Why Does My Sink Keep Clogging? Let’s Break It Down

If you’re asking yourself, “Why does my sink keep clogging—again?” you’re not alone. Persistent sink clogs are one of the most common (and most annoying) plumbing issues Ottawa homeowners deal with. And while a single clog is usually easy to clear, recurring ones often mean something deeper is going on.

At Climate Works Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we’ve unclogged more sinks than we can count—and we’ve seen the same culprits come up over and over again. Below, we’ll help you figure out what’s going wrong, and more importantly, how to fix it for good.

Start with What’s Going Down Your Drain

Most kitchen sink clogs start with what we rinse down without thinking. Grease, oils, fats—also known as FOG—are major offenders. They may be liquid when you pour them, but once they hit your cool drain pipes, they congeal and harden, sticking to the sides like glue. And once that sticky layer forms, anything else that goes down—crumbs, coffee grounds, or pasta—gets caught in it.

Even food you think your garbage disposal can handle (like potato peels, rice, or eggshells) can turn into paste once they mix with water, slowly forming a sludgy clog just out of reach.

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Think It’s Your Pipes? It Could Be

Sometimes, the issue isn’t what you’re rinsing down, but what’s happening deeper in the plumbing. Soap scum from dishwashing or greasy pots can build up over time. In older homes with metal pipes, minerals from hard water can also collect along the inner walls, narrowing the pipe opening.

And if your home is surrounded by trees, there’s a chance that roots have made their way into the underground drain lines. This usually causes slower drainage across multiple sinks or even gurgling noises from other drains when you’re using the kitchen one.

Don’t Forget the P-Trap

The P-trap is the curved section of pipe right under your sink—it holds a bit of water to block sewer gases from rising back up. But it also tends to catch anything heavy that makes it past the drain: coffee grounds, food chunks, even the occasional spoon or Lego. 

If your sink drains slowly or clogs frequently, checking the P-trap is a smart first step. You can usually twist it off by hand or with a wrench. Just be sure to place a bucket underneath—what’s in there might not smell great.

When the Usual Fixes Don’t Work

Tried a plunger? Tried baking soda and vinegar? Maybe even snaked the drain? If your sink keeps clogging despite all that, it could be a sign the blockage is deeper or more stubborn than a DIY fix can reach.

It’s also possible that your pipes were installed improperly or are sagging, creating pockets where debris collects over time. That’s something our licensed plumbers can inspect quickly using a camera scope.

Keep It Flowing with Preventative Maintenance

Once we clear your sink, our goal is to keep it clear. That means helping you build better habits and providing professional support when needed.

Here’s what we recommend:

  • Scrape plates into the garbage or compost before rinsing.
  • Let grease cool in a can, then toss it—never pour it down the drain.
  • Use a mesh strainer over the drain to catch scraps.
  • Run hot water for a minute after using your sink.
  • Book a routine drain cleaning annually if you cook often or have a large household.

These small habits go a long way in protecting your pipes and your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If your air conditioning is not cooling and you’re still unsure what’s going on, these quick FAQs might help clear things up. From filter issues to frozen coils, we answer the most common questions Ottawa homeowners ask when their AC just isn’t keeping up.

Disposals can’t break down every type of food. Starches, fats, and fibrous veggies like celery still cause clogs—even if they go through the blades.
We don’t recommend it. They can corrode your pipes over time and rarely solve the root of recurring clogs.
Absolutely. They absorb water, clump up, and stick to grease—turning into dense, slow-draining blockages.
Turn off the water, place a bucket underneath, unscrew the P-trap, and clear out any gunk. Don’t forget to check both sides of the trap.
If it keeps clogging, drains slowly no matter what, or smells foul, it’s time to get professional help.

Need Fast Help with a Sink That Keeps Clogging?

If your kitchen or bathroom sink keeps clogging no matter what you try, it’s time to call in the experts. At Climate Works, we’ll pinpoint the cause and fix it fast—so you can get back to your routine with confidence.

Call us today or schedule a visit in Ottawa or the GTA. Our team is ready when you are.

Contact Us

Ottawa (Headquarters)
2639 Pollock Rd.
Richmond, ON, K0A 2Z0
info@climateworks.ca | 613-838-9989

Toronto & GTA
1883 Mattawa Ave.
Mississauga, ON, L4X 1K8
gtaestimating@climateworks.ca | 437-317-0699
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