How to unblock a basin waste… well the way I choose too 🤣, by Central Heatking on YouTube. 1 min 25 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 25 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Put a bucket under the basin trap and lay old towels on the floor. Water will spill when you open the trap.
Pull the plug out of the basin. If it is a pop-up plug, unscrew the centre knob or lift the plug rod out first.
Fill the basin with a few inches of water, then press the plunger over the waste and pump it up and down a few times.
Unscrew the plastic trap under the basin by hand or with pliers. Empty it into the bucket and pull out hair and gunk.
Check the waste pipe running from the basin into the wall. Push a bent wire or drain snake through it to clear the clog.
Rinse the trap and pipe with warm water, then screw the trap back on hand tight. Do not overtighten plastic parts.
Run hot water for a minute and watch the joints for leaks. Tighten a quarter turn if you see drips.
Tips and common mistakes
Never pour chemical drain cleaner into a basin you plan to open, as it can splash back on you.
Wear gloves when clearing hair from the trap, and keep the bucket close to catch the dirty water.
If the water still drains slowly after cleaning the trap, the blockage is further down the pipe and needs a drain snake.
Questions
Can I unblock a basin without removing the trap?
Sometimes a plunger clears a light clog on its own. If the water still drains slowly, take the trap off and clean it out.
Why does my basin smell after unblocking it?
Bacteria and soap scum can stay in the trap and pipe. Flush with hot water and a little washing up liquid, then run the tap for a minute.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
