How to Fix a Blocked Sink | Wickes, by Wickes on YouTube. 3 min 33 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 33 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Place the blaster cup or plunger over the plug hole so the rubber seals around the drain opening.
Block the overflow hole with a wet cloth, then pump the plunger up and down a few times. The blockage should clear after a few plunges.
If that fails, pour liquid drain cleaner into the plug hole following the bottle instructions. Let it fizz, repeat a few times, then rinse with warm water.
Push a plumber's snake down the drain and twist it to guide it around the U bend. When you feel the obstruction, pull, twist and push to break it up, then rinse with cold water.
If the sink is still blocked, turn off the water supply and put a bucket under the trap to catch spills.
Unscrew the two nuts holding the trap in place, using a wrench if they are tight.
Remove the trap and empty the water into the bucket. Rinse the trap out or clear it with a piece of stiff wire.
Refit the trap and retighten both nuts by hand, then with the wrench. Run the tap to check for leaks.
Tips and common mistakes
Never mix drain cleaner with other chemicals, and wear gloves and eye protection when pouring it.
Keep a bucket under the trap before you loosen the nuts, as trapped water will spill out.
Do not overtighten the trap nuts or you may crack the plastic.
Flush the drain with hot water weekly to stop grease building up again.
Questions
What causes a kitchen sink to block?
Food scraps, grease and soap residue collect in the pipe and narrow the flow over time. Pouring fat down the sink is the most common cause.
Can I use a plunger on a sink with a dishwasher?
Yes, but clamp the dishwasher hose first or dirty water can back up into the appliance.
When should I call a plumber?
If the blockage returns quickly or water backs up in other drains, the problem may be deeper in the pipe and needs a professional.
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.
