How To Unclog a Double Kitchen Sink With Garbage Disposal?

If your double kitchen sink is clogged, you may not know how to deal with it, especially when it is connected to the garbage disposal.

Then you have come to the right place.

That’s why it’s good for you to know how to unclog a double kitchen sink with garbage disposal because you need to know when it comes to unclogging situations.

Did you tell me in the comments that this clogging is your headache?

In this situation, I suggest 5 DIY methods to help you clean clogs from the drainage system of the double kitchen sink, which is with garbage disposal.

So let’s do it.

Unclog a Double Kitchen Sink with Garbage Disposal? – Tools and Precautions

Today, on DIY, I am showing you how to fix a clogged double kitchen sink with a garbage disposal.

This is a common problem many people face, and many people know how to fix it, but I have shown this method here for those who don’t know.

The method I explore here is homeowner-friendly and requires no special plumbing knowledge.

Gathering Your Tools

First, I have listed below all the tools and materials you will need to do your handy work.

After gathering the necessary materials, remember the safety precautions before solving the sink jam problem.

Safety Precautions

Follow the DIY method, keeping in mind some safety precautions I have shown here.

1. Turn off the Disposal: Ensure your garbage disposal is switched off and unplugged before attempting any method.
2. Avoid Hands Near Blades: Never close your hand to the disposal blade. Use a pliers to remove any debris.
3. No Chemicals: Chemical drain cleaners can damage your disposal, so their use should be avoided as much as possible.
4. Hot Water Caution: Be careful when using hot water to flush the sink. Because its splashes can burn you.
5. Professional Help: If the task seems beyond your ability, stop and contact a qualified plumber for assistance.

Diagnose the Problem of the Double Kitchen Sink Clogging

After considering the necessary tools and safety precautions, we now need to diagnose where the problem lies.

You need to see which side of the sink is clogged.

For this, first of all, you turn on the sink’s faucet and fill both sides with water. There are two possibilities for the problem.

1. If only one side is filled with water, the clog is inside the disposal or the drain pipe after disposal.
2. If both sides are filled with water, there is a possibility that the clog will fall further down the drain.

5 DIY Methods To Fix Unclog a Double Kitchen Sink with Garbage Disposal

After taking the necessary tools and precautions, let us start with the one-by-one DIY method to unclog the sink.

If the problem is diagnosed in sequence 1 above, use our DIY method for solutions one, two, and three.

Also, if the problem occurs as per Diagnosed Problems Sequence 2, use our DIY Method Number Four and Five for the solution.

Caution: Before unclogging your double kitchen sink, switch off your garbage disposal and unplug it.

DIY Method 1: Plunging the Sink

In the first DIY method, you try to clean the drain using a plunger.

What You Will Need

1. A plunger
2. Water in the sink for suction

Black, 4″ Mint Craft Drain Plunger (MINTCRAFT 8317-B)

This is best for cleaning kitchen drains clogged by grease.

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Instruction

Use a sink stopper or wet cloth to block off the drain on the non-disposal side of the sink. Start by following the steps.

• Step 1: Fill the garbage disposal side of the sink with water in there to add enough water to cover the head of the plunger.
• Step 2: If you have a double sink, use a wet cloth or a stopper to seal off the second sink to ensure all plunging pressure is directed toward the clog.
• Step 3: Place the plunger over the clogged drain and ensure a firm seal.
• Step 4: Now, keep plunging down the sink drain strongly, steadily, and forcefully. Do this plunging 25 to 30 times for a minute.
• Step 5: After this process, you can remove the plunger, check the drainage, and watch if the water drains.

If the double kitchen sink clog persists after this method, it is time to try a second DIY method.

DIY Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda Natural Solution

In this second method, we will try to naturally remove any clogs in the drain or garbage disposal using vinegar and baking soda.

What You Will Need

1. Vinegar
2. Baking Soda
3. Spoon

ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Made in the USA

Your go-to, multipurpose solution for cleaning and deodorizing around your home

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Instruction

So, let us tell you how to use this natural solution and remove the clog.

• Step 1: Scooping out standing water in the sink to remove standing water.
• Step 2: Then, pour half a cup of baking soda directly into the garbage disposal drain
• Step 3: Follow it with half a cup of white vinegar. (A combination of the two will result in a fizzing reaction)
• Step 4: Now, sit and let this mixture work for 15 minutes while you heat the water.
• Step 5: Now, pour hot (not boiling) water into the drain to flush out the mixture and clean the clogs.

This combination can break down the gunk without the harshness of chemicals.

Making it an outstanding solution for unclogging a double kitchen sink and dealing with garbage disposal with standing water.

DIY Method 3: Manual Garbage Disposal Turning

If the problem of clogging persists after method two, we move to method three, where we have to face garbage disposal.

What You Will Need

1. Flashlight
2. A standard size of Allen wrench

Instruction

• Step 1: Before working with the Garbage Disposal, don’t forget to switch it off.
• Step 2: Start from the inspection of obstructions. Use a flashlight to inspect the garbage disposal for any visible debris.
• Step 3: If you see any debris, remove it with tongs. Be careful not to put your hand in it, as the sharp blade can cut your hand.
• Step 4: After that, find the hexagon-shaped port which is underneath your garbage disposal unit.
• Step 5: Now turn this hex port clockwise and anti-clockwise using an Allen wrench to loosen if any clog is attached to the blade.
• Step 6: Fill the sink with water to remove the loosened clog from the garbage disposal and let it go forward using the plunger.

If your garbage disposal doesn’t come with a special range Allen wrench, you can get the job done by getting a standard-sized Allen wrench that fits into the hex port.

For those wondering how to dispose of waste in standing water, manually rotating the disposal blade can help.

This way, you can regulate the flow of your sink by eliminating the problem of clogging the garbage disposal side.

Now, we will look at DIY methods four and five to remove the deep clogging of the double kitchen sink.

DIY Method 4: Clean P-Trap

Sometimes, a clog is hidden in the curved pipe below the P-trap. In such cases, removing and cleaning the P-trap can be an effective solution.

Especially when the garbage disposal is unclogged.

Let me tell you the steps to remove and clean the curved part of an ongoing P trap.

What You Will Need

1. Flashlight
2. Bucket
3. A pair of pliers

Instruction

You need a flashlight to do any work under the kitchen sink.

• Step 1: Prepare to catch the water. You should place a bucket underneath your sink p-trap.
• Step 2: Now, use a pliers or a wrench to loosen the slip nuts on the P-trap.
• Step 3: Carefully remove the trap and allow the water and any trapped debris to fall into the bucket.
• Step 4: Wash the P-trap with clean water and dry it.
• Step 5: Now fit it back in place with a pliers or a wrench.

If there is no waste of any kind in the P trap, it is necessary to deep clean the drain pipe as per method 5.

DIY Method 5: Use a Plumber’s Snake For Dip Cleaning

If you don’t see any clog in the P-trap, then before fitting the P-trap, we need to clean the drain pipeline in front of it.

What You Will Need

1. Flashlight
2. Bucket
3. Drain Snake (Plumber’s snake)

Instruction

• Step 1: After removing the P trap, insert the end of the plumber’s snake into the pipe leading into the wall.
• Step 2: Turn the handle of the snake in a clockwise order. You will feel it hit into an obstruction as you push it forward.
• Step 3: Keep turning the snake against the obstruction until it feels like breaking.
• Step 4: The direction of your drain snake may need to be adjusted several times.
• Step 5: If you notice less clog resistance, slowly pull out the drain snake and the inner debris.
• Step 6: Reattach the P trap with the slip nut after removing the inner clog.
• Step 5: Run hot water down the drain to keep it clean and flowing freely.

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Best kitchen sink drain snake for help in removing grease from the drain

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Thus, the information on unclogging a double Kitchen Sink with garbage disposal is given as a 5 DIY method.

By using these methods you can eliminate the problem of slow drainage of the kitchen sink, apart from the problem of slow draining if the garbage disposal is attached to the sink.

I am showing you a video tutorial according to which you can unclog a double kitchen sink.

FAQs on How Do You Unclog a Double Kitchen Sink with a Garbage Disposal

Why is my garbage disposal backing up into my double sink?

Your garbage disposal is backing up into your double sink because excess food debris or grease is getting stuck and clogging the drain pipes connecting your garbage disposal to the double sink.

Why is my garbage disposal pushing water up?

Your garbage disposal drain pipe is clogged with food scraps or grease.

As the disposal tries to drain the water, blockages force it to back up and push the water into the sink.

When should I use baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains?

Always try to dislodge the clog with a plunger before using baking soda and vinegar.

Now pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain and add half a cup of vinegar. Combining the two can help dissolve soapy dirt, oil, and small debris into the drainage.

How can I prevent future garbage disposal clogs in my double sink?

To prevent future garbage disposal clogs in your double kitchen sink, use a mesh drain catcher, avoid pouring grease down the drain, grind large food items before disposal, and consider using a monthly enzyme drain cleaner.

What should I do if using a plunger, drain cleaner, or snake doesn’t unclog the double kitchen sink?

You should call a professional plumber when you continue failed attempts using a plunger, drain cleaner, or drain snake to unclog the double kitchen sink.

Because a pro has advanced tools and methods to clear the clogs from the kitchen sink drains.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a clogged double kitchen sink can be a hassle, but if you take the right approach, you can quickly get your sink in working order.

Following the five DIY methods I have mentioned above like using a plunger, using vinegar and baking soda, cleaning the garbage disposal, using a drain snake, and cleaning the P-trap, if you are planning to unclog your double kitchen sink, you will be successful. You will get it.

Remember to take care of your double kitchen sink with a disposal unit to avoid any problems in the future.

Always remember to follow safety precautions, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when in doubt.

If you have any other problem with the kitchen sink, comment to me, and I will answer you immediately.