Drain cleaning

[Stella2020]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently facing a major issue with my kitchen drain. Recently, I noticed that water from my sink drains very slowly, and sometimes, it even starts to back up. It seems like there’s a partial clog, but I can’t figure out exactly where the blockage is. I’ve tried using a regular plunger, but it doesn’t seem to help. I’ve heard that sometimes a more thorough cleaning or a professional drain snake can clear these problems, but I’m not sure if that’s the right approach for my situation.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Any suggestions on the best method to fully clear a drain like this, or should I call a plumber to take a closer look? Also, if there’s a way to prevent this from happening again in the future, I’d love to hear some advice.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

 

[IPDQKWID]

I think it depends what type of piping you have. I can tell you that if the drain piping is galvanized steel or cast iron, instead of PVC plastic, there exists the possibility that corrosion on the inside has reduced the diameter of the pipe, and a heavier duty snake, with teeth on the rotating part, is probably the best fix.

If there are horizontal portions of pipe, there could just be build-up. If there's no garbage disposal, then build-up is more likely in the event of a horizontal portion of drain pipe.

My thoughts, not from being a plumber but a very experienced homeowner, is that a plumber with a drain snake, on a weekday during business hours, is going to be the best $250 fix.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Breplum]

Avoid using garbage disposal unless you are willing to run a lot of water. Use a basket strainer (we love the OXO drain strainer) to keep crap out of the sink piping.
Plumber with a power snake is best way to really clean a drain.

 

[Reach4]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently facing a major issue with my kitchen drain. Recently, I noticed that water from my sink drains very slowly, and sometimes, it even starts to back up. It seems like there’s a partial clog, but I can’t figure out exactly where the blockage is. I’ve tried using a regular plunger, but it doesn’t seem to help. I’ve heard that sometimes a more thorough cleaning or a professional drain snake can clear these problems, but I’m not sure if that’s the right approach for my situation.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Any suggestions on the best method to fully clear a drain like this, or should I call a plumber to take a closer look? Also, if there’s a way to prevent this from happening again in the future, I’d love to hear some advice.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Let the sink sit at least overnight. Add water from a bucket of known size, until the backup starts. Compute how much water was was added. Assume a diameter, such as 1.5 inches. Compute the approximate path length.

A common place for a blockage is where the pipe turns from vertical to horizontal.

 

[Sylvan]

Hire a plumber who has a water Jetter, preferably an electric 11/2 -2 GPM 1,200 - 1,500 PSI

A water Jetter should scour the lines to restore full flow

Jetting is great for soft stoppages such as grease or soil.

A cable used for a grease stoppage will clear a partial opening, but will leave a lot of residue

I normally use a cable first and Water Jet as a finishing tool

 

[NIS240SHU]

There's a good chance you can use a pair of tongue and groove pliers to loosen the plumbing below the sink. You'll quickly be able to see if something is blocking the trap or if it's a blockage after it passes through into the wall. Just pay attention to how you take it apart and keep track of the seals. It's a pretty straightforward task.

Also take the time to clear out the sink cabinet and be ready with something to catch the small amount of water that will drain out.

Good luck!

 

[NIS240SHU]

Let the sink sit at least overnight. Add water from a bucket of known size, until the backup starts. Compute how much water was was added. Assume a diameter, such as 1.5 inches. Compute the approximate path length.

A common place for a blockage is where the pipe turns from vertical to horizontal.

This method massages my geek brain. I love it!