Woman trying desperately to unclog a kitchen sink

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Woman trying desperately to unclog a kitchen sink

Author: minka (IL)

HELP!!! I'm trying to troubleshoot and fix a stopped up kitchen drain.

While replacing a broken faucet I jarred the PVC pipes loose. When I couldn't get the PVC pipes to stop leaking I decided to replace the parts. Now the PVC stopped leaking (yea!) but I have a new problem, the non-disposal side of the sink drains VERY slowly. Also when the dishwasher drains the used water comes up back into the sink. (Sigh)

The strange thing is when I pour a lot of hot water down the drain it clears up for a day and then clogs again.

The other strange thing is that the disposal side of the sink drains fine. I'm so confused why one side of the sink is backed up when the pipes from both sides of the sink merge into one pipe before exiting out wall.

Can I tackle this on my own (with your help) or do I need to call a plumber? Thanks for your help!

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Re: Woman trying desperately to unclog a kitchen sink
Author: hj (AZ) What WE need is a picture of your drains so we can see how they are connected together.
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Re: Woman trying desperately to unclog a kitchen sink
Author: gstringe (CO) sounds like you still have a clog, like built up grease etc in the non disposal side pipe, that's why hot water will make it flow better for a while. Do you have a trap on each side of the sink or one common trap for both sides??
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Re: Woman trying desperately to unclog a kitchen sink

Author: bernabeu (SC)

you may TRY this:

imo: 20-30% chance of success, but it will only cost $3-4

mix as much baking soda into 2 quarts of tepid to warm water as will dissolve

pour a gallon of cheap white vinegar down sink drain

pour the quart of baking soda mixture down same drain

let stand overnight

you 'might' get lucky with the foaming action, or not

GOOD LUCK

==============================================

"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

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Re: Woman trying desperately to unclog a kitchen sink
Author: hj (AZ) That is how kids make volcanoes in science class NOT to clear drains. It is "sound and fury signifying nothing".
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Re: Woman trying desperately to unclog a kitchen sink
Author: bernabeu (SC) hj, it is NOT a 'cure all' but it can work in a 'borderline' stoppage .... for $3 and no harm done .... worth a try .... ============================================== "Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Re: Woman trying desperately to unclog a kitchen sink
Author: hj (AZ) If it works, then a sinkful of hot water would probably have done the same thing.
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