Peterborough is full of charm—and a big part of that charm comes from its older homes. From cozy century houses in the Old West End to beautifully restored Victorians in the downtown core, these properties come with character, history, and... unfortunately, plumbing issues.
If you live in one of Peterborough’s older homes and you’re constantly dealing with a clogged or slow kitchen sink, you’re not alone. Let’s take a look at why this happens, and what you can do to keep things flowing smoothly.
🚰 Why Are Kitchen Drains a Problem in Older Homes?
1. Outdated Pipes
Many of Peterborough’s heritage homes still have original cast iron, galvanized steel, or clay piping. While these materials were standard decades ago, they don’t hold up well over time. Corrosion, buildup, and even full-on collapses can all lead to clogs—or worse.
What to watch for:
- Slow-draining kitchen sinks
- Gurgling noises
- Rust flakes or debris in your water
- Repeated clogs, even after cleaning
2. Grease & Food Buildup Over Time
Older plumbing wasn’t designed to handle modern kitchen habits. Pouring grease down the drain, even occasionally, can build up inside aging pipes more quickly than you think. Add in coffee grounds, pasta, or fibrous food scraps—and you’ve got a recipe for a stubborn clog.
Pro Tip: If it’s solid at room temperature (like bacon fat or coconut oil), it shouldn’t go down your sink.
3. Pipe Shifting or Settling
Peterborough’s soil and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can cause foundations—and pipes—to shift over time. If your house has settled or experienced foundation movement, it’s possible your pipes have started to sag or separate. This can create “belly” sections where debris builds up and flow slows down.
🧼 What Can You Do About It?
✅ Get a Camera Inspection
Before breaking out the drain cleaner, get a look inside. A professional camera inspection can help identify whether it’s a minor blockage or a more serious pipe issue.
✅ Clean Your Drains—The Right Way
Skip the harsh chemical drain cleaners—they can damage old pipes.
Instead:
- Use a mix of baking soda and vinegar for light buildup.
- Try a sink plunger or drain snake for minor clogs.
- Hire a professional to clean the pipes safely if the issue keeps coming back.
✅ Consider Updating Old Plumbing
If your home still has its original pipes, it might be time for an upgrade. PVC is the modern standard—it’s durable, resistant to buildup, and much easier to maintain. Many homeowners choose to update just the most problematic sections rather than doing a full replacement.
🛠️ Jetflo Knows Peterborough Homes
At Jetflo, we’ve seen it all—from century-old cast iron stacks to kitchen sinks clogged with decades of grease. We know the unique challenges that come with living in one of Peterborough’s older homes—and how to fix them without compromising the charm you love.
Whether you need a drain inspection, kitchen pipe cleaning, or help planning a full replacement, we’re here to help.
🏡 Keep the Charm, Ditch the Clogs
Your Peterborough home deserves plumbing that works as beautifully as it looks. If your kitchen sink is slowing down—or backing up—let’s take care of it before it becomes a bigger issue.
👉 Want to learn more about protecting your home’s plumbing system? Check out our post: Why Sump Pumps Fail in Durham Region, Kawarthas & Peterborough—And What You Can Do About It