Narrow it down
- IfThe disposal hums but does not spinThenIt is jammed. Turn it off and unplug it or switch off its circuit before doing anything else.
- IfOne side of a double sink drains and the other does notThenOften a clog in the disposal or the trap on that side.
- IfBoth sides are full and the dishwasher backs into the sinkThenA clog in the kitchen branch line, past the trap.
- IfRunning the kitchen sink makes a tub or toilet gurgle or riseThenPossibly a main line problem. Stop using water and call a licensed plumber.
Safe things to try
- Cut the power to the disposal.Never put a hand in a disposal. Turn it off at the switch and unplug it or turn off its breaker.
- Use the reset and the hex key.Many disposals have a red reset button underneath and a hex socket at the bottom that lets you turn the motor by hand with the right key.
- Plunge with the other drain covered.On a double sink, block the second drain and the dishwasher connection if possible so the plunger can build pressure.
- Check the trap.With a bucket underneath, a plastic trap can be removed and cleaned out by hand.
What not to put down the kitchen drain
- Cooking grease and oil, which harden in pipes.
- Rice, pasta and other starches that swell.
- Coffee grounds and eggshells.
- Fibrous peels like celery, onion skins and corn husks.
- Chemical drain cleaners, especially if the sink is still full.
Why kitchen lines clog in older homes
Grease is the main culprit. Warm fat runs down the drain easily and then cools and sticks to the pipe walls, catching food particles until the opening closes. In older homes with cast-iron or galvanized drain lines, the rough interior surface gives grease even more to cling to.
In many single-story slab houses, the kitchen drain runs a long way under the floor to reach the main line. A long horizontal run is more likely to collect buildup than a short drop, which is why some kitchens clog repeatedly.
What to ask a plumber
- Is the clog in the trap, the branch line or the main?
- Does the line need jetting rather than a cable to remove grease?
- Is the disposal worth repairing, or should it be replaced?
Common questions
Can I pour boiling water down a clogged sink?
Hot water can soften some grease, but very hot water can damage some plastic pipes and is risky with a full sink. It also will not clear a solid clog.
Why does my dishwasher drain into the sink?
The dishwasher usually drains through the sink's plumbing or disposal. If the line past that point is clogged, water comes back up into the sink.
Is a jammed disposal dangerous?
It can be if the power is on. Always cut the power before trying to free it.
General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.