Double Kitchen Sink Not Draining? Unblock It in Minutes

Having a clogged double kitchen sink that refuses to drain is incredibly frustrating. Food particles washed down the drain can't escape, while globs of grease and soap scum solidify in the pipes. Pretty soon you've got yourself a backed-up mess in both basins.

Unlike a single bowl sink which only has one drain line, a double kitchen sink has two drains joining together into one line. All that debris and gunk from both sides combines into a greater clog. But don't panic and call the plumber just yet. With a few simple tricks you likely have on hand, you can get your stubborn double sink draining freely again in minutes.

Common Culprits For A Clogged Double Sink

It's important to understand what causes a double kitchen sink to clog in the first place. That way, you can both fix it now and prevent future blockages down the line.

Accumulation of Food Scraps and Grease

The number one cause of any clogged drain is accumulation over time. Food particles, scraps, and grease build up inside the pipes. Fat and oil poured down the sinks solidifies into a thick blockage. Using drain strainers on both sides of the sink prevents some food debris from entering the pipes. However, small particles still slip through over time and cause havoc.

Globs of Hair and Soap Scum

Another common culprit is the combination of hair and soap scum. Strands of hair shed while washing eventually make their way into the drains. This hair then combines with the sticky film residue of soap and shampoo to form blobby clogs.

Garbage Disposal Jams

If your double sink has a garbage disposal on one side, improper items put down into the disposal can easily jam the mechanism. Lack of water flow while running the disposal also leads to clogs from unground food particles. Learn what not to put in your disposal.

Partial Clogs Turn Into Full Blockages

Often a double kitchen sink drain will start clogging slowly over time before becoming completely blocked. Small obstructions in the pipes gradually build up until no water can pass through at all. Catching and clearing partial clogs quickly prevents a full clog.

Unclogging A Double Sink Drain

Now that you know why your double sink is clogged, it's time to unclog it. In many cases, you can dissolve or remove the blockage without disassembling pipes. Try these methods first before taking drastic measures.

Simple Home Remedies

For simple organic clogs, basic ingredients and tools you already own can do the trick:

• Plunging - Use a plunger over each drain to forcefully dislodge the clog.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar - This chemical reaction fizzes away gunk.
• Boiling Water - Heat melts grease clogs.

Mechanical Clog Removal

When you need to get more hands-on, these items reach deeper into pipes:

• Drain Snake - Feed this flexible rod down the pipes to hook debris.
• Zip-It Tool - Grabs stubborn hair clogs to pull out.

Taking The Pipes Apart

For severe clogs, you may need to detach sections of the piping under the sink. This exposes the clog:

• Remove P-Trap - Unscrew the curved trap pipe to clean.
• Detach Tailpiece - Disconnect the vertical pipe attached to the strainer.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Commercial drain cleaning products available at hardware stores can dissolve tough clogs:

• Caustic Drain Cleaner - Strong lye-based formulas for intense clogs.
• Enzymatic Drain Cleaner - Breaks down organics like hair and grease.

Preventing Recurring Double Sink Clogs

Clogs in a double kitchen sink can be aggravated by design flaws. To prevent regular clogging, consider these measures:

• Use sink strainers religiously to catch food particles.
• Limit pouring fats and oils down the drains.
• Monthly baking soda and vinegar treatment to clear buildup.
• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that erode pipes.
• Routinely snake drains to remove debris before clogging.

Calling in a Plumber

If you've tried every home remedy and DIY approach without success, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Other reasons to seek expert help include:

• Drain pipes require removal and inspection.
• Major backup of water is flooding the sink.
• Leaks or issues under the sink hint at larger problems.

A trained plumber has specialized augers, cameras, high-pressure jetters, and tools to mechanically clear severe clogs you can't reach at home. They can also determine if your entire plumbing system needs attention to prevent future headaches.

Dealing with a clogged double kitchen sink can be beyond annoying. But in most cases, you can get the water flowing again in minutes using common items already under your sink or in the pantry. Remember to start with the simplest solutions first before bringing out heavy machinery. And be vigilant about keeping drains maintained to avoid a double basin clog ambush again soon.