How to Prevent Ongoing Clogs in a Utility Sink

When you have a utility sink its singular purpose is to dispose of things 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 dispose of food particles. The utility sink is often connected directly to the main plumbing line that lead to the sewer or septic system.

This is what allows you to dispose of these items in this sink as using a regular home sink would find you having more problems with clogging. The utility sink can still become clogged and the following article will explain how to prevent this from happening.

Step 1 - Strain the Utility Sink

When you are dumping things in to the sink the larger items can easily become stuck in the pipe. If the materials make it down the pipe then it can get stuck in the bend of the pipe. These issues may require the use of a plumber to solve. An easy way to prevent this from happening is to add a strainer to the drain. A utility sink does not often have a strainer which will catch larger items that may do better being throw away in the regular garbage instead of poured down the sink. The strainer should be cleaned often to keep it working properly.

Step 2 - Thin it Out

When you're disposing of things like chemicals and paint it is important that they are thinned prior to be dumped down the drain. Paint can seize up and then solidify in the drain pipe which will cause an issue with proper draining of the utility sink. Chemicals can actually eat away at material that is caked inside the pipes.

Food and hair are two of the main examples. When these materials dislodge they can become stuck further down the pipe. Put 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 materials that should never be disposed of down the drain of a utility sink or any sink for that matter. This is primarily the case with food items. Grease is the worst thing you can dump down a drain. The grease will seize up and stick on the walls of the pipe which will eventually cause a clog. You should always dispose of the grease by pouring it inside of a metal tin with a lid. A coffee can is the best case scenario. The grease can then be disposed of at a recycling center.

Step 4 - Clean the Bends

Most of the clogs in your utility sink will 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.