Slow draining sink fix in Exeter
Professional slow draining sink fix services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
15-30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Slow draining sink cleared properly - blockage physically removed so water flows freely again. No harsh chemicals damaging your pipes.
When Your Sink Takes Ages To Empty
Standing there waiting for the washing up water to drain while you could've made a cup of tea? Or that bathroom sink that takes 5 minutes to empty after you've brushed your teeth?
Most sink blockages are in the U-bend right under the sink - dead easy to access and clear in 15 minutes.
💡 Pro tip: Slow drainage gets worse, not better. Sort it now while it's just annoying, before it becomes completely blocked and you're dealing with a sink full of dirty water that won't drain at all.
Why Professional Clearing Works
| ✅ Done Properly | ❌ Bodge Job |
|---|---|
| Blockage physically removed | Chemical unblocker that half-works |
| U-bend cleaned completely | Surface gunk shifted, deep blockage remains |
| Problem diagnosed (fat/hair/debris) | Same issue back in weeks |
| No damage to pipes or seals | Caustic chemicals eating old pipework |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Diagnose | Work out where the blockage is |
| Clear | U-bend removed and cleaned or drain snaked |
| Test | Water running freely before I leave |
| Advise | Tips on preventing it happening again |
📦 You're Left With
- Fast-draining sink
- Clean U-bend
- No standing water
- No chemical residue in pipes
Pricing Guide
| Blockage Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard U-bend blockage | 15-20 mins | £60 |
| Stubborn blockage (drain snake needed) | 30 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). If it's a bigger drainage problem requiring pipework replacement, I'll let you know before doing extra work.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Draining slower each week - classic buildup in the U-bend
✅ Gurgling noises - air trapped by partial blockage
✅ Bad smell from plughole - decomposing gunk in the trap
✅ Tried drain cleaner and it didn't work - because it won't shift solid blockages
Why Choose Us for Slow draining sink fix in Exeter?
Blockage physically removed
No harsh chemicals
U-bend checked and cleaned
Fast drainage restored
What to Expect
Step 1: Find The Problem
I'll run water and watch how it drains to work out where the blockage is. Usually it's obvious - the U-bend right under the sink.
Step 2: Clear The Blockage
Put a bucket under the U-bend, unscrew it, empty out all the disgusting gunk (and there will be a lot). If the blockage is further down, I'll use a drain snake to pull it out.
Step 3: Test & Reassemble
Screw everything back together, check it's not leaking, then run plenty of water to make sure it's draining fast and freely.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is actually a pretty doable DIY job if you don't mind the mess:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Bucket (to catch water from U-bend)
- Rubber gloves (trust me, you want these)
- Adjustable wrench or slip-joint pliers
- Old cloth for cleanup
- Bin bag for the gunk
🚰 The process
- Put bucket under U-bend (there's always more water than you expect)
- Unscrew both ends of the U-bend - usually hand tight but might need pliers
- Empty the gunk into the bin bag (brace yourself, it's grim)
- Clean inside the U-bend under a tap
- Check the waste pipe for blockages
- Screw U-bend back on, making sure washers are seated properly
- Run water and check for leaks
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not putting a bucket underneath (enjoy mopping the floor)
- Over-tightening and cracking the plastic
- Losing the washers (then it leaks)
- Not checking the waste pipe while you're there
- Putting the U-bend back on wrong way round
💡 Pro trick: While the U-bend's off, stick a bit of drain snake or bent wire up the waste pipe - there's often gunk lurking just out of reach that you can pull out while you're at it.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎯 Prevention is better: Sink strainer in the kitchen, hair catcher in the bathroom, no grease down the drain, hot water flush weekly. Boring advice but it works - most people never get blocked sinks if they do these basics.
Multiple sinks slow? If your kitchen sink and bathroom sink are both draining slowly, the blockage might be in the main waste pipe where they join. That's a bigger job needing access to the pipework.
Older Exeter houses? Victorian plumbing can have lead waste pipes that are narrow and prone to blocking. I can't put chemicals down those (they damage lead), but physical clearing works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's actually blocking my sink?
Kitchen sinks? Usually fat, grease, and food debris building up in the U-bend. Bathroom sinks? Hair, soap scum, and that gross biofilm. Over time it accumulates until water can barely get through. Drain cleaner might shift some of it, but it'll be back unless you remove the actual blockage.
Can't I just use drain unblocker?
You can try, but those chemicals are harsh on old pipes and often don't work properly. They might shift a bit of the blockage but rarely clear it completely. Plus if you've got a full blockage and the sink's already full of water, you've now got a sink full of caustic chemical soup. Not ideal.
Do you need to take the U-bend off?
Sometimes yes, if that's where the blockage is. It's the most common spot because debris settles there. Takes a few minutes to unscrew it, empty the gunk, and screw it back on. If the blockage is further down the pipe I might need to use a drain snake.
How do I stop it blocking again?
Don't put fat or grease down the sink - wipe pans with kitchen roll first. Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps. Run hot water through after washing up. For bathroom sinks, use a drain protector to catch hair. Basic stuff but it makes a huge difference.
My sink's completely blocked, not just slow - can you fix that?
Yeah, that's the same job really, just more urgent. Complete blockage means I definitely need to access the U-bend or use a drain snake. Either way, I'll get it flowing again.
Slow draining sink fix Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your slow draining sink fix job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Slow draining sink fix in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your slow draining sink fix job in Exeter today.