How to prevent Recurring Clogs in a Utility Sink

What You are going to Need:
Sink drain strainer
Metal container with lid
Drain stopper
Adjustable wrench
Pail


If you have a utility sink its single function is to dispose of things that are a by-product of some sort of craft or work. If you are a painter, you would dispose of chemicals and paint in the utility sink, much like a professional cook may dump food particles. The utility sink is usually attached directly to the main plumbing line that lead to the sewer or septic system. This is what lets you get rid of these items in this sink as using a normal home sink would find you having more issues with clogging. The utility sink can certainly still become obstructed and the following article will explain ways to avoid this from occurring.

Step 1 - Strain the Utility Sink

When you are throwing things in to the sink, the bigger items may easily become trapped in the pipe. If the materials make it down the pipe then it can get trapped in the bend of the pipe. These issues may require the use of a professional to resolve. A simple way to stop this from happening is to add a strainer to the drain. A utility sink doesn't usually have a strainer that could catch larger items that may be better being discard in the normal garbage instead of poured it down the sink. The strainer should be cleaned often to keep it working properly.

Step 2 - Thin it Out

When you're disposing of things like chemicals and paint, it is crucial that they are thinned before being dumped down the drain. The paint can seize up and then harden in the drain pipe which will cause an issue with proper draining of the utility sink. Chemicals can actually eat away at material that is caked inside the pipes. Food and hair are two of the main examples. When these materials dislodge they can become trapped further down the pipe. Put a stopper in the drain hole and then pour in your material. Run the water to thin the material out before it is allowed to go down the drain. Once it is thinned out yank the chain to remove the stopper.

Step 3 - Dispose Elsewhere

There are particular products that should never be disposed of down the drain of a utility sink or any sink for that matter. This is primarily the case with food items. Grease is the worst thing you can dispose of down a drain. The grease will seize up and cling on the walls of the pipe which will eventually cause a clog. You should always discard the grease by dumping it inside of a metal tin with a lid. A coffee can is the best case scenario. The oil can then be discarded at a recycling center.

Step 4 - Clean the Bends

Most of the clogs in your utility sink will be found in the bend of the pipe below the sink. Use the wrench to remove the coupler. The section of pipe can then be removed and properly cleaned.

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(916) 231-5681