Why Is My Kitchen Sink Clogged on Both Sides?

A double kitchen sink clog is a common but confusing problem many homeowners face. This issue can be frustrating, but you can prevent it if you know why it happens.

You may even be able to fix the problem yourself with the right approach. And if not, you can always call a plumber to get to the bottom of it.

Understanding Why the Kitchen Sink Is Clogged on Both Sides

The first step in addressing your plumbing problem is to understand what caused it. Be aware that both basins share a common drain, so if a blockage happens further down the pipe, it will affect both sides.

Here are some likely culprits:

• Food scraps: Over time, bits of food can accumulate in the kitchen sink drain. Stringy vegetable peelings and starchy items like pasta or rice are particularly prone to causing problems.
• Grease: Leftover cooking grease is notorious for clogging the kitchen sink. As the grease cools, it solidifies, sticking to the sides of your pipes. Eventually, hardened deposits accumulate until they obstruct the flow of water.
• Coffee grounds and eggshells: Contrary to popular belief, these items don’t sharpen garbage disposal blades; instead, they create sediment layers in pipes, eventually leading to clogs.
• Non-food items: Sometimes, bottle caps, twist ties, or rubber bands accidentally fall into the sink and cause blockages. These items don’t dissolve in water, making them a common cause of stubborn clogs.
• Sewer blockage: An obstruction deep in the sewer line can cause multiple slow-draining fixtures, affecting your kitchen sink and other drains.

DIY Solutions To Fix a Kitchen Sink Clogged on Both Sides

If you’re not ready to call a plumber, don protective gloves and goggles and follow these tips to resolve the clog on your own:

• Try a natural solution: Never pour chemical drain cleaner down a sink with a garbage disposal. Instead, take a more eco-friendly approach by using vinegar and baking soda. Pour one-half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one-half cup of vinegar. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then flush the drain with boiling water.
• Use a plunger: Place a classic cup plunger over the drain and pour an inch of water into the sink to form a tight seal. Then, pump the plunger vigorously up and down. If water starts to drain, you know you’ve successfully cleared the blockage.
• Use a plumber’s snake: If plunging doesn’t work, you might need a specialized tool called a plumber’s snake. Feed the cable down the drain until it reaches the clog. Then, twist it to break up the obstruction. Coil the cable back up, and try running water down the drain.
• Clean the P trap: Sometimes, clogs form in the curved section of pipe beneath the sink. To clean it, first place a bucket beneath the P trap to catch any water or debris. Then, unscrew the connectors holding the pipe in place and remove it. Use a long brush or wire to clean out the trap, then replace it and check if the sink drains.

Call James A. Wheat & Sons for Help

If the kitchen sink clog persists despite your best efforts, it’s time to bring in the experts. Wheat & Sons has been a trusted service provider since 1978, offering high-quality drain cleaning and other plumbing services to residents of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

As a family-owned and -operated business, we understand the importance of providing timely and effective service. That’s why our highly trained and certified plumbers are equipped with state-of-the-art tools to efficiently diagnose and resolve your plumbing issues in a single visit.

The next time a double-sided kitchen sink clog interrupts your day, call Wheat & Sons at (301) 241-9636 to schedule kitchen sink drain cleaning.