A blocked kitchen sink is usually caused by a build-up of grease, food scraps and soap. The good news is that many blockages can be cleared without a call-out. Here is a safe method to try first.
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Step 1: Use a plunger
Fill the sink with a few centimetres of water, cover the overflow with a damp cloth, place a cup plunger over the plughole and pump firmly ten to fifteen times. If you have a double sink, block the other plughole too.
Step 2: Clean the trap
Put a bowl under the U-shaped trap beneath the sink. Unscrew it by hand, empty it and clean out any grease or debris. Refit it hand-tight and run water to check for leaks. This solves a large share of kitchen sink blockages.
Step 3: Hot water and washing-up liquid
For grease blockages, a squirt of washing-up liquid followed by hot (not boiling) water can help break things up. Boiling water can damage plastic pipes.
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What to avoid
- Pouring large amounts of chemical drain cleaner, which can damage pipes and is dangerous if you then need to open the trap
- Mixing different chemicals
- Pushing wire coat hangers into pipes and fittings
Signs the blockage is further down
- The trap is clear but the sink still will not drain
- Other fixtures, such as the dishwasher or washing machine, also back up
- Water rises in the outside gully when the sink is used
- Gurgling and bad smells
These mean the blockage is in the waste pipe or drain beyond the sink. That is when a plumber with drain rods or a jetter is needed.
Preventing a blocked kitchen sink
- Wipe greasy pans with kitchen roll before washing
- Collect cooking oil in a container and bin it
- Use a sink strainer
- Run plenty of hot water after washing up
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use drain unblocker?
Use it sparingly and follow instructions. Never use it before opening a trap, and never mix products.
Why does my sink keep blocking?
Usually grease build-up in the waste pipe, which needs clearing properly.
Can a dishwasher cause sink blockages?
Yes, if its waste joins the sink waste and food debris builds up.
