Why kitchens clog
Grease, coffee grounds, starchy peels and rice settle in the trap and the first stretch of drain line. A disposal grinds food, but the particles still have to travel down the pipe, and without enough water they collect. Hard water minerals can help the buildup stick.
In many newer homes the kitchen sink, disposal and dishwasher share one drain. A slow kitchen sink can therefore cause dishwasher water to back up into the sink, and you end up blaming the dishwasher for a clogged drain.
Safe first steps
Stop running water
Do not keep running the faucet or dishwasher into a backed-up sink.
Check the disposal
If it hums but does not spin, it is jammed. With power off, use the hex key in the bottom of the unit to free it, then press its reset button.
Try a plunger
Use a sink plunger on the clogged side, with the other basin plugged.
Clean the trap
With a bucket underneath, loosen the slip nuts and clear the trap if you are comfortable doing so.
Skip harsh chemicals
Chemical drain openers can damage parts and make the job dangerous for whoever opens the drain next.
Sink, line or main?
- Ifonly the kitchen sink is slowthe clog is in the trap, disposal or kitchen branch line.
- Ifthe dishwasher backs into the sinkthe shared kitchen drain is restricted; clear it before blaming the dishwasher.
- Ifother drains gurgle when the kitchen drainsthe blockage may be further down the system; call a plumber.
- Ifsewage appears in a tub or floor drainstop using water, keep people away from it and call a plumber about the main line.
Repair or replace the disposal
Repair or reset
- Jam cleared with the hex key and reset button
- Leaking drain connections resealed
- Unit otherwise runs and grinds well
Replace
- Unit leaks from its body
- Motor will not run after reset and power checks
- Grinding has become weak or very noisy
What drives the cost of drain work
- Clog location
- A trap clog is quicker than one deep in a wall line.
- Access
- Cleanout access and cabinet space affect time.
- Method
- Hand cable, larger machine or jetting depends on what is found.
- Disposal
- Replacement depends on the unit chosen and electrical connection.
Questions to ask
- Where exactly was the clog, and what caused it?
- Is the dishwasher drain connected correctly?
- Should the disposal be repaired or replaced?
- Would a camera look be useful if this keeps happening?
Common questions
Can I pour grease down the drain with hot water?
No. Grease cools and sticks further down the line. Let it cool and put it in the trash.
Why does my disposal hum but not spin?
It is usually jammed. Turn off power, use the hex key on the bottom to free it, then press the reset button.
Is a slow kitchen sink an emergency?
Usually not, unless other drains are backing up or sewage appears. Then stop using water and call a plumber.
General information for Amerige Heights, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.