jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I start every day full of optimism. And then the day progresses. Right now, someone is going to have to unclog the drain in the kitchen sink. That will be me.

MSW

if you cannot do your own plumbing, shame on 'ya, but if you can, you are among the self sufficient, non-snowflake, independent bunch that around here we call "Americans."

so Jerry, you are a good fellow and I hope the clog quakes at the sight of you approaching with your tool box, and runs for the exit!

yes, Virginia, anyone who can't figure out these basic tasks is a complete wus, and, in my view, un American. I will leave out the very young, whos mom or dad has not yet shown them how to do this, and the very old or infirm (i.e. those who can no longer bend that way, or who have arthritis so they can no longer work the channel lock)

that's my tirade for today... i'll climb down off of my soapbox before I fall and hurt myself :)

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Jerry, may the force be with you! Actually, as I’m sure you know, the most likely culprit is the trap. If it’s PVC, a bowl to catch the water and your hands are all you need. if metal, then add channel locks, or pipe wrench or tool of your choice. If it’s further down the line, I’m betting you have a snake, but my favorite tool is a rubber inflatable bladder that fits on a garden hose. Stuff it down the drain, turn on the water and it first seals against the drain, then shoots a high pressure pulse down the drain, unclogging it in seconds. They come in several sizes, and I have even used them to unclog gutter downspouts. It helps to have a valve at the hose end so you can cut the water on and off without having to run outside to the hose bib.

I have to agree with the previous post. Lacking basic skills may not be un American, but it is wussy. We, as a nation are becoming more and more dependent on (expensive) specialists for the simplest problems. We all need to become self-reliant unless we are physically unable. I’ve made sure that my two sons can work on a car, do basic plumbing and electrical work, frame a house or deck and know their way safely around a woodworking shop as well as basic gardening knowledge.

Dannj

You can do this!!! Get psyched!!!!🤪

roaddogie

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

There's a world of difference between "can do" and "willing to do."

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I poured a lot of hot water down the drain yesterday, but that didn't help. When I replaced all the pipes a year or so ago (with PVC), someone online recommended putting an air vent at the top of the down-pipe. I can remove that vent and see if the clog is downstream from there. I'm afraid it won't be that simple, though. It's easy enough to take the joints apart, but putting them together leak-free is something else.

Below is a picture before it was finished.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

That 90 degree at the bottom could be where you are getting the issue. If you have to redo, would suggest you try to reduce that to a 45 so you have a good slope. Maybe as a last resort ?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Good idea, but I'd have to change both 90° elbows.

RoswellNM Loc: SW Indiana

Ditto to PGHphoto. Try and avoid 90 degree angles in drain lines if at all possible. Not a pro but have done church youth mission trips for almost 30 years and near the beginning I somehow became the designated plumber 🤪.

Dannj

You know you can always call “the guy”,
right?

eskiles Loc: Palmer Alaska

This is how I was taught,
If you can’t fix it yourself become a doctor so you can afford to have someone fix it for you!

stonecherub Loc: Tucson, AZ

MSW wrote: "if you cannot do your own plumbing, shame on 'ya, but if you can, you are among the self sufficient, non-snowflake, independent bunch that around here we call "Americans."

Good will, like toilet paper, seems to be in very short supply in modern America. Not everybody is mechanically adept, some people just don't get it and don't deserve to be sneered at.

My father was a good provider, an adequate handy-man, but never taught me a damned thing. Which was OK because I can just look at something and pretty well know how it works, how to fix it, and when to leave it alone and let somebody else do that. Why is this? I have no idea, I just can, but I have taken time to think about it and be thankful for my blessings.

Which is why I will never speak ill of anybody who is baffled by machinery (unless they try to fake it). I love music but can't play an instrument or sing. My wife can turn a piece of cloth into shirt, I'm doing well to button it.

About the sink, Jerry: You are better off doing it yourself. I just had an interesting conversation with the plumber my sister-in-law called because I was too smart to try to help her, myself. He is (was, pre-Covid) backed-up with jobs because he can't find anybody either willing to work or smart enough to handle jobs on his own.

Jay Dee

Never put food,or fatty water down the kitchen sink. Dump it outside then wash the pan , that is : After you finally get it rooted out. Here are some things to try if you haven't unclogged it yet.https://www.assuredcomfort.com/news/6-natural-homemade-drain-cleaners-that

Jay Dee

Try the one using borax. The borax dissolves grease easily if you give it time. Good luck. Let us know how it worked out after you clear it.