The clog is downstream of the trap. I can't use a plunger because the water backs up into the dishwasher. Also Drano doesn't seem to be able to get to the clog. Auger comes out twisted and doubled back on itself. I'm getting desperate!

You can remove the "J" bend from the trap and snake the drain line, (see image). You will run into a 90 degree bend about 8 inches in but once around that you only have to put out 6 more feet of cable. After, flush with hot water, Good Luck.

John

Thanks for your reply, John. But I've already done a snake starting after the trap. The snake seems to hit a bend about a foot in, as you say. I believe I maneuvered it past that and it went in for a few more feet before hitting another snag. After applying some twist it appeared to continue until I got to the end of the 25 foot length. Then it was blocked. I twisted and twisted to no avail. When I retrieved the snake, with some difficulty, it emerged badly twisted and had doubled back on itself. Tomorrow I'll try with some Drano Maxi-gel. What do you think?

We don't recommend to use any chemical, try to snack it from the roof vent and see what happens, Thanks.
John

We don’t recommend to use any chemical, try to snack it from the roof vent and see what happens, Thanks.
John
Roof vent?

Don't know what you mean by rrof vent. Why not chemicals?

There is a vent pipe to each fixture running from the roof to the drain line if that is clogged will cause your sink no to drain properly,see the image below, Thanks.

John

I don't think I have one. But all other fixtures, i.e. toilets, bathrooms, etc. are draining well. Kitchen is on main floor, powder room also. Bathroom, toilet, shower on floor above are all O.K. The drain from the kitchen sink passes between the floor of the main level and the ceiling of the garage below, where all the drains converge and exit. Why no chemicals?

House was built in 1996.

Pipes are PVC.

Sounds like you have tried your best. May be time to call in a plumber, or drain cleaning company. With pvc pipes, there really should be no clog that a pro can't clear.

No chemicals basically because they are very dangerous, even deadly, and they won't due any good on a clog that far down stream. You would literally have to dump gallons of the stuff down to get a clog that far, and that just isn't an option. Take it from a plumber that has gone in to snake a drain only to get burned by chemicals due to homeowner dumping them in and not letting me know. In my opinion, any true plumber will not suggest chemicals for drain clearing, and you are, after all, on the plumbing page.

Thanks for your advice. I have in fact called in plumbers for tomorrow. Tried the chemicals today without success and I was foolish enough to try Drano Maxi-gel followed by an acidic drain cleaner, when the Drano didn't work. Violent, but futile results! I will warn the plumber tomorrow of my chemical efforts. I'm afraid I'm looking at an expensive rerouting of the drain pipe to correct what may be either too many sharp bends or a negative slope. Either way, I have an obsessive desire to see what the clog contains! Thanks again. Will report results.

Happiness is an unclogged drain! Plumber came over with a heavy duty, drill- powered snake and cleared the drain in 10 minutes. He told me that chemicals can damage the gaskets and seals. Moral: try to buy a heavy duty snake,(about twice to three times the diameter of those usually found in hardware stores) and NEVER USE CHEMICALS! Failing that, call in an honest and competent plumber.

Hey, sounds like you got a good plumber in there. There are many of us around, believe it or not. Thanks for the update, we always appreciate that. Glad things worked out smoothly. Take care.

I chose him from the yellow pages. What stood out for me was that it was a small third generation company. I figured there would be some pride involved. I wasn't mistaken.

Thanks for the update

He told me that chemicals can damage the gaskets and seals. Smart plumber! He's a keeper. Keep him on your speed dial. Good luck, bTom