Ways to prevent Constant Blockages in a Utility Sink

What You'll Need:

Sink drain strainer

Metal container with lid

Drain stopper

Adjustable wrench

Pail





If you have a utility sink its singular function is to dispose of stuff that are a by-product of some sort of craft or work. If you are a painter, you would dispose of chemicals and paint in the utility sink, much like a professional cook may dump food particles. The utility sink is often attached directly to the primary plumbing line that lead to the sewer or septic system. This is what lets you get rid of these things in this sink as using a normal home sink would find you having more problems with clogging. The utility sink can certainly still become clogged and the following article will explain ways to avoid this from happening.



Step 1 - Strain the Utility Sink



When you're throwing things in to the sink, the larger items can easily become trapped in the pipe. If the items make it down the pipe then it may get stuck in the bend of the pipe. These issues may require the use of a plumbing contractor to solve. A simple way to stop this from happening is to add a strainer to the drain. A utility sink does not usually have a strainer that can catch larger items that may be better being throw away in the regular garbage instead of poured it down the sink. The strainer should be cleaned often to help keep it working properly.



Step 2 - Thin it Out



When you're discarding things like chemical substances and paint, it is crucial that they are thinned before being dumped down the drain. The paint can seize up and then harden in the drain pipe which will cause a problem with proper draining of the utility sink. Chemical compounds may actually eat away at material that is caked inside the water pipes. Food and hair are two of the main examples. When these products dislodge they can become stuck further down the pipe. Place a stopper in the drain hole and then pour in your material. Run the water to thin the material out before it is allowed to go down the drain. Once it is thinned out pull the chain to remove the stopper.



Step 3 - Dispose Elsewhere



There are certain substances that should not be discarded down the drain of a utility sink or any sink for that matter. This is primarily the case with food items. Oil is the worst thing you can dispose of down a drain. The oil will seize up and cling on the walls of the pipe which will eventually cause a clog. It is recommended to dispose of the grease by pouring it inside of a metal tin with a lid. A coffee can is the best case scenario. The oil can then be disposed of at a recycling center.



Step 4 - Clean the Bends



The vast majority of clogs in your utility sink are likely to be found in the bend of the pipe under the sink. Use the wrench to remove the coupler. The section of pipe can then be removed and properly cleaned.

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