To unblock a sink you will need:

  • Baking soda and white vinegar
  • Soda crystals
  • Washing-up bowl/bucket
  • Plunger
  • Old dish cloth
  • Protective gloves

Step 1 – Clean the plughole

Unscrew the plug and clean out any debris or grime that may be blocking the drain.

Step 2 – Seal the plughole

Cover the plughole in water so there’s an airtight seal for the plunger.

Step 3 – Block the overflow

Take the old dish cloth and use it to block the overflow ensuring there’s an airtight seal.

Step 4 – Use the plunger

Take the plunger and place it over the plughole. Gently push the plunger up and down, but hold the dish cloth against the overflow to create a good seal.

Step 5 – Use the baking soda and vinegar

If the plunger method doesn’t work, you can try using the baking soda and vinegar to clear the blockage. Just pour a small amount of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar.

Step 6 – Flush with hot water

As the baking soda and vinegar start to work, you will hear a fizzing noise. Leave for a few minutes, and use hot water to wash the mixture down the drain.

Step 7 – Use the soda crystals

Another method is to use soda crystals to unblock the sink. Dissolve half a packet of soda crystals into boiling water, and pour the mixture down the drain to help remove grime and soap residue.

Step 8 – Clean the u-bend

If none of the above methods haven’t worked, remove and clean out the u-bend.

Step 9 – Grab the bucket

Locate the first bend in the pipe under the sink, and position a bucket or washing-up bowl underneath the u-bend to catch any water.

Step 10 – Drain the u-bend and inspect

Unscrew the fitting where the u-bend joins the bottom of the sink. When the water begins to drip out, stop unscrewing and let the water drain into the bucket or washing-up bowl. When the water has drained, completely remove the u-bend and look inside it. Remove any debris from the u-bend and clean it out. Re-connect the u-bend, and hopefully you should no longer have a blocked sink. If none of this has worked for you, then call NewJax to come and take a look for you.