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Unblocking a sink

Many blockages can be cleared with a plunger, so try this first. If that doesn't work you'll need to check the P-trap.

Tools and Materials:

• Newspaper
• Cloth or kitchen towel
• Plunger
• Wrench
• Thick length of wire (approx 30cm)
• Household bleach or disinfectant

Plunging

1. Prepare the area by placing newspaper on the floor under and around the sink.
2. Block the overflow of the sink by stuffing it with some wet kitchen towel or a damp cloth to prevent any loss of pressure when you start plunging.
3. Place the plunger over the plug hole and, firmly with both hands, push the plunger down several times. This will force the water through the pipe and hopefully dislodge the blockage.
4. Repeat a couple of times and check to see if the water starts to drain away.

Removing the tubular P-trap

1. To start, it's best to bale out as much water as possible and then plug the sink. This will save you from an impromptu shower later on!
2. Next, position a bucket under the tubular P-trap. Typically U-shaped, this drainage pipe is constantly full of water to prevent any nasty smells coming into your home. Along with this water often you will find lodged debris and fibres from the sink, i.e. your blockage.
3. Unscrew the P-trap using either your hands or a wrench and empty the contents into a bucket.
4. Using the wire, clear away any blockages from the P-trap as well as the connecting pipes to and from the sink.
5. Re-screw the P-trap back into position under the sink, ensuring you replace correctly any washers and O-rings from inside the part.
   Tip: Don't screw the P-trap too tightly just in case you need to repeat this in the future.
6. Test the sink by running some water, keeping an eye on the P-trap for leaks. The water should flow smoothly without backing up.
7. To finish, off pour some household bleach or some disinfectant down the plug hole to clear away any remaining residue.

Reproduced with permission from www.ProblemSolved.co.uk. The website contains 70,000 reliable and recommended tradespeople from plumbers to interior designers and everything in between!

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