7 Things to Never Pour Down the Kitchen Drain to Avoid Clogs

Most homes with busy kitchens don’t often consider the things poured down the sink. Oftentimes, homeowners wait for clogs to happen to reconsider everything that they pour down the kitchen sink drain pipe. In order to avoid damage costs, it’s time to think things through about kitchen drains. At MidCity Plumbers, we know exactly what to do when clogged drains happen. Here are 7 things to never pour down the kitchen drain to avoid clogs in your kitchen sink drain: 

1. Used cooking oil or grease in the kitchen drain

We’ve talked about how cooking oil and grease can be a major hassle when poured down the drain. Cooking oil and grease can block the pipes when they solidify. These liquids can mix with other particles down the drain and accumulate into solid masses of fats that can cling onto the walls of your pipes at home. When this happens, clogs will surely happen and some may even lead to damages beyond repair. 

2. Washing flour or starch down the kitchen drain

If you love baking at home, flour or scratch excess can be a mess. After baking, remember to scrape the excess flour or starch before you wash the bowls and measuring cups. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of clogging the drain with a goop of water and starch. Much like grease and cooking oil mixing with other materials in the drain, the goop can cling onto the walls of the pipes and narrow the pipe’s diameter, causing blocked drains in the process. 

3. Coffee grinds in the kitchen drain

While some of us don’t know it yet, coffee grinds can be the biggest culprit when it comes to clogged kitchen drains. Though it may look harmless to dispose of your coffee grounds down the drain, you can easily wash away the coffee grinds, coffee grinds have the potential to cause stubborn clogs. Over time, these coffee grinds will fill up the trap in your kitchen drain, leaving you with a slow draining sink. So, before you pour the leftover coffee from your morning routine, think of ways to dispose of it properly first. Yes, coffee grounds are compostable, but remember that these can build up over time and compromise the way your water flows through the pipes. 

4. Eggshells in the kitchen drain

It is common knowledge that eggshells are a headache when it comes to kitchen drain use. Even if you have a proper garbage disposal, eggshells will always clog the drains due to their shell membranes. Reconsider how to throw them out, like disposing them in the trash or composting them. You can even incorporate these shells in your art if you have the time. 

5. Uncooked or raw rice down kitchen drain

If you’re fond of having rice with your meals, then cut the habit of pouring the excess rice down the drain after washing it. Keep in mind that rice expands in water. Imagine what happens when you pour rice down the drain. This rice mixes with water, and voila! You find yourself having clogged drain issues. If you can, always filter your rice when washing and avoid pouring huge amounts of rice down the drain. 

6. Any type of pasta in the kitchen drain

So, you love pasta? While cooking pasta is all fun and games, it can also lead to clogging issues. If you somehow forgot about straining the noodles from the water, they will end up clogging the kitchen sink drain pipe. Pasta can easily tangle up the blades of disposal if you have a garburator in the kitchen drain. This may also harden in the pipes, consequently causing a clog.

Much like rice, water can cause the pasta to expand, which further blocks the pipe system you have at home. There are effective methods you can use to dissolve pasta in your sink drain. You can also contact a professional team of plumbers to help you out when the problem is beyond your control. 

7. Stickers on fruits or vegetables in the kitchen drain

Most stickers on our produce such as fruits and vegetables may look not harmful, they can actually contribute to clogging our drains and can even cause huge blockages over time. To avoid such an issue, make sure to peel the stickers off the produce before washing your fruits or veggies. This way, you get to avoid having these stickers down the kitchen drain. Keep in mind that the stickers don’t dissolve in water easily, resulting in clogging your pipes and causing even more damage to the water supply in your local community. Small amounts matter greatly as they can build up over time, too. 

When to call a plumbing service for your kitchen drain

Next time you’re cooking or preparing meals, think about the particles you pour down the drain before disposal – you could be saving yourself an expensive repair cost and clean up! MidCity Plumbers is a trustworthy team of expert plumbers with the necessary tools and expertise for the job. Our efficient service includes plumbing and drainage services completely right from the assessment through the final unclogging stages. 

When the clogs begin to get stubborn, our expert plumbers can efficiently get rid of them and other issues in a safer way. Our plumbing services are available in residential and commercial areas. We cover all your plumbing needs from leaks, clogs, to water heaters or drainage problems. Just contact us today at 📞 (778) 772-8676 and our team will be right on your doorstep to resolve your clogging issues in no time!

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What to Do About Kitchen Drain Smells

Do you have kitchen drain smells coming from your sink? Chances are, you are dealing with stubborn clogs or leaking. Whatever the cause is, MidCity Plumbers can help! This blog will show you professional plumbing tips from our team that can help you out when your kitchen begins to smell. From causes, prevention, to proper disposal of food, we got you covered! Intrigued? Read on! 

Causes of kitchen drain smells 

Here are some of the most common causes of kitchen drain smells:

Blockage 

Blockages are composed of food build-up or debris in your drainpipe. There is a small part at the lowest point of the curve in your sink that allows you to check for blockages and clear them up if indeed there are any. Since blockages are usually made of food waste, they can ooze a bad odor. Make sure to clear the blockage immediately by running water for a few seconds to remove any debris. Then check if your water is now at the optimal level. 

Clog 

A clog causes many problems, one of which is unpleasant kitchen drain smells. Clogged drains are usually composed of food particles and other organic matter. As we all know, food particles, organic matter, and other substances can create bad odors in your sewer system if left unattended. And while most homes have a garbage disposal or proper plumbing ventilation to combat bad kitchen smells, a clogged drain will still cause terrible smells. Keep in mind that methane is a byproduct of organic waste deterioration in residential areas. 

All organic material will decompose, and when it does, it begins to produce methane. If you have clogged drains, the production of methane in the food waste clinging onto the drains may be the reason for the awful smell. Methane produces sewer gas that comes from decomposing organic or other wastes down your drains.

Leak 

Leaking can also be the culprit when the kitchen drain smells bad. Note that the connections in your sink are prone to leaking.  When there is leaking, you can unscrew the connections. Then remove the P-trap that may have most of the food waste build-up. Make it a habit to inspect the pipe for any leaks, and clean it frequently if you can. 

Keep in mind that leaking can also result in a bad odor and may even compromise the well-being of your home. If you find a leak, take proper measurements. If it’s your first time dealing with a leak, make sure to contact a professional plumber to help you out and avoid unnecessary damage costs. 

P-trap 

Issues in your sink’s P-trap may also cause the bad odor you are experiencing. The P-trap is the curvy part of the drain pipe under the sink that resembles a “P” or a “U.” It is the component that isolates the drain line from the main fixture, which blocks any harmful and awful smells. The trap works by holding water at the bottom of the curve to block any potential smell from the particles you pour down the drain. 

If the P-trap is dry or is having issues, it would cause a sewage smell to emanate from the kitchen sink. Oftentimes, problems in the P-trap are not determinable with just a glance. You need the right tools and equipment to resolve the problem. Call the nearest plumbing company near you to help with kitchen drain smells. 

What to do if your kitchen drain smells

Fortunately, kitchen drain smells are often easy to resolve on your own before needing any professional help. If you’re suspecting any bad smells from your kitchen, here are some ways that you can do to resolve the problem. 

1. Wash your sink with hot water and dish soap – If you’re lucky, then your sink just probably needs a wash. Start by filling your sink with at least a few amounts of boiling water, and then add some dish soap to agitate the mixture until it looks bubbly. Don’t forget to run down some clean water afterward to remove any remaining debris.
2. Baking soda and white vinegar – this classic duo can be very effective in eliminating odors. Tested and proven! 
3. Try lemon peels, salt, and some ice – the salt and ice will work to get rid of any physical residue in your sink, while the lemon peels help eliminate odor.

How to prevent kitchen drain smells

To avoid kitchen drain smells, here are some plumbing tips on how to prevent drain odors and avoid expensive clean-ups! 

1. Deodorize your drains frequently by dropping just a few pieces of orange, lemon, or other citrus fruit into the disposal. 
2. Use a strainer or stopper when washing your dishes. This way, you get to prevent food particles from clogging your drains. 
3. Use baking soda, pour it down the drain and let it sit for around 20 minutes. Baking soda cleans your drains and even removes bad odors.

How to properly dispose of food to prevent kitchen drain smells

Oftentimes, the key to eliminating kitchen drain smells lies in the proper garbage disposal. But, some homeowners don’t own sink garbage disposal. Don’t worry! We have also listed here the thing you can do to properly dispose of food even without garbage disposal. 

1. Composting – this is perhaps the greenest way to dispose of food waste. Just prepare a small compost bin where you can put eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, and more. With composting, you can turn these food scraps into a healthy nutrient for your plants. 
2. Recycling – You can recycle food waste by first having the right containers to determine which food waste is great for compost and which ones can be recycled.
3. Donate waste for animal feed – If you know livestock owners in your local community, you can donate food scraps to them. This is also one way of effectively recycling food waste. 

When to call a professional plumber

When you can’t find out where the odor is coming from even after a personal assessment, it’s the right time to call a professional plumber. MidCity Plumbers is a trustworthy team of expert plumbers with the necessary tools and expertise for eliminating kitchen drain smells from your sink. Our efficient service includes plumbing and drainage services completely right from the assessment through the final unclogging stages. 

When the clogs begin to get stubborn, our expert plumbers can efficiently get rid of them and other issues in a safer way. Our plumbing service is available for residential and commercial areas. We cover all your plumbing needs from leaks, clogs, to water heaters or drainage problems. Just contact us today or call us at 📞 (778) 772-8676 and our team will be right on your doorstep to resolve your clogging issues in no time!

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5 Reasons to Avoid Drain Cleaner Chemical in Clogged Drains

While some may argue that chemicals work more effectively than milder cleaners, we have finally weighed in some reasons why this should not be the case. Most Canadian homeowners would surely opt for effective cleaning, but to achieve such, some elements should not be compromised. For safer and more practical household plumbing and cleaning, here are the top 5 reasons why you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners in clogged drains: 

1. Chemicals are toxic and can produce fumes in clogged drains

There are many reasons why chemicals are silent killers, but when it comes to being a drain cleaner tool, they can do more harm than cleaning. Chemicals are not only highly toxic to your children or pets, but they can also damage your pipes. Chemical drain cleaners generate heat to break down clogs along your pipes. This heat can compromise the quality of your PVC piping, softening them in the process. Additionally, any chemical drain cleaners produce fumes that are toxic and can burn your eyes. Children and pets should never be nearby if you choose chemical cleaners for your household plumbing. Better yet, don’t use chemical cleaners at all to avoid risks of burns and toxic absorption in clogged drains. 

2. Corrosion, erosion, and deterioration of pipes in clogged drains

Chemical cleaners also corrode older metal pipes and cause erosion as well as deterioration of pipes. Since old metal pipes typically have corrosion in them where the cleaner could enter and not leave, the chemicals in the cleaner will continue to eat your pipes, causing further corrosion and leaks. If you have plastic pipes, the chemicals can eat through the plastic and cause leaking and damage. 

3. Can end up in water sources when used on clogged drains

Another huge problem with commercial drain cleaners is the chemicals they contain. Most of these cleaners contain bleach that causes toxic fumes. When using these cleaners, they can easily end up in the water sources or supplies. To add,  dumping chemical cleaners into your drain means that they will definitely go to septic systems. Keep in mind that anything you dump into your clogged drains has the potential to be taken into the groundwater around your home which can also affect your health. 

4. Not effective and does more harm than good in clogged drains

We hate to break it to you but chemical cleaners don’t work on every clog. When it comes to stubborn clogs, chemical cleaners are not that effective. Letting these chemicals sit for longer periods of time may even increase harming the pipes. If you flush them out, this can also lead to problems with the septic system. Also, not all clogged drains can be resolved with chemical cleaners. For instance, pipes clogged due to tree roots in the backup drain require professional plumbing and clearing services beyond chemical cleaners. So, take note that chemical cleaners are not as highly effective as homemade cleaners most of the time. 

5. Damage to sinks or bathtubs when used on clogged drains

Chemical drain cleaning solutions contain strong acids and other harmful components. If you use them on your sinks or bathtubs, they will destroy the enamel-based finish that sinks and bathtubs usually have. This type of damage usually requires replacement, creating more repair costs on your part. Note also that chemical cleaners have also been known to dissolve certain types of metal components in sinks or bathtubs, creating holes in brass traps. This will greatly affect your daily consumption of water in the long run. 

What can you use instead of chemical cleaners?

The reasons why you should not use chemical cleaners can be overwhelming, so we have listed some alternatives here that are more effective, affordable, and safer than chemical cleaners. 

1. White vinegar and baking soda- White vinegar is known to be acidic while baking soda is a natural cleaning product. Mixing these two ingredients creates an effective cleaning tool for getting rid of clogs overnight. 
2. Boiling water and powder detergent or dish soap- the hot water will liquefy the clog while the soap helps in flushing them down. 
3. White vinegar and lemon juice – This mixture cuts down grease and freshens the pipes, too! 

How MidCity Plumbers can help with clogged drains

If the homemade remedies do not match the stubborn clogged drains you have, don’t reach for chemical cleaners. Instead, hire a professional team of certified plumbing experts to get the job done. MidCity Plumbers is a reputable team of expert plumbers with the necessary tools and expertise for the job. Our efficient service includes reliable plumbing and drainage services completely right from the inspection through the final unclogging stages. Expert plumbers can efficiently get rid of clogging or other issues in a safer way. Our plumbing services are available in residential and commercial areas. We cover all your plumbing needs from leaks, clogs, to water heaters or drainage problems. Just contact us today at 📞 (778) 772-8676 and our team will be right on the way in the least amount of time! 

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How to Deal With Shower Drain Smells

Are you suspecting awful smells coming from your shower? We got you covered! While this is common in most homes, this could be prevented. If this is the case, you can just wash your showers clean. But other issues may not be easier to detect. At MidCity Plumbers, we want you to be equipped with dealing with these issues. In this blog, get to know about the causes of shower drain smells and what you can do to resolve them. 

Causes of shower drain smells 

P-trap Issue 

Most shower smells can be traced back to P-trap issues. A P-trap is a U-shaped section of pipe that dips down below the rest of your shower drain. P-traps block sewer gases from escaping into your restroom. It holds water to keep gases from sewer lines from getting through any shower or sink drains. If your P-trap is dry or dirty, chances are that you are also confronted with sewer smells. Make sure to check your P-traps regularly. If you don’t have the necessary tools to disassemble and clean your P-trap, call the nearest professional plumber to help you. 

Buildup of biofilm 

Bioflim is some sort of slime. Some even may look like molds. Biofilm forms from bacterial waste, so it’s no surprise that most shower smells can come from biofilm buildup. Bacteria love growing in a humid and moist environment like your showers. Make sure to have biofilm cleaned from your showers as early as possible as this also causes danger to your health, contributing to various diseases like Salmonella or E.coli. 

Mold growth 

Much like biofilm, mold growth is also a major culprit in contributing bad smells to your showers. Mold growth in your shower and your shower drain may lead to unpleasant odors. If the shower drain smells like mildew or worse than that, then you may have mold or biofilm growing inside your drain. Better have it cleaned by professionals for much safer removal of the mold as this can also pose health dangers if inhaled. 

What to do when you shower drain smells 

When you suspect that something smelling bad comes from your shower drain, the best thing to do is to contact a professional plumber expert to clean your shower and resolve the problem. However, there are times when a simple DIY can resolve shower smells. We also have provided here a brief list to help you when you are experiencing shower drain smells:

1. Clean your P-traps with baking soda and white vinegar
2. Use disinfectant products 
3. Assess any issues that may be traced back to internal problems such as leaking pipes, etc.
4. Don’t forget to clean the area around your drain
5. If you can, take out any debris that you think may lead to further contamination or clogging 

Tools and products you’ll need

To further clean and get rid of your shower smells, here are some tools that you can use: 

• Safe commercial shower and grout cleaner or a bleach-free cleaning solution
• Homemade mixed solutions like vinegar or baking soda 
• Extendable scrubber 
• An all-purpose brush 
• Shower spray bottle 

Steps to clean shower drain

1. To clean your P-traps, start by first pouring ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, letting it sit for around 15 minutes, then wash it down with ½ cup of white distilled vinegar. You can cover the drain with a stopper to let the chemical reaction work without having to smell most of it. 
2. For mold growth or biofilm build-up, use a brush or any other tool you think is necessary to break up the film and wipe it away by spraying the surface with a gentle cleaner. 
3. For molds or biofilms in your drain, first, remove the drain cover and clean it. Then, you can start scrubbing the areas with biofilms with your all-purpose brush and spray bottle with a cleanser. Make sure you have access to professional drain cleaners or cleaners recommended by the professionals for much safer and more efficient cleaning. 

When to contact a professional plumber for solutions 

If you think the shower smells are beyond your control, it’s time to let the professionals handle the issue. They have the right tools and expertise to deal with these kinds of problems. Plus, you get to save a lot of money as you prevent yourself from doing more harm than good in getting rid of shower smells. This is where our team comes in. MidCity Plumbers is a certified team of expert plumbers with the necessary tools and expertise for providing quality plumbing and cleaning services when necessary. Our efficient service includes plumbing and heating services completely right from the assessment through the final stages. We’ll get rid of the main causes of shower smell in the least amount of time and in a much safer way. 

If you are experiencing challenges in getting rid of blockages and smelly showers, contact MidCity Plumbers today. Our plumbing services are available in residential and commercial areas. We cover all your plumbing needs from leaks, clogs, to water heaters or any drainage problems. Just contact us at 📞 (778) 772-8676 and we can get to you as early as possible. 

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Finding The Best Plumbing Service Can Be A Challenge

Since every home in the country has some sort of indoor plumbing, it only makes sense that at one time or another everyone is going to need the services of the best plumbing service they can find. The challenge is finding someone who is trustworthy, skilled and yet affordable to perform your plumbing job. This seems like it should be an easy task but due to the fact that plumbing is one skill which is not learned by attending a class or reading books, there should be some way for average home owners to get decent service.

In recent years the trade of plumbing is beginning to be taught in many local vocational schools across the country. While this might serve well to teach the basics, the trade really has to be learned by serving an apprenticeship under the direction of a master plumber. This fact alone indicates that most anyone under a certain age really hasn't had the opportunity to get enough experience to be considered a master plumber. This is certainly one field in which experience certainly counts a lot.

One way of getting the best plumbing service possible is to be sure you hire only a licensed plumber. In most states that should indicate the passing of some sort of testing plus the company should be insured. Again, this would vary from state to state but looking for a licensed plumbing service would definitely increase your odds of getting skilled workers.

Many times you can find plumbing help to do simple jobs like installing fixtures or unclogging drains at quite reasonable prices from those who are just learning the trade. As long as you think the work isn't too involved, you might get a real deal this way. Then again, if it's something simple and you have the time, you could save more money by performing the work yourself. The homeowner can benefit from the many forums and do-it-yourself websites available today. In this case the best plumbing service would be the job you can do yourself.

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