How To Unclog - Double Sink

After plunging, pour a kettle of boiling water directly down the drain (if you have PVC pipes, let hot tap water run first to warm them). Follow with a mixture of ½ cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with more hot water. This works best on grease or soap scum, not solid debris.

If water still won’t drain after these steps, the clog may be in the main stack. That’s when a professional with a hydro-jet or camera inspection is worth the call. But in most cases, a rag, a plunger, and a little elbow grease are all you need to reclaim your double sink.

Fill both sinks with a few inches of water, then pull both plugs. If water drains slowly from both, the clog is deep in the common trap or main line. If only one side drains poorly, the blockage may be near that sink’s individual strainer. how to unclog double sink

A double kitchen sink is a convenient setup—until water starts backing up into both basins. Because the two sinks share a common drainpipe, a clog often reveals itself when you run the disposal or wash dishes on one side, and dirty water rises through the other. Before you reach for harsh chemicals, try these proven steps.

Here’s a short, practical piece on the subject: After plunging, pour a kettle of boiling water

Feed a ¼‑inch snake through the drain opening past the trap. Crank it to break up or retrieve the clog. For garbage disposal clogs, use the hex key (Allen wrench) in the bottom of the unit to manually rotate the blades.

A double sink requires sealing the opposite drain to create proper suction. Use a wet rag or a second plunger pressed firmly over the unused drain. Then plunge the clogged side vigorously for 20–30 seconds. The trapped air forces pressure through the shared pipe. This works best on grease or soap scum, not solid debris

Liquid chemical drain cleaners can damage old metal pipes and are ineffective against full clogs. Also, never pour boiling water directly into a porcelain sink—run the hot tap first to avoid cracking.