What Is Black Sludge in a Sink Drain?
The plumbing system in our homes is supposed to work smoothly without any surprises. When we turn on the kitchen or bathroom faucets, clean and clear water should fill our sinks as expected. Seeing anything out of the ordinary, such as black sludge in a sink drain, could startle many homeowners.
The black sludge in your sink is not something that appears overnight. Over time, the plumbing pipes get dirty and accumulate debris, slowly blocking the water flow. This buildup of slime in the drain is a notorious breeding ground for bacteria. As it grows, the biological matter creates black sludge in the drain.
If you keep using the sink without clearing the blockage, the sludge will only continue to grow. That’s why you should contact a drain cleaning plumber immediately. In addition, you can take other preventive measures to reduce the bacteria buildup in plumbing pipes. Let’s learn more about the black sludge found in the kitchen and bathroom sink drains.
What is black sludge in a sink drain?
Black sludge is caused by a combination of debris that gets washed down the sink. It might consist of soap scum, decomposing hair, and other decaying materials. As bacteria wraps around the debris, they turn into black sludge that can clog the pipes. Black sludge is sometimes described as slime, gunk, or a wide range of names. Regardless of its classification, the appearance is unmistakably gross and filthy.
Black sludge and clogged sink drain
We wash a lot of different materials down our sinks every day. In the bathroom, it’s a mix of soap, shaving cream, toothpaste, phlegm, hair, and dirt. In the kitchen, it ranges from food matter to grease. When this debris is left inside the pipes for too long, bacteria forms and the black sludge will appear in the drains.
There are various preventive measures to avoid a clogged drain. In the kitchen, don’t wash the grease down the sink. Instead, let the grease solidify after cooking, wipe with a paper towel, and throw it away in the trash. You should do the same for any hair strands, soap residue, and other debris found in the bathroom sink.
Black sludge and sewage backup
Sometimes, the black sludge in a drain is caused by sewage backup. This unpleasant experience happens when there is a blockage in the line from the main sewer system or your septic tank. Since the debris cannot navigate freely through the blocked pipes, it backs up into your kitchen or bathroom sink instead.
If the sewage backup comes from your septic system, it could mean the tank is full and needs to be emptied. Otherwise, the problem originates in the connection between your home’s plumbing and the public sewer system. Diagnosing the problem with sewage backup can be very complicated. It’s a job best left to professional plumbers who can assess and correct the situation for you.
How to clean black sludge from sink drain
Cleaning black sludge from a sink drain is a messy, labour-intensive endeavour. It involves unscrewing the pipes, draining any standing liquid, and clearing the clogs. Afterwards, these pipes need thorough washing before they are reconnected again. Overall, the drain cleaning process can be complex and requires professional expertise.
Plungers
Plunging uses simple physics to clear away the clogs in the sink drains. Firstly, ensure you use a suitable plunger. Most homes have a plunger for the toilet. However, you will need a separate version designed for bathroom and kitchen sinks.
Start by sealing the plunger over the drain hole. When you push down, that creates force by adding pressure into the pipe. As you pull up the plunger, it reduces the pressure and allows water to rinse the area. Repeating this action might clear your clog successfully. Ensure you cover the overflow opening to avoid splashes and to create a proper seal.
Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners are heavy-duty chemicals that work to dissolve a blockage. Depending on the severity of the clog, multiple applications may be required. Some drain cleaners flow through the water to find the blockage, while others will need no standing water in the sink. Not all products work the same way, so follow the instructions closely.
Be careful with these chemical drain cleaners as they cause harsh reactions to the skin. Always wear gloves and wash up any spills immediately. Do not proceed with chemical cleaners unless you have experience in handling them. We do not recommend them as they will make the pipes brittle over time and then susceptible to breakage. If you have used these cleaners prior to our arrival, please notify the technician. They may take the proper precautions to protect themselves and your home.
Drain Cleaning Plumbers
Although plunging and drain cleaners may do the trick, a homeowner’s best option is to contact a professional plumber for help. These experts are proficient in cleaning drains, so they have the necessary tools to complete the job quickly. When dealing with black sludge in a sink drain, the clog is often a bigger deal than you initially realize. You should definitely bring in a plumber to deal with this potentially severe problem.
In the meantime, contact us if you have a drain that is running slowly. We offer an environmentally friendly drain opener known as Bio. This may prevent a call and save you money.