[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Blocked kitchen sinks are one of the most common plumbing issues to occur in the modern home. Given the importance of the role that this facility plays on a daily basis, it’s also one of the most frustrating household problems. But you needn’t start worrying just yet; there may be a simple solution to your troubles.
When your kitchen sink is clogged with gunk and junk, these five simple tasks may be all you need to clear the blockage and get things back to normal. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Sink Unblocker #1 – The Baking Soda Trick
We learn about the reaction of baking soda and hot water from a very early age. With a little vinegar added to the mix, it can be a very simple way to dislodge sludge and gunk to get your pipes flowing freely once more.
The process is very simple. First of all, you want to pour a kettle’s worth of boiling water down the kitchen sink. Secondly, tip roughly 100g of baking soda followed by a mixture of 250ml boiling water and 250ml vinegar. Cover the opening and let the ingredients do their job for 10 minutes before pouring another kettle of boiling water to flush. Voila.
There are a variety of products that will do a similar job. However, none of them are as environmentally friendly (or cheap) as the baking soda method. For the sake of a few minutes, it’s always worth an attempt.
Need help unblocking a sink? Speak to an expert now:
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Sink Unblocker #2 – Caustic Soda
If baking soda doesn’t work, you may need to go for a slightly more heavy duty approach. Sodium hydroxide is available in most DIY stores and can do the hard work when baking soda and vinegar fails.
Before doing anything, ensure your hands are covered as this material can burn. Mix roughly three litres of cold water with 450g of the caustic soda. Pour it down the sink and leave it for half an hour. Flush through with boiling water, and repeat the process if necessary.
It might not be quite as eco-friendly as the baking soda trick but is still a great option for stubborn blocks. Just remember to throw the rubber gloves and mixing spoon away after completion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Sink Unblocker #3 – Use A Metal Hanger
When the drain is blocked, you’ll invariably need to do one of two things. The materials that are causing the clog can either be pushed through or pulled out. Either way, a metal coat hanger can be your secret weapon.
Unbend the coat hanger until you have a long metal rod that can be used to navigate through the sink until you reach the blockage. From there, the hook can be used to push or pull the materials until the pipes are free of debris and waste materials.
Once finished, a little boiling water should remove any final minor blockages, leaving the sink virtually as good as new.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Sink Unblocker #4 – Clean The Trap
This step is arguably a little more complex than some of the alternatives. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t encounter too many issues, and it may solve your problems.
Look under the sink, and you should be able to unscrew the cap which keeps the trap locked in place. Before detaching it, you’ll want to place a bucket underneath in order to catch any water. Once you’ve removed the trap, clearing lodged materials should be a very easy task indeed. Screw it back in place tightly, checking that there aren’t any leaks, and you should be good to go.
This easy process won’t rectify all problems. However, it is always worth trying, especially as this is one of the most common places to suffer a blockage. Even if it doesn’t work, that’s one item you can tick off the checklist.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Sink Unblocked #5 – Plunge It
It might not be the most glamorous of household products, but a trusty plunger may just be one of the most valuable items at your disposal. This is especially true when it comes to unblocking a clogged kitchen sink.
The process is simple. However, it is one that will require a lot of force. Once the plunger has created that vacuum over the sink, you’ll need to complete the plunge motion at least 10 times. Following this, you’ll want to check to see if the block has gone. If still clogged, repeating the process is worthwhile.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Should the sink drain still show no signs of improvement, you can always call BDS Drainage at 08081 692 112 (CLICK TO CALL). Our friendly and experienced emergency plumbers will fix that problem in no time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]