{"id":7402,"date":"2016-08-18T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-08-18T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plumbing.anytrades.co.uk\/?p=161"},"modified":"2016-08-18T09:00:00","modified_gmt":"2016-08-18T08:00:00","slug":"unblock-a-sink-like-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/diy\/unblock-a-sink-like-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Unblock a Sink like a Pro"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s a dreaded feeling when you realise that your sink or bath isn’t draining as quickly as normal. You know that you’re going to have to deal with it, but it feels better to put it off.<\/p>\n

But you are going to have to tackle it eventually. You might opt for a drain unblocking gel, but the reality is that this will only work in the very short term.<\/p>\n

If you leave your blocked sink or bath too long, it’s only going to get worse. But luckily, it doesn’t usually take a plumber to sort this problem out. <\/p>\n

Follow our tips on how to unblock a sink and you will have yours running back to normal in no time.<\/p>\n

1. Use the right equipment<\/h4>\n

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Sink unblocking chemicals won’t get rid of the entire blockage, no matter how many times you run different products down your drain. You need to go old school.<\/p>\n

You’re going to need a plunger. They’re simple to use as long as you know how. <\/p>\n

2. Make sure your plunger is big enough<\/h4>\n

Now is not the time to scrimp on quality. Make sure your plunger is big enough and flexible enough to withstand the exertion. You’ll find a good quality plunger in any DIY store.<\/p>\n

3. Run some water<\/h4>\n

If you’re going to unblock a sink, you’ll need to run some water into the sink to let it block. Then put the plunger over the plughole, making sure that there’s some water still left in the sink. <\/p>\n

4. Cover the overflow<\/h4>\n

Don’t forget this step. Block the overflow with a damp cloth to trap air. This will make the plunging action work.<\/p>\n

5. Plunge<\/h4>\n

Now plunge for a few minutes until the water drains away like normal. Eventually you should release the blockage and your drain will run like it should.<\/p>\n

What happens if plunging doesn’t work?<\/h3>\n

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All is not lost yet. If plunging doesn’t unblock your sink, there is something else you can try.<\/p>\n

Unscrew the trap<\/h4>\n

This might get a bit grim, but it could work. Put a bowl or bucket under the trap of the sink, which is bowed part, and unscrew the pipe.<\/p>\n

As the trap is bowed, you can end up with all sorts of things blocked in there. Think hair, bits of food and built up soap scum. It’s probably going to be a bit yucky, but you’ll probably just have to pull out a lump of all these things stuck together. <\/p>\n

Once you’ve removed the blockage, simply screw the pipe back together and you should be good to go.<\/p>\n

What happens if these don’t work?<\/h3>\n

\"unblockIf these methods don’t help you unblock a sink, it might be time to call in the professionals. <\/p>\n

A plumber will be able to locate a blockage if it’s further down your pipework. It’s an easy job for them but it might take a little while longer to fix than a standard blockage. <\/p>\n

Ready to give these tips a go with your sink or bath? Let us know how it goes by tweeting us @Quotatis<\/a>.<\/p>\n