Hi,
My kitchen sink drain is clogged. First thing in the morning, when the pipe should be clear, the water runs for about 10 seconds before it starts to back up into the sink. This leads me to believe that the clog isn't too far down. This sink is the only drain in the house that is clogged, so I don't think it is the main sewer line.

I snaked the pipe with a power auger to a distance of about 15-20 feet. Some sludge came out, but not a lot. I also poured a few gallons of boiling water down the drain.
The drain is still clogged.
I was thinking of trying to suck it out with my 6 HP wet/dry vac, but I doubt that will work.
Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Terry

What kind of snake did you use? What was the diameter of the cable? Auger head? It looks like you need a more capable snake.

I used a Cobra Drum Auger. The cable is about 1/2" diameter with an auger head.

The black sludge you refer to typically has the consistency of thick pudding and a cable passing through it once has very little effect. You need to be able to cable the line with water in it so that it can dilute and reduce the viscosity. It will take vigorous cabling and will make a mess, so cover the area in newsprint before you start or it will stain your cabinets.

Because a sink drain stoppage will have grease as a component, you are boring thru the stoppage but when you retrieve the auger, the stoppage closes back up on itself. To remove the stoppage, you will need to make multiple 'punctures' thru the clog and liquify it to where it will flow. Follow up with multiple sink bowls of the hottest water you have.

Are you going thru the sink drain or did you remove the P-Trap and enter thru the wall opening?
I too think grease is the issue, combined other forms of debris.

Best Wishes