Why Is My Kitchen Drain Backing Up?

Expert Drain Clearing Advice

If your kitchen sink is filled with water and nothing is going down the drain, chances are you’ve got a clog. While you should hire an experienced plumber to deal with larger clogs, there are few things you can look for on your own to discover the source of that nasty blockage. Watch out for these possible causes and hire our experts at Dutton Plumbing for professional drain clearing service.

What Causes Clogged Kitchen Drains?

• Your Dishwasher Is Blocked: If your sink is filled with water from the dishwasher, you should check to see if the water at the bottom of your machine is draining properly. While a little bit of water is normal, a lot usually indicates a problem. Make sure there’s nothing covering the bottom of your dishwasher and inspect the machine’s drain hose for blockages. Being aware of how much/what kind of dish detergent you are using is also a good idea, as the wrong brand or wrong amount can wreak havoc on a temperamental machine.
• Your Garbage Disposal Is Jammed: When the wrong kind of food is stuffed down your sink, it can jam up your garbage disposal, causing the water to back up. You should check your garbage disposal routinely, but carefully, to make sure nothing is obstructing the blades. Additionally, the plug covering the hole where your garbage is connected to your dishwasher can cause your water to stop draining if your dishwasher is left on for too long. This is often the case with new models that have recently been installed. If this happens, you can remove the drain plug from the garbage disposal for a quick fix.
• Your Air Gap Is Obstructed: Air gaps prevent contaminants in your sink from flowing into your water system. When an air gap is clogged, it can prevent your dishwasher from draining. Look for your air gap device on the top of the sink next to your faucet. If water is leaking out of it, the device is most likely clogged. To clean the device, take off the top cover and inner protective gap and remove any debris. Regularly checking and cleaning your air gap is a good way to prevent plugs.

Be careful what you put down your sink, and call our Ventura County plumbers at Dutton Plumbing if you are unable to get rid of a plug on your own. Whether it’s your sink, dishwasher, or garbage disposal, Dutton has you covered with our fast and efficient service. We even offer the best deal on drain cleaning in town—just $73! Do your drains a favor and call Dutton today.

Dial (805) 849-0965 now to speak to a Simi Valley plumber, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.