'Stubborn' blockages can be banished from kitchen drains with this £2 item

The next time you hear a gurgling sound in your sink or smell something unpleasant then it may be wise to investigate in case the drain is blocked, according to one expert

A blocked kitchen drain can be a real problem in the home, from creating an unpleasant smell to leaving dirty water to fester in the sink.

These types of blockages are often caused by leftover food, coffee grounds and oil being poured down the plug hole when rinsing or cleaning dishes. However, there are ways to recognise the tell-tale signs of a blocked up drain so that you can tackle the issue before it spirals out of control. Danielle Robinson, plumbing category manager at Toolstation, shared her tips for ensuring a clog-free kitchen drain, reports the Express. In addition, she highlights the most common causes of stubborn blockages as well as a simple and cheap solution to resolve the issue.

"The main obvious indicator of a blocked drain is water not quickly flowing down it. If the water is taking a long time to drain away it can indicate a partial blockage whereas if the water does not drain at all this can be because of a complete blockage, she said. Danielle added: “Other signs to look out for include gurgling noises as well as unpleasant smells. Any of these signs can point towards a blockage, and homeowners should try to take action before the problem gets worse."

Watch out for oils and fats

The most common cause of blockages in kitchen drains is cooking oil and fats, according to expert. The reason for this is once they are poured away, they solidify and cling to the side of the pipes, causing blockages. Instead of pouring fats and oils straight down the sink when you're done with them, wait until the oil has cooled down and pour the liquid into a bowl lined with tin foil - once it has solidified, dispose of the oil and tin foil in a bin.

Elsewhere, Danielle said food waste like rice, chia seeds, and coffee grounds can also block drains. She noted: “Rice, when wet, will swell up and clump together causing a blockage in your u-bend or drainpipe. Chia seeds and coffee grounds expand and can cause this same problem because they don’t break down in water like other waste. "It’s best to scrape off as much food debris as possible before washing in the sink or invest in a food catcher that will prevent larger items from going down the plug hole," she said.

Fixing a blocked kitchen drain

Danielle said for blockages in the kitchen homeowners need to purchase an unblocker liquid that helps to dissolve grease and other food materials like fats. Follow the guide on the label to pour the liquid down the plug hole and clear the pipe. She added: “Make sure to leave for the specified time, or overnight if it’s a stubborn blockage, then flush the drain with boiled water from the kettle." Drain unblockers are available in supermarkets and online. For example, Mr Muscle Gel Sink and Drain Unblocker costs £3.90 from Sainsbury’s, while HG Drain and Plug Unblocker is £5 from Amazon and Tesco Sink & Drain Unblocker costs as low as £2 from Tesco.