Tips for preventing Recurring Blockages in a Utility Sink

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


When you have a utility sink its singular function is to get rid 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 discard 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 allows you to dump these items in this sink as using a normal 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 happening.

Step 1 - Strain the Utility Sink

When you're throwing things in to the sink, the larger items may easily become stuck in the pipe. If the materials make it down the pipe then it could possibly get trapped in the bend of the pipe. These issues may require the use of a professional to resolve. A simple way to prevent this from happening is to put a strainer to the drain. A utility sink doesn't often have a strainer that could catch larger items that may be better being throw away in the normal garbage instead of poured it down the sink. The strainer must be cleaned often to keep it working properly.

Step 2 - Thin it Out

When you are discarding things like chemicals and paint, it is crucial that they are thinned prior to 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 may 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 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 able to go down the drain. Once it is thinned out pull the chain to remove the stopper.

Step 3 - Dispose Elsewhere

There are particular items that should not be disposed of down the drain of a utility sink or any sink for that matter. This is mainly the case with food items. Grease is the worst thing you can dispose of down a drain. The oil will seize up and cling on the walls of the pipe which will ultimately cause a clog. You should always dump the grease by pouring 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

The vast majority of clogs in your utility sink will probably 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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Park Mechanical Plumbing & Sewer
8324 Luzon Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95828
(916) 231-5681