A kitchen sink clogged on both sides is one of the most frustrating issues homeowners face—especially when your garbage disposal is backing up into both sinks. Not only does it disrupt your daily kitchen tasks, but it can also signal more serious plumbing issues lurking beneath the surface.
If both sides of your sink are clogged and the water in the sink is not draining, don’t panic. Whether you’re dealing with a double sink plumbing with a garbage disposal or simply trying to figure out how to unclog a double sink with a garbage disposal, this guide will walk you through every step of the process.
And if you ever feel unsure or want professional help, our licensed plumbers at PlumbingAmarillo.us are just a call away. We offer fast and reliable clogged sink repair across Amarillo and nearby areas.
Why Is My Kitchen Sink Backed Up on Both Sides?
If your kitchen sink is clogged on both sides with garbage disposal, it usually means you’re dealing with a blockage in the main drain line. This is more than just a minor inconvenience—sink backing up on both sides can lead to lingering odors, water damage, and further damage to your garbage disposal plumbing system.
Some common reasons why your sink is backing up on both sides include:
- Food scraps stuck in the drain
- Grease buildup
- Blocked P-trap or disposal blades
- Faulty or jammed garbage disposal
- A deeper blockage in the main kitchen drain
Whether your kitchen sink backs up into the other side or your double sink is clogged on both sides, here’s how to unclog a kitchen sink with disposal step-by-step.
Related: How Do You Unclog a Garbage Disposal?
Step 1: Check and Clean Your Garbage Disposal
A clogged garbage disposal drain pipe is a leading cause of a double kitchen sink clogged on both sides. Start here:
- Unplug the garbage disposal or turn off the circuit breaker for safety.
- Reach inside the drain and remove any visible food scraps or debris.
- Use a flashlight to inspect if anything is blocking the disposal blades.
- Once cleaned, plug the unit back in and turn it on to see if the water starts to drain.
If water is coming back up the sink or the sink won’t drain at all, move on to the next method.
Step 2: Reset the Garbage Disposal and Turn the Center Crank
A jammed disposal may cause your sink to clog on both sides.
- Press the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit.
- Insert an Allen wrench into the center hole and manually rotate the blades clockwise to free any obstructions.
- Test your sink again to see if both sides of the sink are still clogged.
If sink water is not draining, you may need a more advanced approach.
Step 3: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar to Break Down Blockage
How to clean kitchen sink blockage naturally? The baking soda and vinegar method works well for minor clogs:
What You Need:
- ½ cup of baking soda
- ½ cup of white vinegar
- A sink stopper or rag
- Boiling water
Steps:
- Pour baking soda into the sink drain, followed by vinegar.
- Immediately cover the drain to trap the fizzing reaction.
- Wait 30 minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain.
- Repeat this monthly to keep your kitchen sink drain clear and odor-free.
If the sink is still filling up on both sides, grab your plunger.
Step 4: Try a Sink Plunger on One Side at a Time
If you’re asking what to do when the sink is clogged even after vinegar and baking soda, it’s time to use a plunger for the kitchen sink with garbage disposal:
- Place the plunger on one side of the double sink.
- Plug the other side tightly with a rag.
- Plunge firmly 10–15 times.
- Remove the plunger and check if the water drains properly.
Repeat the same on the opposite side if necessary. If your kitchen sink still doesn’t drain, the blockage may be deeper.
Step 5: Remove and Clean the P-Trap & Plumbing Assembly
This is the most hands-on method to fix a clogged kitchen sink garbage disposal dishwasher setup:
- Place a bucket under the sink to catch water.
- Unscrew the joints under the sink to remove the P-trap and pipe assembly.
- Carefully drain the remaining water.
- Use a pipe brush or wire to clean out gunk or food debris.
- Reassemble the plumbing and test for drainage.
If this sounds overwhelming, let the experts at PlumbingAmarillo.us handle the job with precision and care.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you’ve tried every method and your sink is still stopped up on both sides, you may have a serious garbage disposal and sink not draining issue. At this point, calling a professional is your safest and fastest option.
Our team at PlumbingAmarillo.us specializes in:
- Clogged sink repair
- Snaking kitchen sink lines
- Garbage disposal repair and replacement
- Double sink plumbing with garbage disposal
- 24/7 emergency plumbing services
We’ll diagnose the problem, whether it’s a clogged double kitchen sink, faulty garbage disposal, or a deeper main line obstruction.
Preventing Future Clogs in Your Kitchen Sink
Once your sink is working again, here’s how to prevent the same issue:
- Avoid putting grease, eggshells, pasta, coffee grounds, or bones down the drain.
- Run cold water while using the garbage disposal.
- Use vinegar and baking soda monthly to clean the drain.
- Schedule routine plumbing inspections to catch problems early.
Final Thoughts
Having your kitchen sink clogged on both sides with garbage disposal is a nuisance, but it’s not impossible to fix. With the steps above, you now know how to unclog a kitchen sink with disposal—but if your sink is backing up into the other side or still won’t drain, it’s time to bring in a professional.
Don’t let a clogged sink with disposal disrupt your kitchen. Contact PlumbingAmarillo.us for expert plumbing assistance, fast service, and guaranteed satisfaction. Whether you’re dealing with a double sink clogged on both sides, a sink that won’t drain, or a garbage disposal that’s backing up, we’re here 24/7 to help you get back to clean, clog-free living.
Call us today or book an appointment online—let’s get your kitchen back in working order!