Am I cursed with clogs for life?

Question

I an unable to post my question, because I am limited to 1000 characters, and Yahoo says that "The more details you provide, the better your results will be." So, I have had to put my comments on a separate webpage, and so I need you all to read about my clog problems at http://home.gwi.net/~rdf/yahoo/2_clogs/ and provide feedback.

Reply to comment ted nation:

Alright, there's one thing that feels like I can pull down...halfway down the sinkhole-side pipe is something that I feel that I can loosen up and remove. However, I am afraid to pulldown too hard on it as it slides, because I am afraid to break something out of the wall or something else will happen, or even worse, I might end up not being able to get it back in. Also, I cannot determine what other end to unscrew (if even that), because everything else feels stiff.

As I said, I NEED step by step directions for someone who has never worked with a J before or anything like that. so, how (very exactly) would I remove the J?

Reply to comment suzanne w:

What does "mr mucle plughole unblocker" mean? I did a search for that and came up with weird results and a misspelling suggestion for "mr muscle plughole unblocker." What does that mean, how/why would I use it, and is it important?

Re: ted nation response 2 (and others, I guess)

I suppose that's a bit better. Right now, I am away for the week due to other plans, and I will not be able to test out your steps until at least the upcoming weekend. But by then, stupid Yahoo will have closed my extended question.

Hey, ted nation, I'm having trouble identifying the bottom bracket from a gasket ring. The top bracket is loose, but now I have two firm things that I'm afraid to unscrew, because I'm afraid that the item that I unscrew is the gasket.

Alright, after the bottom of the J and up (now going towards the wall), is something that looks like it can be untwisted, but it seems rather sealed into place. Also, on the other side of the J at the same height is another one that is twisted on pretty tight. But those seem to be the only "things" that I can untwist, if even that. Which of these should I be untwisting, and just how much force is usually required?

Answer 1

have you tried to clean out the pea trap? under your sink is a "J" shaped piece of pvc(plastic pipe). it can be very easily unscrewed and removed, id place a bucket under it before hand to catch the trapped water. you can pull out whatever is in there and that could help.

also, are you in the habit of pouring grease/cooking oil down your kitchen drain? all of your drains are ultimately connected so bad habits with one will lead to problems with all.

in my experience most clogs come from grease in the kitchen sinks, feminine products being flushed down the tolet, or hair...which will clog no matter what the length eventually.

The piece of pvc under your sink shaped like a "J" should have two twist tight brackets at the top and bottom.

1. place bucket under sink.
2. unscrew top bracket
3. unscrew bottom bracket.
4. pull down to remove piece. be careful not to pull off any gasket rings as you will need these when reconnecting to reform your water tight seal. if any of your gaskets stay on the metal pipe coming from your sink, its okay. you will just need to reposition them under the bracket.
5. using whatever is handy remove any blockage from your pipe, the pvc and the metal pipe coming down from your sink.
6. position your "J" back on your sink and tighten brackets from bottom to top.
7. turn on sink to check for leaks in the seal.

this can also be done in your kitchen sink as well and is recommended maintenence at least twice a year. if this dosent help try, liquid fire. use it in the kitchen i work at and its safe for pvc pipes.