocked Sinks
Plumber Wellington: Common Causes of Blocked Sinks
Blocked sinks are one of the most frequent plumbing problems we attend to across Wellington. While they may start off as a minor inconvenience, if left untreated, blocked sinks can lead to more serious plumbing issues such as slow drainage, unpleasant odours, pipe corrosion, or even complete pipe blockages. Knowing the causes of sink blockages can help you take proactive steps to avoid costly repairs.
What Causes Sink Blockages?
Most blocked sinks are the result of materials being disposed of improperly. Unlike stormwater drains, sink drains are designed only for water and minimal food particles or waste. Unfortunately, people often unknowingly send materials down the drain that build up over time.
1. Food Waste and Grease Buildup
One of the most common causes of blocked kitchen sinks is the buildup of food scraps and grease. Pouring fat, oil, or grease down the sink can seem harmless when it’s in liquid form, but once cooled, these substances solidify and stick to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this restricts water flow and eventually causes a full blockage.
2. Incorrect Use of Waste Disposers
Waste disposal units are helpful but need to be used correctly. If you’re not running cold water while operating the unit or overloading it with food waste, blockages can occur. Fibrous foods, coffee grounds, and eggshells are also not ideal for waste disposers and can lead to clogs in the system.
3. Foreign Objects
Small items like bottle caps, food wrappers, or even broken dishware pieces can accidentally enter the sink drain and become lodged in the pipe, leading to blockages. This is more common in bathroom or laundry sinks but can happen anywhere.
4. Soap Scum and Hair
In bathroom sinks, soap residue and hair buildup are often to blame. These materials can stick together and form a dense mass inside the pipe, slowing water flow and causing drainage issues.
5. Aging or Damaged Pipework
Older homes in Wellington may have aging plumbing systems. Corroded or damaged pipes can collect debris more easily or collapse internally, causing persistent blockages that require professional repair or replacement.
DIY Fixes and When to Call a Plumber
You may try using a plunger to dislodge a minor blockage, or pour boiling water down the drain to break down grease buildup. A wet vacuum can sometimes help pull the blockage out. However, these are only temporary solutions and may not work in more serious cases.
At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we have professional equipment such as high-pressure water jetters and drain machines to handle even the toughest blockages. In some cases, dismantling the waste trap or accessing the pipework directly is necessary to clear the drain effectively.
Don’t Let a Small Blockage Become a Big Problem
If your sink is draining slowly, gurgling, or has a persistent odour, it’s best to have it checked before the problem worsens. Our experienced plumbers can diagnose the issue quickly and provide a reliable, long-lasting solution.
Call Laser Plumbing Wellington East today for professional sink unblocking services and expert plumbing advice. We’re here to keep your drains flowing and your plumbing system working smoothly.