How to Unblock a Sink Without Chemicals

A blocked sink is one of those problems that gets worse the longer you ignore it. That slow drain becomes a standing water problem, and then you're in trouble.

Here's how to clear it without pouring chemicals that can damage your pipes (and rarely work on proper blockages anyway).

What's Causing the Blockage?

Kitchen sinks:

• Grease and fat buildup (the main culprit)
• Food particles
• Soap residue

Bathroom sinks:

• Hair (with toothpaste and soap binding it together)
• Soap scum
• Product buildup

Knowing what's blocking it helps you choose the right method.

---

Method 1: The Plunger (Try This First)

A good plunger is your best friend for blocked sinks.

What you need:

• Cup plunger (the standard dome-shaped one - not a flange plunger)
• Water

Steps:

1. Block the overflow - Stuff a wet cloth in the overflow hole (the small hole near the top of the sink). This creates a seal so your plunging actually works.

2. Add water - You want 5-10cm of water in the sink. Enough to cover the plunger cup.

3. Get a seal - Press the plunger down onto the drain, pushing out air to create a tight seal.

4. Plunge vigorously - Push down and pull up sharply, keeping the seal. Do this 15-20 times.

5. Check - Lift the plunger and see if water drains. Repeat if needed.

Pro tip: A bit of petroleum jelly around the plunger rim helps create a better seal.

---

Method 2: Boiling Water

Works best for: Grease blockages in kitchen sinks

1. Boil a full kettle
2. Pour slowly and directly down the drain
3. Wait a minute
4. Repeat 2-3 times

The heat melts grease and fat that's coating the pipe walls. Simple but often effective.

Warning: Don't use boiling water on PVC pipes in bad condition - the heat can soften joints. Fine for modern plastic pipes, but be careful with old or damaged plumbing.

---

Method 3: Baking Soda + Vinegar

The natural alternative to chemical cleaners.

What you need:

• Half cup baking soda
• Half cup white vinegar
• Boiling water

Steps:

1. Remove any standing water
2. Pour baking soda down the drain
3. Follow with vinegar
4. The fizzing action helps break up gunk - leave for 15-30 minutes
5. Flush with boiling water

Does it work? Honestly, it's not as powerful as people claim, but it's good for maintenance and minor slowdowns. For serious blockages, you'll need something more.

---

Method 4: The Drain Snake (For Serious Blockages)

A drain snake (or drain auger) physically breaks up or pulls out the blockage. This is what plumbers use.

What you need:

• Hand-crank drain snake (£10-£20 from any hardware store)
• Rubber gloves
• Bucket

Steps:

1. Remove the drain stopper/plug
2. Feed the snake into the drain
3. Turn the handle clockwise as you push
4. When you feel resistance, you've hit the blockage
5. Keep turning to break it up or catch it
6. Pull out the snake (have a bucket ready - it'll be nasty)
7. Flush with water

Pro tip: For bathroom sinks, most blockages are in the P-trap or just past it. You won't need more than a metre of snake.

---

Method 5: Clean the P-Trap

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under your sink. It's designed to hold water (which stops sewer gases coming up), but it's also where blockages often lodge.

What you need:

• Bucket or bowl
• Old towel
• Adjustable wrench or strong hands

Steps:

1. Place bucket under the P-trap to catch water
2. Unscrew the slip nuts on both ends of the trap (hand-tight on plastic, may need wrench on chrome)
3. Remove the trap - warning: it will be full of water and gunk
4. Clean it out thoroughly
5. Check the pipe going into the wall - push something through to clear it
6. Reassemble and tighten (hand-tight is usually fine for plastic)
7. Run water to check for leaks

This is the nuclear option for sink blockages. If it doesn't fix it, the problem is further down the line.

---

Method 6: Wet & Dry Vacuum (If You Have One)

A shop vac on wet mode can literally suck out blockages.

1. Set to wet mode
2. Create a tight seal over the drain
3. Turn to maximum suction
4. It can pull out the blockage in one go

Works surprisingly well for hair clogs.

---

Why You Should Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Those bottles of drain cleaner from the supermarket:

• Don't work on serious blockages - They're designed for slow drains, not actual clogs
• Can damage pipes - Especially older pipes and plastic fittings
• Are hazardous - Nasty chemicals sitting in a blocked pipe aren't good
• Cause problems for plumbers - If we need to dismantle pipes, caustic chemicals in the water aren't fun

If you must use something, enzyme-based drain cleaners are gentler and actually break down organic matter over time. But physical methods are almost always better.

---

Preventing Future Blockages

Kitchen:

• Never pour grease down the drain - wipe pans with paper towel first
• Use a sink strainer to catch food
• Run hot water after washing up

Bathroom:

• Use a hair catcher over the plug
• Clean the pop-up stopper monthly (you'll be disgusted how much hair collects there)
• Pour boiling water down weekly as maintenance

---

When to Call a Professional

Call us if:

• Nothing works - The blockage is further down the system
• Multiple drains are affected - Main drain or sewer problem
• Water is backing up elsewhere - Definitely a main drain issue
• There's a bad smell - Could indicate a venting problem
• You've tried chemicals - We can still help, but please warn us!

---

Blocked drain won? We clear blocked sinks across Exeter - usually in under 30 minutes. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.