A blocked sink can be both unpleasant and concerning. It’s enough to transform your kitchen from a culinary sanctuary to the last place you want to prepare something to eat. And there’s also a risk that it could overflow and cause water damage in your kitchen or bathroom.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can fix this problem and protect your health and safety without having to call in a professional. Here are our top tips for unblocking a sink at home.
A strong burst of hot water may be enough to clear the blockage. A water bottle is a handy tool for this. Try filling a large plastic bottle with hot water and place it upside down over the plughole. Then, squeeze the water down the plug as fast and hard as you can.
If sheer force isn’t enough, you may need to use something stronger like bleach. Pour some down the plughole, leave for several hours and then rinse with hot water.
For a more natural solution, channel your inner scientist with a cocktail of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Pour the bicarbonate of soda down the plughole first and follow it with a vinegar chaser. This doesn't need to be left to work like bleach does. As soon as it has stopped fizzing, you can rinse it with hot water.
Many of us have a plunger hanging about under our sink. It can be one of the best ways to clear whatever is blocking the pipe. Place the plunger over the plughole and get pumping!
After a few minutes, fill the sink up to test how well it drains. You may need to try a couple of times before the sink drains quickly again.
If the blockage is too stubborn for the above methods, you may have to get more hands-on. This is likely to be the least pleasant part of the job, so before you get started, change into some old clothes and grab a pair of rubber gloves.
We hope these steps will help unblock your sink, but if they don’t work it’s best to call a professional to investigate further.