Waste King
Improper Double-Sink Drain Configuration / Partial Clog
Garbage disposal runs but water and ground food back up into the opposite sink bowl in a double sink.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Clogged cross-tee between sinks, Incorrectly installed baffle tee, Insufficient slope in drain piping, Partial blockage downstream of sink connection
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF power to the disposal. Do not use chemical drain cleaners.
- Step 1 – Inspect drain configuration: Under the sink, note how the two sink bowls connect. A baffle tee or cross-tee should be installed between them.
- Step 2 – Check for clogs: Remove the P-trap and cross-tee. Clean out any food or grease buildup.
- Step 3 – Verify proper fittings: Ensure a baffle tee is used rather than a straight tee to prevent backflow into the other sink.
- Step 4 – Reassemble with proper slope: Reinstall the piping with a slight downward slope toward the wall drain. Tighten all slip nuts.
- Step 5 – Test operation: Run water and operate the disposal. If backup persists, the blockage may be further in the drain line and a plumber may be needed.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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