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EddieBear · May 17, 2009, 06:18 PM

I live in a mobile home (new in 1997). The kitchen has a dual sink. When BOTH sides are open (no strainer inserted) the sink is fine. When I wash dishes and one side is plugged up (because it's full of soapy water) the other side of the sink goes down very slow. I can only was one dish at a time as I don't like the dishes sitting the water. When the plug is removed from the "soapy" side, both drains work fine.
Any Ideas?

Milo Dolezal · May 17, 2009, 06:31 PM

Eddie, It appears to me that our sink is not vented properly. The other bowl acts like a vent during draining of the other bowl.

Also, depending what kind of Two-Bowl-Drain-Assembly you have installed, there is a T that connects Left and Right bowl. One side seems to have "right of way" over the other side. That my be another reason why one bowl is draining slower than the other one.

EddieBear · May 17, 2009, 07:18 PM

It never used to drain like that. I'm not sure were to start.
Here's a picture. This should help.

EddieBear · May 17, 2009, 07:23 PM

This is the pipe with the vent or "hole".

Milo Dolezal · May 17, 2009, 07:25 PM

Thanks the photo... Great help.
It actually looks good. I am confuse with the "hole" on top of the high pipe. It should have AAV vent that is closed and allows air in on demand.

Correction: now your second pic loaded. It is AAV vent. The hole is there on purpose. It is OK.

If the left one side drains fine and the other not, I would separate the drain right above the trap (the white nut). Dismantle the plumbing connecting the sinks - especially the T. Make sure they are clean. Reassemble. Test. Let me know how it went.

All nuts should be hand tightened. So you may not even need tools. Make sure you don't clip the washers under each nut.

EddieBear · May 17, 2009, 07:29 PM

I will do that Monday or Tuesday and post the results, Thanks.

Milo Dolezal · May 17, 2009, 07:31 PM

Sounds good... come back to us to share your experiences. Thank you. Milo

EddieBear · May 18, 2009, 06:44 PM

OK, I cleaned every thing from the sink up to "T" #2. (so from the elbow up)
I bought a baby bottle brush for this.
Still backs up.
I did notice that when I fill both sides and remove the stoppers, water goes down slow until air bubble/gurgles from the drains.
The original problem is still there. :(

Milo Dolezal · May 18, 2009, 06:48 PM

Eddie, take off that square nut on the bottom left in your photo, take 25' snake and snake you line as far as the snake goes.

Also, unscrew the AAV and dry test it. See if it functions properly. ( if you blow into it, it should be in closed position. If you suck air in, it should open and you should be able to draw air)

EddieBear · May 18, 2009, 07:06 PM

I kind of figured that I might need to do that. I'll have to find some one with a snake or buy one.
I tried turning the square nut (I was going to clean there too), it seemed very tight so I stopped.
I love hands on work but I'm the guy that a 15 minute job turns in to a 8 hour repair.:mad:
Should it be very tight?
I also hear gurgling coming from the kitchen sink drain while the washer is emptying (I'm not sure were its connected in relation to the sink but if it has any bearing with this issue, I could check it out).

I'll give it a shot. I'm sure it will be more that a few days. But I will post the results.
Any last tips? Any dangers/precautions/tips in using a snake?

Milo Dolezal · May 18, 2009, 08:05 PM

Eddie: gurgling indicates that there is either blockage inside your drain or vent is clogged up. You don't have vent going through the roof for that sink. You have AAV. Then, most likely, you have blocked drain.

Unscrew the AAV vent ( the piece with hole) and run your sink. See how it drains.

The square plug is probably hand tighten. But if there for long period, it may be difficult to remove by hand. Use channel locks

Go to Home Depot and rent a snake: 3/8" cable x 25' long. It cost about $25.00 for 4 hours. Remove that square plug and start inserting the snake. Be patient. It may go easily, it may not. Once you hit the clog it will resist. You have to go back 'n' forth several times until the snake breaks through the blockage. Then, re-snake again. Reinstall the plug and run lots of hot water for 10 minutes. It will flush all the sediment down to the street. See the photo what such a snake looks like...

Use good gloves and goggles. Watch for the snake as it may kink and twist around your hand in a second.

Good luck... Let us know how it went!. Milo