Blocked sinks are a common problem for most households, and they can be disruptive to daily life. That’s why in this article we will run through some simple DIY methods that you can do yourself to unblock your kitchen and bathroom sinks.
For stubborn blockages that won’t seem to budge, Hemel Hempstead residents can get in touch with Gas Tech Heating Ltd to unblock a sink quickly and effectively.
Common Causes of Sink Blockages
What are some common causes of sink blockages to watch out for?
Common sink blockages can include:
- Food
- Hair
- Grease or fat
- Soap scum
To prevent blockages, try to avoid washing anything down your sink that isn’t water or a liquid. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but this practice will help to keep your pipes free from clogs and your sink working properly.
Two very common causes are hair and grease or fat. Hair is a common cause of a blockage and it can easily cause havoc on your bathroom drains as it clumps together and is difficult to break down. For kitchen sinks, there is a reason you are told not to pour down fat or grease, as this can harden inside your pipes making for a nasty clog.
Luckily, there ae some DIY methods you can use to unblock your sink. For those stubborn build-ups however, it is always best to call a professional to stop it from becoming a persistent issue.
DIY Methods for Unblocking a Sink
Before getting in touch with a plumber, there are a few quick tricks you can use to try and shift or break down the blockage in your pipes. So, let us run through four methods for unblocking a sink.
Method 1: Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar can be used to unblock a sink. This is effective for minor clogs, and the chemical reaction that occurs when vinegar and baking soda mix will help to break down build ups in your pipes.
First pour around half a cup of baking soda down your drain, this should be followed by half a cup of vinegar which needs to be poured slowly. For the best effect, cover the drain with a cloth or plug and then let the mixture work its magic. We recommend leaving the drain covered and out-of-use for about an hour. You can then slowly pour boiling water down your drain to remove the clog.
This process can be repeated, but for larger, stubborn blockages don’t hesitate to contact Gas Tech Heating Ltd for plumbing repairs and maintenance.
Method 2: Hot Water and Dish Soap
Using hot water and dish soap is another way to flush out minor blockages. Clearing a blocked sink by simply pouring dish soap down your drain, waiting for it to settle and then following up with hot water can get free up any debris stuck in your pipes.
This quick and simple method can help to break down grease build ups, which is especially useful when getting your kitchen sink back up and running. Sometimes, this might not be enough; instead, you could try a stronger caustic drain cleaner. Different varieties of drain cleaning products can be bought from any local shop or supermarket, and may be just the thing to help remove a blockage.
If you find that neither of these remedies work, it could be time to call a plumbing repairs service.
Method 3: Using a Plunger
Whether it’s a bathroom or kitchen sink, a plunger is an effective way to remove a blockage. Plungers are especially useful for sinks that may have standing water – where hot water or soap cannot enter the pipe. A plunger can be bought online or from any local DIY shop; they are a great item to have on hand for both sink and toilet clogs.
All you need to do is place the plunger above the drain to create a seal, and press down to apply pressure into your pipes before pulling up to suction any water or clogs upwards. If you have standing water, you should see this flow down the sink if successful.
If this doesn’t effectively unclog your sink, try contacting a professional such as Gas Tech Heating Ltd as there may be a more serious an extensive blockage. For emergency plumbing issues, we can have your sink blockage-free in no-time.
Method 4: Removing and Cleaning the U-bend
Commonly, clogs can form in the U-bend of your sink, which is the large bend in your pipe located under your basin. Larger build-ups can be difficult to move by simply trying to flush it out with water, soap or a baking soda and vinegar mix as they sit in the bend. In these instances, you can remove and clean your U-bend manually.
To start, place a bucket underneath your U-bend to catch excess water. Most of the time you will be able to unscrew your U-bend by hand, but you may need a tool such as a wrench if it is particularly stiff. Once unscrewed, tip out any remaining water from your U-bend, and then begin removing the blockage. You can do this with a scrubbing brush or any tool that can scrape out the build-up.
Then, re-attach the U-bend and run water down the drain to check whether your sink remains blocked. If this DIY method doesn’t work, there could be another issue so make sure to get in touch with us for professional plumbing repairs.
When DIY Methods Don’t Work: Call Gas Tech Heating Ltd
For recurring or severe blockages that may be deep in your pipes, it is unlikely that DIY methods will work. In that case, for plumbing repairs and maintenance contact Gas Tech Heating Ltd for expert services in Hemel Hempstead. We can help to get your sink back on track quickly and efficiently.
If you have an emergency, we also offer emergency plumbing services. We can even provide a quote prior to coming out to your property but it’s important to note that we do have an added callout charge for out-of-hour work.