How to Unclog a Double Kitchen Sink

A double kitchen sink offers twice the capacity of a single sink design. It may also offer twice the problems when it becomes clogged. You can always try a kitchen plunger in an attempt to remove a clog. Since the drains are joined just below the basin, plunging may cause the liquid to circulate from one sink drain to the other. A single basin sink drain has only one drain pipe. A double sink basin has two drainpipes connected together. Adding a caustic drain cleaner may have little or no effect on a clog as the drain may be completely plugged. By following a basic procedure, unclogging a double sink can be achieved quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Channel locks or plumbers pliers

Instructions

1. Donning the gloves, bail the sink of all the water you can get out of it by using the plastic bucket. Discard this water down the toilet bowel or outside as the sink water may contain debris that will clog another drain. If you added a caustic drain cleaner that did not work, be very careful in the disposal of the sink water.

2. Place the plastic bucket under the single S-trap drainpipe of the double sink. The S-trap resembles the letter "S" and is used to hold a small amount of water in the drain to keep sewer gases from entering the home.

3. Loosen the large drain slip nuts with the channel lock or plumber pliers that hold the S-trap onto the drainpipe. Slowly remove the S-trap from the drain assembly. A lot of water may flow into the bucket, depending on how much water is left in the sink and drainpipe.

4. Inspect the S-trap for any clogs or debris. The trap is generally the place that will hold residue and will build up over time. Remove the other plastic drainpipe that connects the double sink basins to each other. This pipe connects the two sink drains together that lead into the S-trap and then into the main drain of the home's plumbing system. Inspect and clean these sections of pipe for any clogs or debris.

5. Check the cross strainer in the sink drain. This cross strainer can accumulate hair or other long, stringy particles that allow grease to attach itself to the debris, creating a clog. Thoroughly clean these parts of the sink drain.

6. Reassemble the drainpipe in the reverse order that you removed them. Keep the bucket under the sink and test for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Run a good stream of hot water down the drain at least once a week to help flush the drain. This will go a long way in preventing a clogged sink.

• Using a drain cleaner that contains caustic chemicals must be handled and disposed of properly. Be sure to read all of the manufacturer's warnings before using this type of product.