Here’s my promise.
After 5 minutes you’ll likely never have to call a plumber for kitchen sink clogs.
A few weeks ago my tenant’s kitchen sink stopped draining.
My knee-jerk reaction was angst, but then I realized this was awesome!
Because I could make a video tutorial showing you how to unclog a kitchen sink 😀
Anyone can do this repair…after learning a few skills.
Today I’ll show you everything I did to fix this common problem.
I guarantee you can do this, and you’ll like the tool giveaway.
How much do you think a plumber charges to unclog kitchen drains?
$75 or $95 would be my guess.
Although I have to admit I don’t actually know.
Primarily because I’ve never paid someone else to solve this problem.
Unclogging my tenant’s kitchen sink drain took about 5 minutes.
And that was with me setting up video equipment!!!
Here are the supplies you’ll need
- Bucket (FREE or $5)
- Channel Locks (FREE or $15)
- Ridgid Power Spin ($55)
- Rubber Gloves ($5)
- Towel (FREE)
- These Amazon Affiliate links help support HRT…muchos gracias!
Where do you start with a clog?
In my case both sinks in the kitchen were backed up.
This indicates a few different things.
The first culprit could be a clogged p-trap.
Place towels and a bucket just underneath the p-trap.
Here’s where things can go wrong, so pay attention.
Slowly loosen the p-trap’s top slip nut counterclockwise.
If the clog is in the p-trap you’ll see a slow trickle of water.
Lack of water means the clog is higher up in the drain assembly.
Loosen the second p-trap slip nut and lower the p-trap into the bucket.
If the p-trap holds the clog, all the water in the kitchen sink will rush down the drain into the bucket.
It can get messy, I’m not gonna sugar coat it.
As a side not, my BIGGEST recommendation when it comes to clogs is to NEVER use chemicals.
Always mechanically remove debris.
Tap the p-trap against the side of the bucket and remove any solids using paper towels.
I show you this in a separate bathroom sink tutorial I did awhile back but the tip remains the same.
You can also push the paper towels through the p-trap to force out the yucky stuff.
What if the p-trap didn’t have a clog?
Check if the clog is in the wall pipe or higher up in the sink drain.
In this tutorial you see my clog was higher up than the p-trap.
Water wasn’t draining because of a marshmallow type clog in the drain piece.
I actually didn’t need to do much to remove the clog!
Imagine if you had a similar situation but had to pay $75, yah that would suck.
If all the drain pieces are clear and you still have a clogged drain you’ll have to use a hand auger.
This tool will help you mechanically clear out the wall pipe.
Ridgid makes some of the best plumbing supplies in the world.
Their Power Spin hand auger is pretty awesome and you can’t go wrong buying one.
Using it once justifies the $40 cost.
Watch my video tutorial to see how to use the Power Spin, unclog your kitchen sink in 5 minutes and put the pipes back together without any leaks.
I did have one mishap while making this tutorial, I should have used a 5 gallon bucket because the water almost overflowed!!
What’s Next
As you can see, learning how to unclog a kitchen sink is straight forward.
Having the right tool can help a lot.
If you’re doing a bathroom remodel and need help, join one of our online courses – they’ll make your bathroom renovation much easier!
Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to help.
Thanks as always for reading, watching and making our Do-It-Yourself community a fun place to learn new skills.
Cheers,
Jeff
Hi Jeff! Thanks for the video on unclogging the drain. My wife and I have a small house that can use some upgrades. Until that time comes, I’m slowly teaching myself to repair things around the house with your videos. I could definitely use the Rigid Power Spin from Home Depot! I’ve checked the P-Trap a few times, but the bathroom sinks are still a little slow to drain. It’s getting worse over time so I’ll need to do something soon. Keep the videos coming. Thanks again
Thanks Matthew. Those bathroom sinks can be stubborn. IMO stay away from the liquid drain cleaners, especially if you have an older home. The pipes could be eaten away. Another thing to consider is where hair is catching on the pop-up stopper rod 😀
I would not mind winning either. (Even though, I am most sympathetic to Matthew, above!) Currently, my drains are working. (So he gets an extra point, here!) But I do help out a couple of seniors, and I have no idea what may happen there next! At any rate, I think you’ll have to flip a coin.
Over time, I am slowly building up my tool collection. One thing (A tip you can pass on!) I found out in life: Sometimes, if you have a tool, you can either get someone who knows how to use it better than you, to come help you, or you can take the tool and go help them and learn something!
Thanks for the well done vids, and so forth! Take care.
PML
Those are great tips Pierre. Learning something from someone else and passing that knowledge along to others is the best feeling ever. Knowledge helps the world go round. I really like the ideas you put forth about getting someone else to show you how to use the tool better. Hopefully this will happen with a few of the future tutorials we’ll have on bathtub installations and tiling. I can’t wait to share that with you 😀
Jeff, you are doing a great job! Your videos are always full of great information and to the point of the problem….the extra information is very helpful, i.e. “Watch out for this” so you don’t have a larger problem on your hands. Thank you for all you do for your viewers.
As you help your viewers, I help ALL of my friends and family. If someone has a problem, I’m the one they call to fix it. This is a tool I can use… the sooner the better, for a few different reasons.
I went to a friend’s house this week to fix a leaking shower and I fixed that. Then she was telling me her drain is backing up in the shower, I ran some water and yes, it was starting to fill with water rather quick. She said, she used Liquid Draino and it helped somewhat for a short time, but the problem is back in full force.
Reason 2, I found out this week (yesterday) after my friend left, who was staying with me while they were waiting to move into their new home…not only is my shower backing up, the sink is as well. I am sure it is her hair, it’s very long. So, not only can I help others, I would get to help myself in this case.
I’m sure there will be many others that will need my help in the future and this would be another tool in my arsenal to get the job done. Thank you again and sorry this was a little long.
Cheers,
Frank
Thanks so much Frank for your kind words. It makes me feel great to know that the videos are helping a lot of people and you’re the one taking action. Good for you buddy for being a great friend. The world could use more people like yourself.
Yep, long hair typically a culprit when it comes to clogs. My daughters sinks are always backing up because of hair but alas, that’s the job of Mom and Dad…to fix sinks and tubs 😀
First of all I love your videos, whether it’s home repair or DIY they are informative and detailed. Thank you so much.
If I won I’d most likely use it on my shower drain. My wife’s hair causes clogs or slow draining a couple times a year. It would be good to use this instead of strong chemicals that are hard on the pipes.
Yah, if you can stay away from the chemicals go that route Eric. Mechanical removal is so much better and less corrosive. Don’t worry, like I told Frank, most of us are dealing with the long hair clogs, haha 😀
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for a great video demonstration again. I would use the power spin in our kitchen as well. Ours drains very slowly and it is not under the sink and I haven’t been able to go beyond that point because I didn’t know how much less have a tool to do it.
Thanks again Jeff,
Mike
Thanks Mike for your kindness.
Yep, it sounds like your clog is a bit more downstream than the P-Trap. If you hand auger it you’ll likely find some nasty clog to clear. I think the next best thing after a hand auger would be a hand auger with a camera on it, that would be awesome (but expensive!!).
Nice video! Since I just bought my first house I have realized we have some issues with slow drainage in our master bathroom, our kitchen, and the basement sink. It would be great to get a tool like this so we can get this taken care of ourselves and learn how to work on our plumbing in the process!
Congrats Travis on your first house. One thing I recommend to new homeowners is utility line insurance. This is relatively cheap and can pay for major plumbing problems. I’ve literally saved close to $10K by getting this and it costs at most $16 per month.
I bet the slow drainages in the master bath is due to hair or a clogged P-Trap. You’ll likely be able to fix it yourself.
You might want to join our Facebook community Travis, it’s kinda cool and a great place to post photos and questions. Here’s the link
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrtcommunity/
Hi there,
I just moved into a new house and the previous owner’s were not great at maintenance. I’ve had to use my Mom and Dad’s snake twice already. They live 45 min away so it is not the most convenient. It would be great to have one of my own! The video, like always, was helpful. Thank you for taking the time to do them for us. We appreciate it!
Previous homeowners….sometimes you gotta wonder Chandy!! Great job unclogging your drains yourself. Congrats on your new home, that’s wonderful. You and Travis (above comment) are new homeowners together and that’s so cool. Always know that we’re here to help you out.
You might want to check out our Facebook group, too. It’s a cool place for DIYers 😀
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrtcommunity/
I’ve raised 7 kids in a house built in 1955. You can imagine the things that have made their way into sinks and toilets. I still get clogged drains from time to time and would love to have a way to fix them myself. Out of 9 people that were in my house at one time, 7 were female, so you can imagine the hair and other items that could clog a drain. I worked a lot of overtime to feed the kids when they were growing up, so when we had a clog I usually called the plumber, at about $75 a shot. Thank you for showing us all how to videos.
Whew, you had your hands full Michael. My goodness!!! We have two girls and I couldn’t imagine raising 7. God bless you. You probably have some great tips of your own 😀
My pleasure to make the videos, glad you like them
Great tutorial. I’ve needed a hand auger in the past (don’t have one) and I know I’ll need one in the future…
Thanks for all the work you do to make us smarter…
Thanks Steve, it’s you and the other community members that make me smarter. I’m always learning great ideas from our fans. Yah, we all need a hand auger. It’s one of those must-have tools 😀
I need one of these Power Spin tools. Bathtubs get clog up so easy. Using the Power Spin means I would not have to buy these Chemicals that are not good for anyone to be around. Thanks for the video. Have a great weekend!!!!
Tubs are constantly getting clogged in our home, too. Chemicals are such a crap shoot, that’s why I recommend the hand augers. They’re easy to use and not too expensive…doubly whammy 😀
Being an avid do-it-yourselfer I love your videos and web page in general. Even many of the items I’ve done before I find a better way of doing them! As for the Power Spin I have several slow drains I have regrettably used chemicals which I hate as well and have had little to no improvement.
Keep the cool videos coming!
Thanks David for the support. There’s nothing more frustrating than a slow or clogged drain. Knowing how to use a hand auger comes in handy 😀
Love this auger. My husband has one and we use it for more than drains. We also use it to clean out the external dryer vent. Works like a charm to loosen any lint clogs.
Oh my goodness, that is an AWESOME tip Heather. I’m going to use it on the podcast, hope that’s okay. Dryer lint is so dangerous and this would be a fantastic way to remove it. You’re the best 😀
I’ve always used chemicals unfortunately. Would be nice to be able to unclog them mechanically!
Thanks for the videos!
Thanks Chip, mechanically is always the best way to go 😀
I get clogs often, house full of kids, and i try to do as many repairs myself as possible (due to the cost of having kids, single parent) … i would DEFINITELY be using the Ridgid Power Spin, please please me.
You’re a great mom Nina. Keep up the great work being a fully time mom and DIYer, now that takes guts 😀
I would love to have my own auger from Home Depot. That way I won’t have to go to HD and buy one each time I have a clog, use it to unclog my drain(s) and return it because I am not completely satisfied. BU
You’d be more than satisfied with the Power Spin Bernard. I know what you’re talking about, some of the other hand augers kind stink
My kitchen sink is not completely clogged, but the left hand sink makes a big gurggling sound and emits an awful smell when the right side sink has been released from being full of water . I really could use this on my sink. I have learned a lot from your tutorials- Thank you!!
Have you tried removing the P-Trap(s) Sally? I’d bet this is the reason for the clogging.
Let me know if you have more questions about the clog, I’d be happy to help 😀
Another great one Jeff, especially down to the details of washer placement and the warnings of what to watch out for. I have been using a regular snake under a tiny corner kitchen cabinet opening [circa 1956 cabinets] and it is really difficult. If this keeps just a handful of people from using the dangerous chemicals—that eventually leach into our water system and we all get to drink, it is a blessing for that reason alone.
My Dad was a plumber, always warned about the corrosive properties of the chemicals on pipes—but the danger to the water system was not even thought about back then. Just as if not more important.
thank you, char
Thanks Char, you bring up another wonderful point. Chemicals not only hurt pipes they hurt us. Often times they’re acidic in nature and who knows how this is altering the water system.
I really need this because, although in 38 years of home ownership I have never had a clogged drain, I am sure I will have one after watching your video. That’s just kinda the way my life goes.
Yep, that’s Murphy’s Law. Who was this Murphy guy anyway?
Our bathtubs are draining very slowly. I’ve already followed your other tutorial to make sure that the stopper isn’t extended too far down. It wasn’t the case with ours. I don’t currently have the tool for the giveaway but that was my next step of going to HD or Lowes to get one before calling the plumber (which I DREAD having to do!). Please pick me!! Lol.
I bet you wouldn’t have to call the plumber Linda if you snaked out the tub with a hand auger like the Power Spin. The clog is likely down in the P-Trap of the tub, that is unless you have a drum trap instead. Do you know if you have a P-Trap for the tub?
I live in a mobile home, where double sinks are common. This would make a great addition to my tool box!
It’s a fantastic tool for sure 😀
We have an old house, and our plumber has told us that the original builders didn’t put in the pipes the way modern plumbers do, so they have a little more tendency to clog up.
Wonder what he or she meant by that Sylvia, was that discussed?
Thanks for the unclogging tips! Boy, did we need those. We feed about 20 teenagers every tuesday and wednesday nite. Stuff teens like – like tacos and hamburgers. We have them do the clean up work which means too may times, the grease from the pans goes right down the sink instead of being properly disposed of. So, about once a month or so, we’re plunging, and pouring drain cleaner down the drain. A Ridgid Power Spin not only will make our job easier, but it’s also a good tool to teach teens how to use for when they are out on their own in a few years.
Couldn’t agree more Nancy, they should teach teens or kids in college some of these skills. In some cases it would be more beneficial than the class on Caribbean history (which I had to take). Tell the kids to pour the taco meat grease into a coffee cup or old pop bottle. That’ll help a ton 😀
We’ve had drain problems since we moved to this house four years ago. Chemicals help somewhat, but I don’t like them and we need a more lasting solution. The auger would be great to have!
That sucks Sandy, which drains are giving you issues?
Love this tutorial. I’m all about saving money and do-it-yourselfing! I need to try this on my bathroom sink. It is running in slow gear right now!
Those bathroom sinks…what buggers they can be. Have you tried removing the P-Trap and checking for a clog Debbie?
Hi Jeff! I recently started acquiring rental properties and my current project is a duplex built in the 1890s. Needless to say – the plumbing is… interesting. Learning to fix up those drains without using chemicals is very helpful! I’m going to try this on my bathroom sink tonight.
Good for you Sarah, being a rental homeowner isn’t easy. You can save so much money learning basic plumbing tips, glad this helped 😀
Keep us posted on your progress
Household chores for a couple of old ladies is not fun BUT with your instructions AND the correct tools I think we could same a little of the SS money! Thank you for all your help.
Betty
My pleasure to help Betty, glad you liked the tutorial today 😀
I have an older home and often my bathroom drains run slow, so this auger would come in handy to clear out those drains, that likely have a build-up of hair. Thanks so much for your tutorials!
I could use this Ridgid hand auger to unclog our bathroom drain which is draining more and more slowly. I suspect it is hair down the drain.
The Power Spin is an essential tool for all homeowners. I’d use it on clogs in my kitchen. I’d also have it handy in case my son needs it. I’m wondering how I’ve lived without it!
Just had the plumbing somewhat cleaned, had a new black cast iron sink put in!
Can I use the spinner in a toilet?? Or would it hurt it??
I have the identical problem with my kitchen sinks. They are both backed up, but drain s-l-o-w-l-y. I can’t afford waiting for the water to seep away, because I may want to use my sink within the next two hours…and don’t get me started with a $75 plumber bill. Your video was a godsend. I’m willing to try doing it myself, but I suspect I may have to use a drain auger in the long run, so I hoping your recommended tool will do the job. Thanks for all the other videos. They have inspired me to tackle other home improvement projects as well. Keep them coming!
Hi Jeff – Recently, our bathtub and bath sink drains got clogged up for a couple of days. I didn’t have any tools on hand so I reluctantly bought a couple of bottles of heavy duty Draino for standing water. Poured both bottles in the drains and crossed my fingers. I had to use the plunger a number of times too. Eventually, the clogged freed up but the chemical smell from Draino was unbearable. Next time, I’d like to try the Rigid Auger and power tool approach. Please count me in the drawing.
Hi Jeff, I enjoy learning about fixing things through your personalized website. My house was built in 1954 in Southern California and the shower stall is extra large (a jack and jill bathroom setup). It’s big enough to give my labrador retriever her weekly showering! Anyways since she’s a shorthair (and so am I) there’s really no hair clogs to worry about so please don’t pick me!
My mother is having drainage issues right now. I’d like to be able to help her with her drain.
We would love to be able to unclog our own drains and not have to pay a plumber.
Jeff, I love the videos! You’re tops in my book. I’d love to win the auger. I have one of the hand crank augers and every time I try to use it it just tangles itself up. Operator error, no doubt!
i clean clogged drains several times per year, with 3 girls in the house, and this tool will make the job easier
Our house has long kitchen drain 25′ with very little pitch. It always slows up and always needs rodding. We even have an access outside to bypass the sink traps. Sure would also like to know how to get all that black STINK off the Power Spin when done. Thanks.
I recently purchased a house that was built one year after I was born. (27 years ago) I live with my fiancé and our two dogs. The rest of our family live in another state, so she pretty much depends on me for everything that goes wrong or just needs to be updated with the house. I can see her clogging up a couple sinks in the near future. (As we have had to call for clogged sinks 4 times last year alone. (Lived in an apartment)) My honey do list is pretty large as of today and she has been talking about the bath tub not draining fast enough. We only use it to wash the dogs so it’s not a total bother right now.
Hi Jeff: from experience, I now take an extra bucket and a plastic cup along with the other tools. I take out as much gross water still clogged in the sink and pour it into the bucket. That way most of the gross water isn’t slopping on my face when I loosen the pipe. After I clear the pipes, I pour the gross water down the drain and use a powdered cleaner to shine the sink. Happiness .
As a new homeowner, cook and woman with long hair; I foresee having to use this on a regular basis. My kitchen sink clogs a lot and so does my bathroom sink and bathtub drain.
i had no clue about the auger. that would work great for, my slow draining tub. i need one ASAP lol
Everybody has clogs sooner or later through the years. This would be a neat tool to have when the clogs occur in the kitchen or bathroom sinks/ My husband has done this procedure many times in the past and could use the help if and when. Thanks
As a single renter, in a very old home, I am constantly ‘upgrading’ the home. I like to learn from your tutorials because I tackle the repairs myself instead of calling my landlord. My repairs make it so much easier, not only on my landlord, but my repairs are done asap! Thanks!
I need this to unclog my kitchen sink which seems to clog more than it should. Or any lavatory clog too. Thanks for the tutorial.
Jeff,
As usual, thanks for another great video that everyone can learn from. My bathroom sink has been draining slower and slower. The auger would be great to have and I’d be able to see if I can fix it myself! I just fixed my first leaky faucet and it felt great to accomplish a job like that by myself!
P.S. I never see when or who wins your tool giveaways. Do you list something about the winners on your site? Thanks!
Hi Jeff, love your tutorials. As a single mom, I try to do most of my own repairs when I can. The auger would be a great tool to help with that.
Love the DIY tips, as always
Thanks for the giveaway
I’m getting ready to move into a 75-year-old house, and the Power Spin will sure come in handy! Thanks so much for the video–I learned a lot!
As the owner of a four family home that is probably 100 years old, this would sure come in handy
Hi Jeff,
We are new home owners that just don’t seem to understand a lot of things. Your videos on youtube and this site help a lot !
After we bought our place we found an old hand auger (a bit rusty) under our kitchen sink. We had no idea what to do with it – but boy did we have to figure out what to do in about two months. Both the kitchen and bathroom sinks as well as the bath tub got clogged over a period of a couple of weeks. I tried to use the hand auger (and discovered your videos) and cleared out some of the debris, but now I seem to be stuck at some point down the line. I discovered that the auger wire was bent at an angle down some length. My guess is that I need a new one! It would be awesome to have a mechanical auger to do the job and not have to struggle with holding it down with one hand and turning it with the other!
Thanks again for the great videos and how-tos!
My bathtub drain is presently draining very slowly. Your tutorial is very easy to follow and the Rigid Power Spin would be a great tool to own and use.
Thanks for the video on using the Rigid Power Spin to unclog drains. I could sure use this tool as my tenants are always calling me at all hours of the day and night to unclog their drains. I’ve been using chemicals and thanks to you I now know that’s a no-no. I really can’t afford to call a plumber every time the drain clogs. You’re a real life saver Jeff!
My husband has used an auger to clear clogged toilets. But in the process, he left marks that are visible on the porcelain in many places. Any tips on getting those black marks removed from the white porcelain? I’ve tried a pumice stone but I can’t get it all off. I am grateful that we didn’t have to call a plumber but the black marks taunt me every time I am in the bathroom!
That would be terrible to spend 75 dollars just to find out it not that big of a problem but that is good you fixed it for her am sure that not many guys would help her out
Hi Jeff, I signed up to receive notice of your new videos just a few weeks ago. I love that you explain things so simply and give detailed tutorials that really have helped boost my confidence levels when it comes to doing things for myself around the house. My husband works a lot and I really like to take care of as much as I can without asking for his help. Over the past few weeks, my kitchen sink has slowly stopped draining. Just this morning I was trying to figure out what to do, but was scared to tackle it myself. Then, my phone suddenly alerted me to my inbox to let me know you had a video out. I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw it showed how to unclog a kitchen sink!! I am going to try removing the trap myself and see if that works. If this didn’t fix my problem, having that auger would be amazing. My hubby has had to borrow and auger from a friend before, so actually having one on hand would be great. I can only imagine the look on my hubby’s face when I tell him I did it myself….ok, with a little help from your video of course!! So, even if I don’t win the auger, thank you for instilling confidence in all us do-it-yourselfers! Your time spent helping others is truly appreciated and I look forward to your next video.
I love clearing drains. For most people it is a gross endeavour, but I just love it. I currently live with three other ladies so we are in hair heaven. I currently clog our drains by using skewers, vinegar, baking soda and hot water. The Rigid Power Spin Hand Auger will up my drain clear game and make me Duchess of Drainage.
love clearing drains. For most people it is a gross endeavour, but I just love it. I currently live with three other ladies so we are in hair heaven. I currently unclog our drains by using skewers, vinegar, baking soda and hot water. The Rigid Power Spin Hand Auger will up my drain clear game and make me Duchess of Drainage.
My kitchen sink has been draining slower than usual and I wasn’t sure of how to tackle the problem. The Power Spin is just the tool I need!
Hi Jeff, I am a senior citizen and own my home. I live on social security and don’t have money to hire work done that I can possibly do myself. Last summer I had a clog in my kitchen sink and tried everything to get it unclogged. Finally I had to call a plumber to do it and as luck would have it he only charged my half price because it took him only 15 minutes to do the work. That don’t happen very often. I also watched how you fix a hole in drywall and did it myself. It turned out great. Thank you so much for all the information you give through your website. I have saved a lot of money by watching your videos.
Hi Jeff, I think I could honestly use this Rigid Power Spin at least once a month! The reason is, I have 5 daughters and 3 Grand daughters (who thankfully), visit our house regularly. Now imagine the condition of our poor shower/bath drains after 8 girls have all taken baths and long showers throughout the weekend(s) and you will get the picture. We always have clogged drains due to their long thick hair, their special hair products, the kids bubble bath and baby products with lanolin that results in a HUGE accumulation of soap buildup on very old pipes. Convinced yet why I could be very deserving of this miracle tool???? Thanks my friend and keep these amazing tips coming. We’re listening and putting them all to great use! 🙂
Thanks for the tips and product demo! So you are a landlord? I’ll bet there are some others out there. As a landlord, I have learned to instruct my tenants that the plumbing is working fine when they move in. (I make sure it is.) And any clog problem inside the house, kitchen or bath is their problem (and expense). Any problem outside the house, (sewer lines, septic system) are my problems or expense. Some states, towns may not allow this approach, but it has been a big help to me! Thanks and keep up the good work!
Being a landlord, this would have come in handy more than once!
Jeff, you are awesome. I just listened to the podcast and it gave so much more information. Thank you for all you do for the DIY community…and for including us in the process. You’re the MAN!!! 🙂
–Heather
I’d love to win the Rigid Power Spin Hand Auger! I have a slow draining kitchen sink at time that I would love to use it on! Thanks for all the great tips!
Hi, did you have a recent article about how to cut costs on air conditioning? I thought I had it saved because I didn’t have time to read it, but now I can’t find it!
Can you please help? Thanks.
Annie
Hello, so I have a clog in my kitchen sink w/ garbage disposal. I took apart the p-trap and cleared out what I thought was the clog. I filled up a bucket of water when I loosened the trap. After cleaning up everything and putting back together, I still have a clog after running water. I turn on the disposal and a bunch of water shoots up the other side of the sink. Any suggestions?
Hi, I also have the same problem as Josh. I have a sink with a garbage disposal. I cleared the p-trap also, but still have a clogged sink. Its frustratinng, because when i turn on the g/disposal water drains out the main sink! Likewise vice versa when trying to plunge water from the main sink the water just goes back up the small sink of the garbage disposal and maaannnn do I hate that! Please help!
Sorry to hear about our troubles Viiga.
Sounds like you have a clog in the p-trap or wall waste pipe.
Take apart the p-trap and check for an obstruction, place a bucket under it, preferably a 2 gallon one.
If there’s not a clog in the p-trap you likely have one in the wall pipe. Use a hand auger to dislodge that clog.
Let me know if you have more questions 😀
Jeff, I watched your video and read comments from others but didn’t find an answer to my specific issue. I think I dropped a baby spoon down the left side in my vintage triple bowl kitchen sink. Now I have big gurgling sounds, water backing up and coming out of the top vent (island installation). Plumber was here today and said nothing he could do because I dont have a clean out located at the kitchen sink. $450 to install one. Any ideas? That’s a big bill for me right now, I’m a senior on SS. Any help is appreciated, I’m always trying to learn something new, thank you!
Hi Jeff, my boyfriend and I have just bought our first house together! exciting times! the oldest part of it is about 350 years old, with a front extension about 150 years old and a 20 year old rear extension (we’re in the UK) and everywhere we turn there’s maintenance issues – reading through your blogs is so helpful (tonights plan is to try and clean out the dishwasher and unblock the drains!) thank you so much for helping us through this new maze!
Hi Jeff,
Followed your instructions and they worked just like you said. Thank you. The one snag I had was trying to wind the cable back into my rigid tool. I had wound it all the way out (I never did feel the clog) and, when I tried to turn the handle counterclockwise (I did not use a drill) I heard a snap, the cable went limp, and that was it. I removed the plate and see the cable end (a small section thicker than the rest) and nothing loose (no broken metal or abs). So how do I put the cable back correctly? I can find anything about it.
video image make the concept very clear and I think I can do this now. Thanks a lot
Hi. I loved your video. I watched on YouTube the same to the site! Very informative and educational! I have health issues and find it hard to do a lot of diy projects. The good thing about this video is it’s so easy I can teach the younging in my house.
Thank you for posting!!
One free auger dogger? Sign me up please! Thanks for all you do…
Thank you so much for the video, it worked . I had to wait for a day after using chemicals to unblock the kitchen sink.