blocked sink when using dishwasher

WaxiesDargle

Hi

just recently my kitchen sink has been filling with water when the dishwasher is in use...the water usually drains after a while, but last night the water stayed in the sink....any ideas why I am getting this water from my dishwasher? I tried the plunger but the water stayed in, I had to bale it out in the end but obv. the problem is still there...will those liquid sink unblockers like Mr Muscle be the answer or is it a job for a plumber?

ariba10

It would appear that you have a blockage below the point at which the the two waste pipes join.

Without seeing it, it is difficult to say how to solve the problem.

keystone

ariba10 wrote: »

It would appear that you have a blockage below the point at which the the two waste pipes join.

Sorry dont agree. Its a stone cold certainty.

Cheers

keystone

WaxiesDargle wrote: »

Hi

just recently my kitchen sink has been filling with water when the dishwasher is in use...the water usually drains after a while, but last night the water stayed in the sink....any ideas why I am getting this water from my dishwasher?

Because you have a blockage downstream of the join and the only way left is up.

I tried the plunger but the water stayed in, I had to bale it out in the end but obv. the problem is still there

it will be - the blockage is probably too far down to have much effect with a plunger.

...will those liquid sink unblockers like Mr Muscle be the answer or is it a job for a plumber?

You certainly can try something like that but its a DIY job not a plumber job tbh.

Does your trap look something like this?



Actualy a pic of what you have got would help. You'd be better off initially just removing the trap and giving it a damn good clean out. The blockage may be in the trap it might be further down. If its further down removing it should give you access to try a little rodding.

Its not a nice job and it pongs a bit so if you don't fancy it perhaps you do need to get someone in. The MSE way is DIY though.

Cheers

WaxiesDargle

thanks for the replies

can you tell me how to put a photo up...I've taken a photo and its now on my laptop

cheers

keystone

Save photo to somewhere it can easily be retrieved. Do not sve it as a 2048 x 2048 2MB+ monster though.

Go to photobucket or imageshack or similar. Follow instructions and upload the image. Cut and paste the "forum code" it will provide you with into a new post.

Cheers

WaxiesDargle

[IMG]http://[/img]this is it...I have a horrible feeling this photo will be huge

googler

The blockage could be in the 'U', the lowest point above that hole in the cupboard base. Assume the dishwasher waste comes in via that entry at the back?

You need something watertight under the 'U' to catch any spillage - it doesn't look like there's much room so it may have to be a plastic sheet or similar.

Unscrew the two plastic nuts to release the U and see if there's any build up of crud inside it. Whatever you do, don't feel tempted to rinse it in the sink above. Place something over the tap(s) to dissuade you from turning them on.

When it's cleaned out, replace, tightening the white nuts by hand only. If the washers inside the joints look decayed, you may need to visit a local B&Q or similar for replacements.

yangptangkipperbang

googler wrote: »

Whatever you do, don't feel tempted to rinse it in the sink above.

Everyone does that - ONCE ! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

mttylad

An oven tray may fit there, and rags are needed.

If it is not the U blocked then look outside where it should be flowing into a drain - it may be full of leaves etc.

keystone

Agree with checking the other end first to ensure that that is clear. If it is then to the trap. Don't even think about undoing the U part only. Two reasons:

1. You'll get all sorts of muck, gore, blood and guts spilling out which you won't be able to catch as there isn't room to get anything sensible between the U and the shelf and;

2. When you've undone it you won't be able to remove it from the rest of the trap because it won't drop down far enough to clear the threads without removing the shelf first.

Firstly undo the screw fitting securing the DW hose to the trap as indicated at A below (not the white knurled nut as all that will do is spin the hose into a kink). Then remove hose.



Next undo the two nuts indicated at B leaving C alone as previously advised except you'll need to slacken them off slightly. Pull (twist) the trap off the waste pipe first then you can drop the whole trap down. The nut at B will clear the threads on the sink waste. As you are doing this tilt it back towards you - that will contain all the fluid etc within the trap with minimal spillage. Having removed it you can now empty the trap into a suitable receptacle (not the sink as already advised). Its most likely full of soap scum and fat. Give it a good clean out, check for further blockages on the waste pipe, reassemble and off you go. Having cleared the trap out if you still have problems go for caustic soda plus a ketle of boiling water to clear anything out of the waste pipe further down. Clearing the trap first (or ensuring it is clear) is a must though otherwise the stuff just won't get down further into the pipework.

Cheers