A slow-draining kitchen sink is annoying. But when the water starts backing up — bringing smells, food bits, and a worrying sense of dread with it — it’s time to act.

At EPM, we’re called out to this issue constantly around Exeter. Here’s what’s usually going on, what you can try yourself, and when it’s worth giving us a ring.

Common Reasons Water Backs Up in Your Kitchen Sink

1. Fat, Oil and Grease Buildup

It’s the classic culprit. Grease from cooking hardens as it cools, sticking to the inside of the pipes. Over time, this builds up and restricts water flow.
Even if you always rinse with hot water, fat deposits still form — especially in older properties with long horizontal waste runs.

2. Food Waste

Bits of rice, pasta, coffee grounds or peelings often slip past the plughole. If they build up in the U-bend or further along, they trap other waste and create a stubborn blockage.

3. Misaligned or Poorly Installed Pipework

We sometimes see kitchen waste pipes with too many bends, flat sections or poor fall (slope), which encourages standing water and buildup.

4. Shared Waste Pipes or Blocked Stack

In flats or terraces, your kitchen waste might be linked to others. If the main pipe is blocked further down, water can back up into your sink — even if it started elsewhere.

What You Can Try Before Calling a Plumber

• Boiling water – Carefully pour down the sink in stages to melt fat and loosen light debris.

• Baking soda and vinegar – Pour in half a cup of bicarb, then white vinegar. Let it fizz, then flush with hot water.

• Manual plunger – A few firm pumps can dislodge local blockages in the U-bend.

• Check your trap – If you’re confident, remove and clean the U-bend under the sink. Have a bowl and towel ready.

Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners — they can damage pipes, especially if you need to call us in later.

When It’s Time to Call a Pro

If none of the above helps — or the issue keeps coming back — it’s time for us to take a closer look. We can:

• Use specialist tools to clear deeper blockages

• Jet the waste line to clear built-up grease and gunk

• Check for installation issues or collapsed pipes

• Run a camera inspection if needed

We’ve handled hundreds of these jobs across Exeter kitchens. No guessing, no unnecessary work — just a proper fix.

Final Word from EPM

Backed-up sinks usually start small — but they rarely get better on their own. A little intervention now can save a flood, a smell, or a very expensive emergency callout down the line.

Not sure where to start? We’ll give you an honest assessment and sort it quickly.