Blocked sinks can be a real pain, whether it's in your kitchen or bathroom. From slow-draining water to unpleasant smells and gurgling sounds, they’re a common problem most homeowners face.
Luckily, there are plenty of DIY methods you can try on a clogged kitchen sink or bathroom sink. This step-by-step guide will walk you through different techniques for getting your sink draining smoothly again.
What causes a blocked bathroom or kitchen sink?
How to clear a clogged sink with a plunger
How to clear blocked sinks with baking soda and vinegar
How to clear sink blockages with a drain snake
Unblock a sink with a wire coat hanger
How to prevent future blockages in your kitchen or bathroom sink
When to call in a JustFix professional
What causes a blocked bathroom or kitchen sink?
There are several culprits behind a clogged sink. In the kitchen, it’s usually food scraps, grease, and soap scum that cause blockages. Over time, they stick to the inside of your pipes, creating a stubborn clog.
For a bathroom sink, hair, toothpaste, and soap scum build-up are the usual suspects.
Even if you’re careful about what goes down the plughole, everyday items like food, hair, and soap can accumulate, leading to slow-draining or blocked sinks.
How to clear a clogged sink with a plunger
Step 1: Remove water from the sink
The first step is to get rid of any standing water in the sink. You’ll want a relatively water-free sink to ensure you can create good suction with the plunger.
Use rubber gloves, a cup, and a bucket to scoop out excess water and any visible debris like food bits or hair.
Step 2: Clear debris from the plughole
If you can remove the plug, give it a thorough clean to eliminate any built-up gunk like soap scum or organic matter. This will prevent future blockages and help with effective drainage.
Step 3: Secure the overflow
To create an airtight seal when plunging, cover the overflow with a towel or dishcloth and secure it with some strong tape. This step is crucial to create the pressure needed to dislodge the clog.
Step 4: Use the plunger
Position the plunger's bottom around the plughole, then add about 5cm of lukewarm water to create a tight seal.
Pump the plunger up and down firmly without being too aggressive. This should generate enough suction to dislodge the blockage.
Run some water to see if the sink drains correctly.
How to clear blocked sinks with baking soda and vinegar
This classic combination works wonders on mild clogs without the need for chemical drain cleaners. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Pour boiling water down the drain
Start by pouring a kettle of boiling water slowly down the drain. This can help loosen and flush out any grease or organic matter.
Step 2: Use a cup of baking soda
Measure out one cup of baking soda and pour it directly into the drain. If you’re worried about spilling, use a small funnel.
Step 3: Add a cup of vinegar
Next, pour in a cup of white vinegar. You’ll notice a fizzing reaction, which is the baking soda and vinegar working together to dissolve the clog.
Step 4: Wait
Allow the mixture to sit in the drain for at least 10-15 minutes. The fizzing action should break down the blockage.
Step 5: Flush with hot water
Pour another kettle of hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.
Step 6: Repeat if necessary
If the sink is still blocked, repeat the process. Sometimes, stubborn clogs may need a couple of treatments to be completely cleared.
Step 7: Check the drain
Run water to ensure it flows freely. If the drain is still blocked, try an alternative method.
Alternatives to baking soda and vinegar
Soda crystals or washing powder
Soda crystals are a great multi-purpose cleaner. Pour some boiling water down the drain, then add a cup of soda crystals, followed by another cup of hot water.
Let it sit for 5 minutes before flushing with more boiling water. Biological washing powder can also help clear blocked sinks.
Alka-seltzer
If you have Alka-Seltzer at home, drop a couple of tablets down the plughole, followed by a cup of vinegar.
Wait for a few minutes before flushing with boiling water.
How to clear sink blockages with a drain snake
A drain snake is your secret weapon for tackling tougher blockages.
Step 1: Feed the snake into the sink drain
Insert the drain snake into the plughole gently. Don’t force it; the snake’s head is designed to find its way through the pipes.
Step 2: Push until you find the blockage
Continue feeding the snake until you hit resistance.
Step 3: Rotate the drain snake clockwise
Use the handle to rotate the snake clockwise. You should feel the blockage starting to break up.
Step 4: Test and repeat if necessary
Pull the snake out and run the water to check if the blockage is clear. Repeat the process if needed.
Alternatives to a drain snake
Unblock a sink with a wire coat hanger
If you don’t have a drain snake, a straightened wire coat hanger works too.
Push the wire into the plughole and gently prod the blockage until it breaks apart.
Try a sink unblocker
Chemical sink unblockers can be effective for stubborn clogs. Follow the product instructions and flush with hot water afterwards.
How to unblock a U-bend
Step 1: Gather necessary items
You'll need old work clothes, rubber gloves, towels to catch drips, and a bucket to hold the excess water.
Step 2: Find and remove the U-bend
Place a bucket under the U-bend and unscrew it carefully. Allow any trapped water to drain out into the bucket.
Step 3: Clear debris
Remove any debris in the U-bend. Give it a good clean with warm water and disinfectant.
Step 4: Reattach the U-bend and test
Reattach the U-bend, making sure it’s secure. Run water to ensure there are no leaks, and the blockage is gone.
How to prevent future blockages in your kitchen or bathroom sink
Preventing future blockages isn’t just about knowing what not to pour down the drain; it’s about building simple habits to keep your pipes flowing smoothly. Here are some key steps to follow:
- Be mindful of what goes down the drain: Avoid pouring grease, oil, or food scraps directly down the sink, as these can solidify and cling to the insides of pipes, causing stubborn clogs over time. Instead, collect oil and grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
- Use a sink strainer: Invest in a good-quality sink strainer to catch larger debris like hair, food bits, or other materials that can accumulate and create blockages. Regularly clean the strainer to keep water flowing smoothly.
- Rinse with hot water regularly: After doing the dishes, run hot water down the sink for 30 seconds. The hot water helps flush away any lingering grease or debris that might otherwise start building up.
- Try natural cleaning solutions: Every couple of weeks, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or soda crystals to clear away soap scum and minor build-ups. This not only keeps your pipes clean but also eliminates foul odours. For an extra boost, flush with boiling water afterwards to dislodge any loosened particles.
When to call in a JustFix professional
If these methods don’t work or you’re dealing with a recurring issue, it might be time to call in a professional.
Get in touch with a qualified plumber at JustFix, the home of high-quality service and affordable prices.
When you book online with us or via the JustFix app, we'll match you with a trusted local plumber who can come and fix your taps at a time that suits you. Whether you need a plumber in London, a plumber in Essex, or a plumber somewhere else in the country, we have someone for the job.
For more DIY tips and tricks, see our helpful guides on topics like how to fix a leaking tap, how to turn off your water supply, and more.
