General Question

Jeruba's avatar

Is my kitchen sink drain configured incorrectly?

Asked by Jeruba (56004points) 3 weeks ago

Two side-by-side sinks, each with a drainpipe going straight down. One descends straight down to the outgoing pipe. The other descends about 6 inches and then curves into a right angle and follows a perfect horizontal to connect to the outgoing pipe.

Shouldn’t they connect at a downward oblique angle so fluids and debris don’t just sit in that horizontal section?

I think this is defeating my efforts to eliminate drain flies.

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5 Answers

filmfann's avatar

Is there no u?

Tropical_Willie's avatar

There should br a “P” to stop sewer gas from coming out of drain . .. . https://www.puroclean.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-sewer-gas-smell/

flutherother's avatar

The sink drain should have a slight downward slope to allow water to flow properly. A slope of ΒΌ inch per foot (2%) lets water flow due to gravity.

Pouring boiling water down the drain a couple of times a day for a week should get rid of any flies and larvae.

Jeruba's avatar

Thanks, that was all very helpful. Yes, there is a U. I did not take a level to it, but the horizonal pipe may indeed slope a little.

I’m following the guidance on drain flies that says to put baking soda and vinegar down there for some number of nights and flush with hot water in the morning.

As for the flies themselves, I’m not sure what they are. All the pictures I’ve found of drain flies show their silhouette as a triangle like a moth, with wings unfolded. What I see is a little narrow silhouette with wings tucked and the two sides parallel. Is this actually something other than a drain fly?

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