The kitchen drain is one of the humblest parts of the sink, but it’s also the first to cause problems if ignored. A well-maintained drain keeps the kitchen sink draining quickly and won’t cause odor issues. Drains can be damaged both inside and out by improper use and a lack of cleaning. Here are three tips for protecting the kitchen sink drain in any home.
Dropping dishes into a stainless steel sink can dent the whole bottom, but the drain is particularly prone to this damage in a porcelain sink. Scratched and dinged drains make the sink look like it’s been in use for many more years than it actually has. A metal grid-style sink protector is the best way to keep the drain and entire base of the sink from becoming damaged. By keeping dishes off the sink’s actual surface, there’s less wear and tear to age the fixture.
Aside from physical damage, kitchen sink drains are also prone to developing clogs. The first step in preventing this is to avoid washing food bits, grease, coffee grounds, and other debris down the drain. Keeping sticky and clumping substances out of the drain is the best preventative measure for clogs. However, sometimes it’s impossible to avoid this in the kitchen. Pouring a kettle full of boiling water down the drain once every two weeks is a good way to remove any fats and oils buildup.
Speaking of hot water, consider avoiding it during the rinsing of dirty plates. If small amounts of food and grease have to go down the drain, using lukewarm to cold water prevents these substances from melting and sticking. Use hot water at the very end of washing to remove lingering residues and clean out the drain.
Once a drain has become scratched or worn, it’s easy enough to replace. Pick up a matching kitchen sink drain here at Kingston Brass.
