KitchenAid Shared Drain Line Restriction

Garbage disposal causes water to back up into the opposite sink bowl when running.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Partial clog in common drain downstream of disposal, Improperly installed baffle tee, Grease buildup in horizontal run

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Turn OFF power to the disposal. Do not use chemical drain cleaners.

Step-by-step:

  • 1. Inspect under-sink piping: Identify how the two sink bowls connect to the KitchenAid disposal and main drain.
  • 2. Clean P-trap and tee: Place a bucket, remove the P-trap and baffle tee, and clear any debris or grease.
  • 3. Check horizontal run: Use a small drain snake to clear the horizontal pipe leading to the wall.
  • 4. Reassemble correctly: Ensure the baffle tee is oriented properly to direct flow downward, not across to the other bowl.
  • 5. Test: Run water and operate the disposal to confirm that water no longer backs up.

When to call a technician: If the clog is in the wall or main line, a plumber with proper equipment is required.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Sink Baffle Tee
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