The Trouble With Clogged Double Kitchen Sinks
Let’s be honest with ourselves, and there are few things as unpleasant as a constantly plugged-up kitchen sink. For that matter, any sink drain that is not working properly can be a trial in and of itself. When it comes to the kitchen sink drain, however, this can be particularly trying. Trying to clean up the dishes and having dirty standing water to deal with that won’t drain is annoying!
The kitchen sink, in particular, is more predisposed to clog than most sinks in any given home, simply due to the fact that it is used for cleaning out dishes and food disposal. If you have a kitchen sink with a garbage disposal, you know how much of a lifesaver these devices can be! However, even with these incredible devices, the propensity for a clogged sink is still somewhat high.
Yes, a garbage disposal helps to keep the water drains moving; however, occasional clogs are not uncommon. The good news is that even if you have a double kitchen sink, getting a clog can still be an easy fix. The most important thing to know is what kind of clog your sink is dealing with, and here are some easy ways to identify it!
First off, the side of the sink that has the clog will tell you a lot about what’s happening. The double kitchen sink with garbage disposal has two drains that lead into the same p-trap down below. Because of this, the true story of what kind of clog you have oftentimes can be ascertained by the kind of clogged kitchen sink you are dealing with!
If the water is not draining correctly on the non-disposal side, this indicates you have a clog above the disposal near the drain. This makes sense as the disposal itself is lower down, and if that side of the sink is draining, it indicates the clog is higher above it.
If the clog is only on the side with the disposal, chances are that the disposal itself needs to be cleared out in order to achieve healthy draining yet again. If it’s clogged on both sides – this is typically indicative of a deeper clog in the pipes, usually involving the shared p-trap below.
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Common Causes of Clogged Sinks
Okay, so now you have the tools to help you diagnose the kind of clog, which in a lot of ways, is half the battle! However, what about keeping your sink drain clog-free? After all, why not avoid a mess rather than fix one? Here are some of the most common reasons that people may find their kitchen sink drain clogged up!
Grease and Fat Buildup
First off, grease and fat can build up over time to cause some heavy clogging action. Yes, it’s so convenient to simply rinse off a pan or skillet that has grease in it; however, over time, this grease can start to build up and lead to a clogged kitchen sink.
Food Particles and Scraps
Food scraps are perhaps the most common and number one biggest culprit behind clogged kitchen sinks. Unlike grease or fat buildup, food scraps can quickly cause a kitchen sink drain to clog, making it easier to spot and fix. However, chronic neglect can lead to big problems.
Foreign Objects
There’s, of course, the oddball object – whether it’s the toddler throwing his toys around the kitchen or you accidentally break a glass that gets lodged in the drain.
Coffee Grounds
If you are addicted to your cup of jo, then you know the dangers associated with cutting corners to clean out your coffee grounds in a pinch. Always dispose of your coffee grounds appropriately; these grounds can lead to quick clogs.
Soap Scum and Mineral Deposits
Less common, yet still worth noting, scum and mineral deposits. Over time, a lack of cleaning can lead to the slow buildup of these deposits that can impede your kitchen sink.
Precautions Before Tackling a Clogged Sink
Before jumping into the practical steps you can take to restore the functionality of your kitchen sink, here are some precautions to keep in mind. First off, be careful about the chemical drain cleaners you may be using. Highly caustic chemicals can damage pipes and even be dangerous to your health in enclosed areas with little ventilation. Some healthier options, like baking soda and vinegar, can be effective. Secondly, don’t just add more water to an already clogged kitchen sink. If you do use a plunger cup, be sure that you are gentle, this is a kitchen sink and not a toilet.
Step-by-Step: Unclogging Your Double Kitchen Sink With a Garbage Disposal
Here are some great steps to always cover if you ever have to unclog a double kitchen sink. Remember, always make sure the garbage disposal is turned off so you don’t run a risk of damaging yourself before taking any of these steps!
Remove Standing Water
First, once the disposal is safely disabled, remove the standing water from your sink. You can do this with a cup or a bowl, but try and remove as much of the standing water as you can. This will help you out in the long run.
Inspect Garbage Disposal for Blockages
Secondly, visually check the garbage disposal to the best of your ability. There is no need to go much further if you can easily spot a foreign object that simply needs to be removed. If no visible blocks appear, move on to the next step.
Plunge the Clogged Sink
Plunger cups of baking soda and vinegar can go a long way. While using a plunger may be the first thing you think of, remember that you should not use it the same way you would on a toilet. Instead, be firm but also gentle.
Use a Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake is a tool that you can rent or purchase for an affordable price, and this could be a great way of unclogging deeper clogs further into the pipes. If you don’t feel comfortable using a snake, always feel free to call a professional plumber.
Clean the P-Trap and Drain Pipes
If both sinks are clogged, and the plunger cup of baking soda and vinegar didn’t do much good, it may mean that you need to get further into the pipes. This is where you can use the snake to reach these deeper areas.
Tips for Avoiding Future Clogs
In the end, the clogged garbage disposal is not the end of the world, and it can be pretty easy to fix; however, it’s even easier to avoid. Even if you just pour boiling water down the drain from time to time, this can help prevent some clogs in tangible ways. Here are some preventative tips and tricks to keep your water drain clean and clog-free!
Dispose of Grease Properly
Dispose of grease and cooking oil properly. Yes, it’s convenient just to throw it all in the sink – but think of your drains! Disposing of oils and grease properly is better for your sink and your hygiene!
Use Sink Strainers
One of the best ways to make sure that your plumbing issue stays as minimal as possible – is to use sink strainers simply. These easy-to-use devices are convenient, rarely get in the way, and can be a lifesaver when it comes to doing the dishes without food getting lodged in the sink!
Run Cold Water during Disposal Use
If you have your disposal on, run cold water. This can help not only because of the water pressure but also to help the possessed of the disposal as it breaks up the garbage.
Regularly Clean Garbage Disposal
The more often you clean the garbage disposal, the less often you will find yourself the garbage disposal needing to be unclogged! Do yourself a favor and get used to the process of regularly cleaning your garbage disposal. This is an easy rhythm that will eliminate so much of the process that leads to annoying clogs.
Avoid Disposing of Fibrous Foods
Finally, know what foods to throw in the trash or compost. Not all foods should be disposed of through the sink – such as fibrous or stringy foods that can damage the rotors.
When to Call a Professional
Finally, there comes the point in every homeowner’s life when DIY fixes aren’t enough. If you find that all of these steps are not working to help you clean out your kitchen sink drain, then maybe it’s time to call a professional plumber. In the end, paying for the functionality of your kitchen sink is well worth the cost!
Final Remarks
Whether you use baking soda, vinegar, hot water, drain cleaner from the store, and a drain snake, there is more than one way to get your sink back in tip-top condition. With these helpful tips, you can confidently attack your clogged kitchen sink and get it back in working order!