Top Tips for Unblocking your Sink

It’s a dreadful feeling when you realise that your sink or bath isn’t draining as quickly as normal. You understand that you’re going to need to handle it, but it feels much better to put it off.

However, you are going to need to tackle it eventually. You might choose a drain unclogging gel, but the reality is that this will just work in the short term.

If you leave your blocked sink or bath too long, it’s just getting even worse over time. But luckily, it doesn’t normally take a plumbing technician to sort this issue out.

Follow our pointers on ways to unclog a sink and you will have yours running back to normal in no time.

1. Get the ideal equipment

Sink unblocking chemicals will not eliminate the entire obstruction, no matter the number of times you run various items down your drain. You have to go old-fashioned.

You’re going to need a plunger. They’re simple to use as long as you know how.

2. Make sure your plunger is big enough

Now is not the time to scrimp on quality. Ensure your plunger is big enough and flexible enough to endure the exertion. You’ll discover a good quality plunger in any Do It Yourself store.

3. Run some water

If you’re going to unblock a sink, you’ll have to run some water into the sink to let it block. Then put the plunger over the plughole, ensuring that there’s some water still left in the sink.

4. Cover the overflow

Do not forget this step. Block the overflow with a wet cloth to trap air. This will make the plunging action work.

5. Plunge

Now plunge for a few minutes up until the water drains pipes away like usual. Ultimately you should dislodge the blockage and your drain will run like it should.

What happens if plunging doesn’t work?

All is not lost yet. If plunging doesn’t unclog your sink, there is something else you can attempt.

Unscrew the trap

This may get a bit grim, but it might work. Put a bowl or pail under the trap of the sink, which is bowed part, and unscrew the pipeline.

As the trap is bowed, you can wind up with all sorts of things obstructed in there, like hair, food and soap residue. It’s most likely going to be a bit yucky, but you’ll just need to take out a lump of all these things that are stuck.

Once you’ve got rid of the obstruction, merely screw the pipeline back together and you ought to be great to go.

What takes place if these do not work?

If these approaches don’t help you to you unblock a sink, it might be time to contact the a local plumber who will be able to investigate the issue in more details – consider checking out our 5 East Steps to hiring a plumber.

A plumber will be able to find an obstruction if it’s even more down your pipework. It’s a simple job for them but it may take a little while longer to fix than a standard obstruction.

Anticipate to pay between ₤35 and ₤65 for a plumber to unclog your sink. Our guide to plumbing prices can be seen here if you have any other jobs that need doing at the same time.

Ready to give these suggestions a go with your sink or bath? Let us know how it goes by tweeting us @Quotatis.