When the kitchen sink clogs once, it could just be an accident. But when the blockage happens repeatedly, it's a sign that there's a deeper problem in the plumbing. In addition to the daily inconvenience, recurring blockages can cause bad smells, dirty water returning and even damage to the pipes.
In this article we explain why blockages always come back, what the most common causes are, the risks of ignoring the problem and the most effective solutions to solve it once and for all. If you need professional help Lisbon Plumber company is the best solution for eliminating blockages safely and permanently.
Why do clogs in the kitchen keep reoccurring?
A recurring blockage is rarely caused by a single factor. It is usually the result of daily habits combined with problems in the installation itself.
1. Constant accumulation of fat
Grease is the main cause of blockages in the kitchen. Even when poured hot, it solidifies inside the pipes, forming layers that reduce the diameter of the pipe and facilitate new blockages.
2. Leftover food in the drain
Rice, pasta, shells, ground coffee and small debris accumulate in the siphon and pipes, creating frequent blockages.
3. Excessive use of detergents
Detergents combined with grease form a kind of paste that sticks to the walls of the pipes, aggravating the blockage over time.
4. Incorrectly installed or damaged siphon
A poorly fitted or defective siphon can trap debris and hinder drainage, causing repeated blockages.
5. Incorrect pipe inclination
If the pipe isn't inclined enough, the water won't drag the waste away properly, making it easier for it to accumulate.
6. Old or corroded pipes
Old pipes, especially iron ones, create uneven surfaces on the inside, where debris sticks more easily.
7. Blockage in the main sewage line
Sometimes the problem isn't just in the sink, but further down the sewage system in the house or building, causing the blockage to reappear after each superficial unclogging.
Risks of ignoring recurring blockages
Treating only the symptoms and not the cause can lead to more serious problems:
- Return of dirty water to the sink
- Constant bad smells in the kitchen
- Moisture damage to furniture and floors
- Cracks and leaks in pipes due to accumulated pressure
- Possible contamination by bacteria
In addition, each new blockage is usually more difficult to resolve than the previous one.
Temporary vs. permanent solutions
It is important to distinguish between methods that merely alleviate the problem and solutions that resolve the cause.
Temporary solutions
- Chemical products from unblocking
- Hot water and detergent
- Rubber plunger
These solutions may work for a few days or weeks, but they won't completely remove the grease and debris that has accumulated in the pipes.
Definitive solutions
- Professional pipe cleaning with machines
- Complete dismantling and cleaning of the siphon
- Clearing the main sewage line
- Correcting the inclination of the pipe
- Replacement of damaged sections of pipe
These interventions eliminate the problem at source and drastically reduce the likelihood of new blockages.
How to prevent new blockages in the kitchen
Even after professional resolution, some habits help to keep pipes clean for longer:
- Never pour oil or grease down the drain
- Use mesh in the drain to trap food waste
- Clean the siphon periodically
- Run hot water regularly after washing dishes
- Avoid frequent use of aggressive chemicals
For general guidelines on household waste management and good environmental practices, you can consult the Portuguese Environment Agency, which provides useful and impartial information.
When should you call a professional?
You should contact a plumber when:
- The blockage returns a few days after it has been resolved
- The water starts to flow back down the drain
- There is a persistent bad smell
- The problem affects other parts of the house
- Suspected blockage in the main sewer
In these situations, only professional equipment can completely remove the obstruction.
Why choose Lisbon Plumber
When the blockage is recurring, it's not enough to “unclog” it - you have to solve the cause. A Lisbon Plumber company uses modern equipment to thoroughly clean the pipes and accurately diagnose the problem.
The service includes:
- Identifying the real cause of the blockage
- Complete pipe clearance
- Professional equipment without damaging pipes
- Lasting solutions, not palliatives
- Fast service in and around Lisbon
With proper intervention, repeated blockages can be eliminated once and for all and future costs for major repairs can be avoided.
Conclusion
Recurring blockages in the kitchen are not normal and indicate problems that go beyond simple debris in the siphon. Ignoring the situation or resorting only to temporary solutions ends up making the problem more frequent and more expensive to solve.
If the blockage keeps coming back, it's best to call in a specialized service. The Lisbon Plumber company is prepared to identify the source of the problem and apply the most effective solution to protect your home and your plumbing.
