Sink waste plumbing in our new flat

TobyGilliam534

I've just moved into a new flat, and have been gradually fixing bits and pieces as we go along.

Check out the dog's dinner I found under the sink!

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6977907/IMG_0896.JPG

Does anyone know what are the black marks on the wood at the back? None of the pipes are touching it so I'm guessing it must be something that happened in the past - maybe they were at some point touching and burned the wood? Any thoughts?

Also the sinks have been a bit blocked so I took this all apart yesterday and the whole system all the way from both sinks to the pipe which runs vertically along the back were completely clogged up with sludge. I got rid of it all, but ran out of time before I got to that pipe along the back and was a bit nervous about pulling it out in the time I had.

We're having the kitchen redone soon and we'll be using a sink with only one drainer, so I'm thinking I will leave it till then and I also imagine this will massively simplify this setup - I'm guessing then I can just use one trap which will go straight to the outside pipe, with a feeder pipe for the washing machine (something like this:http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/diy/traps-wastes-and-plumbing-parts/universal-dishwasher-and-washing-machine-trap---40mm-830219).

Does that all sound sensible? Never done anything like this before but keen to learn! I mainly just want to be sure there's nothing particularly unsafe under here.

Thanks in advance!

Toby

SailorSam

Those marks look like when the plumber has been soldering the pipes his blow tourh has singed the wood.
Nothing to worry about

TobyGilliam534

ahh, that makes sense.

Good stuff.

TobyGilliam534

Still interested to know anyone else's thoughts on the current setup and whether it's worth leaving this as it is until I redo the kitchen, I can't really see any reason not to.

Although I just found this - I can't help thinking something like this would have done the same thing and wouldn't have required gaffer taping it all up??

http://www.screwfix.com/p/floplast-double-bowl-sink-trap-kit-40mm-white/80588

SailorSam

I think i'd leave it as it is, if you're only going to have the one sink it will have to be changed then , but can i ask "Why do you only want one sink" I know since i switched to a 1 and half sink i've found it easier.
Others will come along and tell you their thoughts.