Why Is My Kitchen Sink Backing Up on One Side?

Do you have a double kitchen sink that is only backing up on one side? If you do, it could be due to the drain or one of the pipes becoming clogged. If you have a garbage disposal, and that side of the sink is clogged, it could be due to the disposal.

What Could Cause the Clog?

The clog that’s causing the backup could have occurred for any number of reasons. It could be that there is an accumulation of food in the drain. The pipes could be clogged with fats, hair, toys from the kids, etc. You need to make sure the clog is removed, so you can get your sink working normally again.

Plunger

Sometimes, getting the clog out is easy and it can be done with a plunger. If you have a dishwasher, you will want to first clamp the dishwasher hose, so no water washes into the machine.

Add about three inches of water into the clogged sink, which will create the seal between the plunger and the clogged pipe. Use a drain plug or a rag to plug the unclogged side of the sink. Pump the plunger in the clogged side several times and then remove the plunger. It should clear the clog. If it doesn’t repeat the process.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Remove any standing water from the skin and then add a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. Wait five to 10 minutes. Now, you will want to flush the drain with hot water to clear it out. This can work quite well.

Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake

If you feel as though there is something stuck in the drain that is causing the water to back up, you might want to use a plumber’s snake or a coat hanger to reach down into the pipes to try to remove it.

Preventative Measures

The best way to stop clogs is with preventative measures. Using drain screens to catch food ensures that it doesn’t end up becoming a problem. Additionally, throw away cooking grease rather than pouring it down the drain, where it will congeal.

Contact a Professional

Sometimes, these basic techniques will not work, which means the clog is a bit more serious. If that’s the case, you will want to get in touch with the professionals at Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing, who can come out and check out your sink and your pipes. They can let you know the cause of the clog and can fix it for you.