Sinks are something we take for granted until something goes wrong!

The Problem

Blocked sink

We all know how easily our home sinks get blocked and we’re all familiar with the trouble it can cause if the problem persists. Fortunately, if the blockage isn’t too severe, it can be fairly straight forward to fix and you may even be able to do it yourself.

How to unblock a sink

Clear the Plughole

The first thing to do is to clear out your plughole as thoroughly as possible. Though this may not be the source of your blockage, this will make life easier when it comes to flushing the sink through.

Remove the Blockage

Before you get stuck into the U bend, it’s a good idea to flush through a solution to clear out any grease. The best solution to use is a simple mix of baking soda and vinegar. Pour the baking soda in first, followed by the vinegar. You should hear a slight fizz as the solution does its work. Wait a short time and then flush through with warm water.

For more stubborn blockages you can also use a small amount of bleach to clear a blocked drain if you feel that it is necessary. When using chemicals such as bleach always ensure that you read the instructions and follow advice on the bottle to keep you and your family safe. Once you have poured a small amount of bleach down the sink allow it to sit for as long as possible before you flush with hot water. The longer you leave the bleach the more likely you are to clear your blocked drains. If you are able to, leave it to work overnight before running the tap in the morning.

Avoid using harsh chemical drain unblocking solutions such as caustic soda as these can burn skin on contact and may leave a hazardous residue around your sink for hours after use.

Tackle the U Bend

If your blockage is a bit more severe, you will need to drain the sink and examine the U bend. Take a look beneath the sink and locate the first bend in the pipe which falls down from the plug hole. Place a washing-up bowl or similar receptacle below the bend and slowly unscrew the U bend, allowing the water to drain at a steady pace.

When the water has drained completely, take the U bend and clean it thoroughly. You may like to use a hooked coat hanger to drag out anything which is lodged deep into the tube.

Call J&F Drainage

If you are struggling with your blocked sink, then give us a call on 07758 088472 / 01253 428865. We are experienced drainage experts and will be happy to have a look and help you to solve the problem. We can also help you to thoroughly clean your drains, making future blockages less likely.