8 Top Tips to Prevent Blocked Drains in Your Kitchen

A slow-draining sink or weird gurgling sounds are never fun to deal with. The kitchen is one of the busiest areas in any home, and your drains do a lot of heavy lifting every day. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can keep everything flowing smoothly and avoid calling a plumber every few months.

Here are 8 practical tips for how to prevent blocked drains in your kitchen.

1. Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Sink

Cooking oil, fat, and grease might seem harmless when hot, but they solidify as they cool and stick to the inside of your pipes. Over time, that sticky build-up turns into a full-blown blockage. Let grease cool in a jar, then toss it in the bin.

2. Scrape Plates Before Rinsing

It might feel faster to rinse everything straight into the sink, but food scraps, coffee grounds, and even tiny bits of rice can get stuck and build up over time. Scraping your plates into the bin or compost first makes a real difference.

3. Use a Sink Strainer

A simple mesh strainer or basket can stop a lot of trouble before it starts. It catches bits of food, peelings, and scraps so they don’t end up down the drain. Just remember to empty it regularly.

4. Rinse with Hot Water After Each Use

After doing the dishes, run hot water for about 30 seconds. It helps flush away grease and soap residue that might otherwise settle in the pipes.

5. Clean Your Disposal (If You Have One)

If your kitchen has a garbage disposal, it’s worth cleaning it once a week. You can use ice cubes and lemon, or a little baking soda and vinegar to keep it fresh and functioning properly. Always flush it with hot water after each use.

6. Try a Monthly Baking Soda and Vinegar Flush

A mix of half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar can help break down residue inside your pipes. Let it bubble for about 10 minutes, then rinse with boiling water. It’s a natural way to keep things clear.

7. Watch What You Put Down the Drain

Avoid fibrous or starchy foods like celery, corn husks, and potato skins. These can wrap around disposal blades or clump together in your pipes, causing serious clogs.

8. Schedule a Yearly Plumbing Check

Booking a yearly inspection with a drain blockage plumber is a great way to stay ahead of problems. A quick check-up with a drain camera can spot small issues before they become big ones.

Already Dealing With a Clog?

If you’re looking for how to clear a blocked kitchen sink, start with boiling water and a bit of baking soda and vinegar. If that doesn’t work, try using a plunger. For more stubborn clogs, a drain snake might help. But if the water still won’t drain, or if the problem keeps coming back, it’s a clear reason to call a plumber.

Need Help?

If you’ve tried everything and your kitchen sink still isn’t playing nice, it’s probably time to call for an expert. Not sure who to trust? Check out our tips on how to find a good plumber, or skip the search and call Locality Plumbing. We’ve helped households across Melbourne with fast, reliable drain clearing and honest advice that works.

Call Locality Plumbing today to keep your kitchen flowing. No mess. No stress. Just clean, clear drains you can rely on.