Plumbing-- kitchen sink clog.oddly enough and with much effort I cannot locate the clog. I have run 25' snake

Question

I have followed the drain line all the way to the first connection to the main no other drain showing any problems. Can this be a air flow problem or what else can it be? I have a dishwasher that drains through the sink. I am really baffled. I need help.

Answer 1

I had a similar problem a couple of years ago with the line from the sink that had been shared with a dishwasher for about 20 years.  

I could run a snake through  but it still wouldn't drain.  I finally cut the line open and found it was plugged with what I think was residue from the dish washing detergent.  It was a gelatinous sludge without enough substance for the snake to push it through or pull it out.

I bought a  length of new drain pipe and simply spliced it in with a couple of MJ clamps.  Problem solved.  

I don't think our hot water was hot enough.  Since that incident we have been using the water heating cycle on the dishwasher.  Dishes look better - I'll know in 20 years if it solves the plugging problem.

Answer 2

Most clogs are not due to faulty plumbing but to the slow buildup of solids that sink drains aren’t intended to cope with.

Answer 3

It sounds as though the branch from the sink to the main is back-pitched. Put a level on it.

Answer 4

Purchase a drain cleaning bladder. Attach the cleaning bladder to a hose connected to a cold water faucet or a garden hose.. Place into the clogged drain a minimum of 6 inches. Turn on the cold water slowly to full pressure. As the unit is fully inflated water will be forced out the end to put pressure on the clog and push it through the drain pipe.

Answer 5

If the sink does drain but very slowly, it means you have a problem with the vent that allows the air to escape properly. Do any of the other drains do the same? go on your roof and check the black pipes to make sure they are not clogged. If not, then time to call the plumber