Nothing can be more annoying than a blocked drain or sink. But the good news is, most blockages can be cleared without calling in the professionals like us.
Get your water flowing freely again with this handy guide.
Common Causes of Blocked Sinks – Advice from Manchester Drainage Professionals
There are some usual culprits for blocked drains.
In kitchens, food scraps, and solidified fats and oils are typically to blame. During the winter, the coldness of the pipes can make the grease more prone to solidifying, leading to more frequent blockage issues.
In bathroom sinks, hair clumps, shaved facial hair, soap scum, and hardened toothpaste can cause blockage problems.
Understanding what’s causing your blockage will help you choose the right solution.
How to Unblock a Sink Using Boiling Water
One of the simplest ways to clear a blockage is to add boiling water. This technique works particularly well for kitchen sinks, which may be clogged with grease.
Fill your kettle and bring to a full boil. As soon as it is ready, pour the water directly into the plug hole in several stages.
We recommend pouring about a third of the kettle, waiting a minute or two for it to work through, then repeating. This will help break down fatty deposits that are causing minor blockages.
There are two safety precautions for the method:
Don’t Use Boiling Water If You Have PVC Pipes
Boiling water with PVC pipes can damage the pipes and loosen the joints, leading to expensive repairs.
Instead, you should use gentler methods of hot water and baking soda and vinegar.
Don’t Use Boiling Water if Recently Used Chemical Drain Unblocker
Using boiling water after having used chemical drain unblockers can release dangerous chemicals and toxic fumes into your household.
Make sure to fully read the chemical drain unblocker instructions for safe usage.
Using a Plunger For Unblocking a Sink
Sometimes all you need to unblock a sink is a trusted plunger.
To get the best results, start by blocking the overflow hole with a damp cloth to create a tighter seal. If you have a double sink, you’ll need to seal off the second plughole with a wet dishcloth to create proper suction.
Next, add enough water to cover the rubber cup of the plunger, then position it directly over the plughole to create an airtight seal.
Pump the plunger vigorously several times before quickly pulling it away from the drain.
The combination of pressure and suction often dislodges blockages effectively.
This technique works well for both kitchen and bathroom sinks and is particularly good for shifting solid blockages.
If it doesn’t work the first time, try a few more attempts before moving on to other methods.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
For this method, you might already have everything you need at home.
Baking soda, when mixed with white vinegar, creates a natural cleaning reaction that can break down many common blockages.
Start by removing any standing water from your sink. Pour about 4-5 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda directly into the plughole, then follow with a cup of white vinegar.
Quickly cover the plughole with a plug or cloth to keep the bubbling reaction working inside the pipe rather than foaming up into your sink.
Let this mixture work its magic for 5-10 minutes while it fizzes away at the blockage and helps clear your smelly drains.
Finally, flush through with boiling water (or hot water for PVC pipes) to wash away any loosened debris.
This method can be great for dealing with grease and soap scum. It is also better for the environment when compared to harsh chemical cleaners.
Unblocking the U-Bend
If the above methods haven’t worked for your pipes, the problem might be hiding in your U-bend.
Your U-bend is the curved pipe section underneath your sink, and it can sometimes collect debris that causes blockages. Before you start, make sure you’ve got a pair of rubber gloves, as this job can get messy.
First, place a bucket underneath the U-bend to get ready to catch any water that will fall out.
Next, unscrew the threaded caps on either side of the U-bend. This can typically be done by hand, although you may need a wrench for tighter screws.
Once the U-bend is detached, you can clear out any debris from inside the pipes. Make sure to check the connecting pipes for any remaining blockages too.
With everything clean, reattach the U-bend securely to prevent leaks, then run the tap to check if the water flows freely again.
Commercial Drain Unblockers
Sometimes natural methods just don’t cut it, and you need a stronger solution.
Commercial drain unblockers contain powerful chemicals designed to dissolve the strongest of materials.
We can’t stress enough the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as these products can be hazardous if not used properly. Pour the recommended amount into your plughole and leave it for the specified time before flushing thoroughly with water.
Regular use of these strong chemicals can damage your pipes over time, potentially leading to more serious problems down the line, so make sure to use them sparingly and call in a professional plumber if you are experiencing frequent problems.
We always advise against using commercial drain unblockers on washing machines as the strong chemicals can damage important parts of your appliance.
Preventing Future Sink Blockages
Once you have solved your sink problem, it is important to make sure it doesn’t return. Here are our top prevention tips:
- Use drain guards to catch food and hair particles
- Never pour cooking grease or oil into your sink, let it cool and place it in your bin
- Regularly clean your plughole with baking soda and vinegar to flush out any potential build ups
Taking Action on Stubborn Blockages – Contact Our Team Today
While DIY methods can help for some common sink blockages, if you are experiencing a difficult to unblock sink or a sink that frequently blocks, you may need professional help.
Clark Drainage are here for you.
Our skilled engineers are available round the clock for emergency callouts and come equipped with specialised tools like high-pressure water jetting equipment and CCTV drain survey cameras. These allow us to identify and resolve even the most stubborn drainage issues quickly and effectively.
For more information contact our experienced team today on 0161 694 6554.
