How to prevent Constant Blockages in a Utility Sink

What You'll Need:

Sink drain strainer

Metal container with lid

Drain stopper

Adjustable wrench

Pail





If you have a utility sink its singular purpose is to dispose of stuff that are a by-product of some sort of craft or work. If you are a painter, you would dump chemicals and paint in the utility sink, much like a professional cook may dispose of food particles. The utility sink is usually connected directly to the primary plumbing line that lead to the sewer or septic system. This is what allows you to get rid of these items in this sink as using a regular home sink would find you having more issues with clogging. The utility sink can still become plugged and the following article will explain how to prevent this from occurring.



Step 1 - Strain the Utility Sink



When you're throwing things in to the sink, the bigger items can easily become stuck in the pipe. If the content make it down the pipe then it may get stuck in the bend of the pipe. These problems may require the use of a professional to resolve. A simple way to stop this from happening is to put a strainer to the drain. A utility sink does not usually have a strainer which will catch larger items that may be better being dump in the normal garbage instead of poured it down the sink. The strainer should be cleaned often to help keep it working properly.



Step 2 - Thin it Out



When you're getting rid of things like chemicals and paint, it is important 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. Chemical substances can actually eat away at material that is caked inside the water pipes. Food and hair are two of the main examples. When these products dislodge they can become caught further down the pipe. Place 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 certain materials that should never be dumped down the drain of a utility sink or any sink for that matter. This is mainly the case with food items. Oil is the worst thing you can dump down a drain. The oil will seize up and cling on the surfaces of the pipe which will ultimately cause a clog. It is recommended to dispose of the oil 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 are likely to be found in the bend of the pipe under the sink. Use the wrench to remove the coupler. The section of pipe can then be removed and properly cleaned.

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Sacramento, CA 95828

(916) 231-5681