Slow running kitchen sink help

17 years ago

I have a batch feed garbage disposal in my kitchen sink that is now broken. It cost me $400 and only lasted 2 years (thank you Insinkerator). Problem is, I cannot afford to replace it at any point in the near future due to financial issues. So, I have been using a strainer to keep food particles from going down the drain. However, some do get through and I am regularly plunging the sink to keep the drain running. I read you should not use something like Liquid Plumber regularly since it damages your pipes.

What can I use to keep this from becoming clogged on a regular basis? I am plunging the sink at least 3 or 4 times per week.

Thanks.

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Comments (5)

Buehl
17 years ago
Can you remove the disposal and put in a normal drain? I don't imagine it would be that expensive.

(I'm not a GD expert.)
paddy_99
17 years ago
Go to your local hardware store and buy a container of the drain cleaning enzymes and follow directions on the label. If used regularly they will keep the drain clean. It sounds as though your problem may be with food particles clogging up the disposal.
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pfmastin
17 years ago
I would try good old baking soda and vinegar. It does a good job for keeping my bathroom drains clear of hair and soap "stuff".

Step 1 - Pour about 3/4 cup of dry baking soda down the drain.
Step 2 - Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain after the baking soda. Be sure to cover the drain immediately afterwards with a rag or plug, filling the hole completely so nothing can escape. This is because the interaction of the two will cause a "mini volcano" that will want to come up and out of the drain..you want to keep it down there.
Step 3 - Leave this concoction in the drain for about 30 minutes. While you are waiting, boil a tea kettle full of water.
Step 4 - After 30 minutes, remove the plug and slowly pour the HOT water down the drain.
cearab
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you. I think I will try the baking soda and vinegar remedy first since that is 'natural' and can't do any harm. Last night I plunged and then put two full kettles of boiling water down the drain.
I'd want to remove the disposal as a last resort, as eventually I will replace it. Note to all: never go with a batch fed disposal. Right now only 1 or 2 companies (Maytag is one), make them and they are very expensive to replace, over $400 plus labor. My plan is to hire an electrician to put in a wall switch so I can go ahead and just install the regular wall switch run disposal next time. That way when it breaks, I can spend $100 on a new one instead of $450!
mcr1
17 years ago
I hate to say it, but get rid of the disposasl and spend the money on getting the pipes snaked. Disposers reek havoc on pipes, I feel that you should never put anything but soap and water down those pipes! Everytime I take a old disposal system off the pipes are usually half clogged up with sludge, stinky and slimy!!!