I have a double sink with a disposal on the left side. The disposal side doesn't drain well unless I run the disposal (even if there was no waste in the sink). After I run the disposal for a few seconds the water drains properly until the next time. The sink also has a bad order. I would expect a plugged up disposal line to not clear so easily, but then why does it reclog almost immediately? What is the probable cause?

I have a double sink with a disposal on the left side. The disposal side doesn't drain well unless I run the disposal (even if there was no waste in the sink). After I run the disposal for a few seconds the water drains properly until the next time. The sink also has a bad order. I would expect a plugged up disposal line to not clear so easily, but then why does it reclog almost immediately? What is the probable cause?

Did this problem just start or has it been ongoing? I notice you aren't complaining about the other side of the sink. Does it drain OK?
How many traps on the drain lines? One or two? Let me know, Tom

The other side drains properly. The set up is: the dishwasher drain hose comes in high up on the disposal, the right side sink connects into a pipe coming out of the disposal about 3/4 the way up. That pipe connects to thwe only trap that I can see. This all seems to say the clog is occurring above the spot where the right sink drains into the line, but why does it clear so easily then reclog just as easily... also it has a terrible order. Thanks for your help

Can you furnish with a picture of your disposal hook up?
the right side sink connects into a pipe coming out of the disposal about 3/4 the way up. That pipe connects to thwe only trap Your disposal only has one drainage outlet pipe yet you show two drain lines connected to it. M Is there a tee involved? Back tom you, Tom

Yes there is a tee which connects the second sinks drain to the drain coming out of the garbage disposal.

I really need a picture of what you have. When you drain the right side does it back up a bit into the disposal? Let me know, Tom

Not that I can tell, here are two pictures... see if this helps.

Your pictures failed to make it. Here's instructions on how to add . Attachments.


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Good luck, Tom

I had to resize to pdf was too large

The pictures are a little blurry and my eyesight isn't all that good but I can't find either the tee or the trap. Where are they hiding? Back to you, Tom

Hi Bheller

I saw the pictures and the black pipe and fittings. I'm wondering if this has been a constant issue? If it has been a constant issue then I suspect that the tee fitting may be partially clogged by the pipe going into it from the sink on the right.

The fittings to the black drain pipes are super easy to take apart and reconnect so I would suggest that you get a pan to catch the water from the trap and take the fittings apart and inspect how they connect. If there is any clog then you should find it at that time. If the pipe from the right sink sticks into the tee fitting too far, again, you should see that when taking things apart.

Finally, some of those neoprene/rubber inserts at disposals (see image) can stop air from mixing with waste/water and just make draining disposals hard (until switched on).

If you remove the shield (most are removable) does this improve drainage? If so, you may need to purchase a new insert.

Back to you...

Mark