Blocked sink

Blocked sink

A blocked kitchen or bathroom sink is a situation we never want to be in. Unusual odors, strange gurgling sounds, or slow-draining water are your sinks’ way of warning you that the clog needs to be removed as soon as possible. Although a blocked sink may seem like a minor problem on the surface, this shouldn’t be the case, however, since this seemingly minor problem may very well be an indicator of much more complicated issues with your plumbing.

What causes blocked sinks?

Timespent in the kitchen can be a big investment, thus a blocked sink can be a huge problem. To save yourself from costly repairs and clogged drains, it’s best to avoid flushing any unwanted materials down your sink while you’re cooking. Instead, dispose of them in an appropriate trash bin.

Common objects that cause blocked sinks include: Fruit or vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grinds, fats or grease, cooking oil, soap scum, food scraps, starches, and coffee grounds.

It’s important to keep a trash can nearby. If necessary, hang a plastic bag from a drawer handle to easily dispose of peels and other food bits without using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals are designed to break up food chunks to keep them from clogging your sinks, but they may not be able to process larger things and may wear down over time. As a result, you should never rely on them to keep your drains clear.

What are some signs my sink is blocked?

A blocked sink is a typical issue in many Adelaide homes, especially those with older drainage systems. Blockages can result in leaks, flooding, pollution, and other problems that would necessitate costly repairs once the harm has been done. Blocked kitchen sinks can have a greater impact on your health and house than you may anticipate.


A blocked sink is a common problem that can cause inconvenience and frustration in your home. A sink can get blocked by various types of debris, such as food scraps, hair, grease, soap scum, mineral deposits and more. If you notice any of these signs, you may have a blocked sink:

  • The water drains slowly or not at all
  • The water backs up into the sink or other fixtures
  • You hear gurgling noises from the drain
  • You smell foul odours from the sink
  • You see bubbles or foam in the water
  • Water or waste backup

If you have a blocked sink, you should try to clear it as soon as possible to prevent further damage and health risks. There are different methods you can use to unblock a sink, depending on the severity and location of the blockage. Some of these methods are:

  • Using a plunger to create suction and dislodge the clog
  • Using a blaster cup to blast air and water into the drain
  • Using a plumber’s snake or auger to reach and break up the clog
  • Using a chemical drain cleaner to dissolve the clog (but be careful with this option as it can damage your pipes and harm your health)
  • Using natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar to create a fizzing reaction that can loosen the clog

If the methods listed have not worked, or if there is a recurring blockage issue, you should contact us. We have the specialized tools and expertise to find and safely remove blockages.

Aging solder connections

Solder connections are the joints that connect the shower supply pipes or the shower fixtures with a metal alloy called solder. As these connections get older, they can cause leaks in showers by weakening, cracking, or corroding their connection over time, which can be caused by thermal stress, electrical stress, or chemical reactions. Some signs of aging solder connections are water seeping from the joints, discoloration, or oxidation of the solder. To fix leaks caused by aging solder connections, you can either re-solder the joints with a soldering iron and a flux or replace the joints with new ones.

What happens if I don’t fix my blocked sink?

Spreading of germs

Backing up of water or even waste can occur in cases of severe blockages. Water or waste is forced to flow back into your home when it has nowhere else to go. This type of flooding can be extremely damaging to your home, requiring the replacement of flooring, ceilings, and electrics as well as broken pipework. In cases like these, you should contact a professional right away. Depending on the extent of the obstruction, an Adelaide plumber may need to conduct a thorough inspection before proceeding with their work, for severe damages, they would advise a full-on drain relining.

Flooding

A blocked sink can cause water to overflow and flood your home. This can damage your floors, walls, furniture and electrical appliances. It can also create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that can harm your health.

Damage to pipes

A blocked sink can put pressure on your pipes and cause them to crack or burst. This can lead to leaks that can waste water and increase your bills. It can also expose your pipes to corrosion and rust that can weaken them over time.

Health risks

A blocked sink can trap food scraps, hair, grease and other debris that can rot and produce foul odors. These odors can attract pests like flies, cockroaches and rodents that can spread diseases. They can also cause respiratory problems, headaches, nausea and allergies for you and your family.

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