Various issues to deal with here, I think. Just moved into a 1 1/2 storey duplex. When draining the kitchen sink, the bathroom sink fills up with waste water and both drain very slowly. The two sinks are opposite one another (separated by a wall), so I assume that they are connected to the same drain? Is this a venting issue? The tub also drains slowly. Also, the sinks do not have traps. The drains in both convert from plastic to metal piping under the sink, and seem to be connected with some sort of foam or rubber-type tube held on with hose clamps. I have not removed the clamps nor hose to investigate it further; however, there is a leak under the kitchen sink. What to do?

Hi Didi,
What to do? You call in a plumber to make your house livable. Are you saying that the lavatories have elbos connected to the chrome tail piece and not "P" traps? If you're renting this duplex the owner MUST FIX THIS AT ONCE.
This configuation's venting sewer gas into your unit that's dangerous to your health. Also the drains need to be snaked and opened up. This is a owners expense and should be addressed at once. Regards, Tom

Hi,
So sorry - I have gotten mixed up in terminology. I meant to say that the pipes have no cleanouts (?plugs?) at the bottom of the traps - they DO have "P" traps, which are unfortunately glued in place. I'm still confused about the whole plastic-to-metal conversion... it's not chrome piping under there, unless chrome is thick and rusty-looking. The "P" trap is plastic, and then it converts to metal. And the rubbery hose thing - what's that about? Anyway, must get on finding a snake. Thanks for the help.

Hi Didi,
PVC traps do not have a clean out plug on the bottom and it sounds like they're connected with a Fernco Neoprene Coupling. Do not remove them as the place to snake out the line is from the roof vent. You must rent a sewer machine to do this. A hand cranked snake will be too small and not long enough. Put out enough cable to get to the base of the vent and about 25' more to get out to the main. After you clear the lavatory/kitchen sink clog You'll need a hand held smaller snake to clear the bath tub branch. Click on back when the sinks are cleared and I'll walk you through clearing the tub branch. Regards, Tom