The kitchen sink works hard every day, and many kitchen plumbing problems build up slowly from everyday habits. A few simple routines can keep water flowing, catch small leaks early and help you avoid a blocked sink when you least need it.
Here are practical tips for keeping your kitchen plumbing in good shape, and the signs it’s time to call a licensed plumber.
Never Pour Fats, Oils or Grease Down the Drain
This is one of the most useful kitchen habits. Sydney Water’s advice is clear: never pour fats, oils and grease down the drain. They cool and harden in wastewater pipes, which can lead to blockages over time.
Instead:
- Let cooking fat cool and set in the pan, then scrape it into the bin.
- Pour used cooking oil into a sealed container, such as an old jar or bottle, and put it in the bin.
- Wipe greasy pans and plates with a paper towel before washing them.
Running hot or cold water while you pour grease away does not make it safe. It still ends up in the pipes.
Use a Sink Strainer and Bin Your Food Scraps
Sydney Water recommends using strainers in kitchen sinks to stop food waste getting into the pipes. A simple strainer or plug basket catches scraps before they reach the drain.
- Scrape plates into the bin or compost before rinsing them.
- Empty and rinse the strainer after each wash-up.
- Keep coffee grounds, rice and pasta out of the sink. They can build up over time.
Check Under the Sink for Leaks
Small leaks are easy to miss because they often happen inside a cupboard. Every few months:
- Look under the sink for damp patches, water stains, swelling in the cupboard base or a musty smell.
- Check the flexible hoses that connect the tap to the water supply. Bulging, fraying, rust or moisture at the connections are signs they should be replaced by a plumber.
- Look around the dishwasher and behind the fridge for any pooling water.
If you spot moisture, it’s worth acting early. Slow leaks can damage cabinetry and flooring well before they become obvious.
Keep Your Dishwasher Filter Clean
The dishwasher filter traps food particles so they do not end up in the drain. Clean it regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. A clogged filter can leave dishes dirty and water sitting in the bottom of the machine.
If you are replacing or moving a dishwasher, our dishwasher installation guide explains which parts of the job need a licensed plumber.
Look After Your Fridge Water Line
If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, it is connected to the water supply by a small water line.
- Replace the water filter as often as the manufacturer recommends.
- Check the line behind the fridge for kinks, cracks or moisture when you clean behind the fridge.
- Take care not to crush or bend the line when you push the fridge back into place.
Fix Dripping Taps Early
A dripping kitchen tap is easy to live with, but Sydney Water notes that you can lose a few litres of water an hour from a slow-dripping tap. A drip is often caused by a worn washer, seal or cartridge. Our guide on how to fix a leaking tap explains the common causes, and our tap repairs page covers professional repairs and replacements.
How to Deal With a Slow Kitchen Drain
A sink that drains slowly is often an early warning of a blockage. You can try a few gentle steps first:
- Remove and clean the strainer or plug basket.
- Use a sink plunger with a little water in the sink to cover the cup, and block the overflow hole with a damp cloth so the pressure goes into the drain.
- If you use baking soda and vinegar as a gentle home remedy, do not combine it with commercial drain cleaners. Mixing products can be hazardous.
Our guide on how to unblock a drain covers these steps in more detail. If the sink stays slow or keeps blocking, it’s time to call a plumber. Sydney Water explains that property owners are responsible for the pipes on their property and recommends hiring a licensed plumber to clear blockages in them.
When to Call a Plumber
Call a licensed plumber if:
- the sink keeps blocking or will not clear
- water backs up into the sink when the dishwasher drains
- you find a leak under the sink, behind the dishwasher or at the fridge water line
- there is a persistent bad smell from the drain
- you need a new tap, dishwasher connection or other plumbing work
In NSW, the NSW Government states that you need a licence or certificate to do any plumbing work, regardless of its cost. For help with blocked sinks and drains, see our blocked drains page, or our kitchen plumbing page for other kitchen work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should never go down the kitchen sink?
Fats, oils, grease and food scraps. Use a sink strainer and put scraps in the bin or compost.
How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your model. Regular cleaning helps the dishwasher clean properly and drain freely.
What should I do if my kitchen sink keeps blocking?
Repeated blockages can mean something is building up further down the pipe. Rather than reaching for chemical drain cleaners, call a licensed plumber to find and clear the cause.
Key Takeaways
- Never pour fats, oils or grease down the drain. Bin them instead.
- Use a sink strainer and put food scraps in the bin or compost.
- Check under the sink, behind the dishwasher and behind the fridge for leaks regularly.
- Clean the dishwasher filter and replace the fridge water filter as the manufacturers recommend.
- Fix dripping taps early, and call a licensed plumber for blockages that keep coming back.
