Plumbing

So, apparently there is a blockage in the kitchen sink drainage pipe, which is also the pipe for the washing machine.  The water from the sink doesn't drain and sometimes it backs up into the other sink.  We discovered this while we were running the washing machine and the water from there was backing up into the sink.  I called the landlord and he said it was his responsability (mind you we've had more than one problem that hasn't gotten fixed since we moved in almost a month ago), he says the conctract says we are responsible for that.  Fine, whatever.  We tried some blockage removal liquids and it didn't work.  Bottom line is we need a plumber but I have no idea where to find one or how much they cost.  Anyone had a similar problem before?  How much does this sort of thing usually cost to fix?  TIA

June

Sorry about your trouble with the drainage and the lovely landlord, I can't believe that the tenants have to pay for plumbing work, after all its his house. I would check the lease "just in case". Uggh, we have had the landlord from hell...hope yours doesn't end up as bad! As for getting a plumber, can you ask a neighbor, co-worker or lastly the Estate Agent for a referral. Best of luck!

PS - once you do find a plumber and if he is good....hold onto his number! A good plumber is hard to find!

Undersink plumbing shouldn't be too much trouble,its usually all easy to get at and simple to figure out.Main thing to look out for is the trap which is normally what gets blocked,just unscrew it,clean it out and replace it,have a pan or something underneath it as its usually full of water/gunk.

Dave

have you tried a plunger yet? block the little hole and plunge away with a sink full of water. hopefully that will do the trick especially since you have already used some drain cleaners.

my sink has the same set up and I had to have a plumber out. he said regular plunging and drain cleaners will keep it working well.

So, apparently there is a blockage in the kitchen sink drainage pipe, which is also the pipe for the washing machine. 

Is there a separate trap for the washer, or does it connect into the side of the sink drain before the sink trap?    I've seen the latter arrangement sometimes, and it's not a very good system. 

Either way, I'd have a look underneath as Dave suggested.  If it's a modern plastic drain system, the trap can be unscrewed easily from the other fittings to clean it out.  There could be a blockage further down the pipe, but the trap is the first thing to check.