Stubborn Clogs & Leaks in This 1960s Home
In this 1960s detached home, a backed-up kitchen sink and leaking drain connections revealed problems that extended well beyond the visible piping under the cabinet.
Our drain clearing service addressed four separate issues, each requiring a targeted repair approach.
The Extra Challenges of This Drainage System
Lindsey and Ted have an older home; the combination of ABS plastic, copper, and cast-iron for their kitchen sink drainage system created some additional challenges.
No Access Point for Drain Clearing
The home’s original plumbing layout presented an immediate challenge.
Under the sink, ABS plastic drainage transitioned to copper in the adjacent cabinet, then to 2-inch cast iron in the basement. There was no cleanout upstairs to access the drain with clearing equipment while maintaining water flow for testing.
Corroded Copper Drainage
During the assessment, our Red Seal Licensed Plumber discovered that a section of 1.5-inch copper drain pipe directly below the waste arm tee had rotted through.
Water was leaking down the exterior of the pipe to the level below; this type of leak is typical in homes of this age, where copper drainage has endured decades of kitchen wastewater.
Severe Blockage at the Pipe Transition
During the drain cleaning, the first major obstruction was located where the copper drainage connects to the cast iron base of the stack Y-fitting.
A large clog had accumulated at this transition point, creating a near-complete blockage. Connection points between different pipe materials commonly catch debris due to slight differences in interior diameter.
Secondary Blockage in Underground System
A second blockage was discovered at the first 90-degree bend in the underground cast-iron drainage.
This horizontal-to-vertical transition is a typical accumulation point, particularly in older cast iron systems where interior surfaces have roughened over time.
How We Cleared the Clogs & Repaired the Drain
For the access problem, we installed a new cleanout and Y-fitting into the vertical drain pipe in the corner cabinet.
Two special mechanical clamps adapted the connection from ABS plastic to the existing copper drainage. Then, we extended the new piping to connect below the corroded brass tee, eliminating the copper leak in the same repair.
For the drain clogs, we deployed the K-60 drain machine with 5/8-inch cables through the new cleanout. A 1-inch spring bulb bit broke through the initial obstructions at both the cast iron connection and the underground 90-degree bend.
We then switched to a cutter bit and reworked both problem areas to ensure thorough clearing, continuing with cables to approximately 50 feet until no resistance remained and the drain flowed freely.
For the under-sink leaks, three connections simply needed additional tightening. The P-trap required disassembly; we applied pipe joint compound to the union threads and reassembled for a watertight seal.
Lindsay & Ted’s Kitchen Sink is Fixed
The kitchen sink blockage was eliminated, with no resistance detected to approximately 50 feet of the drainage system. All leaks were repaired, including the corroded copper section bypass and the P-trap union connection.
The new cleanout provides direct access for any future drain maintenance; an upgrade that will benefit their home going forward. We also filled and drained the sink five times to confirm the repairs. No leaks were observed, and water flowed well through the system.
Get Drain Clearing Service in Ottawa Today
Kitchen sink blockages in older homes often involve challenges beyond what’s visible under the cabinet.
Plumbing Now’s Licensed Plumbers provide professional drain clearing and repair throughout Ottawa communities like Alta Vista, Centrepointe, and surrounding areas. We’re also pet-friendly!
Call us at 613-212-4857.