Sink Blockage

Sometimes your sink or bath can begin to drain slower than usual. This could indicate that there must be a blockage somewhere in the waste pipe. This could be caused by an accumulation of grease in the trap, or maybe even hair caught below the grid in the sink or bath’s plughole. Should the water not drain away at all, then there is usually a complete blockage and this must be an obstruction in the waste pipe somewhere. A Leyton Plumber can unblock drains.


Remedy:

To remedy a blockage like this, you should put some water in the sink and sit the rubber cup of a sink plunger over the plug hole, forming a seal. Put a damp cloth into the overflow to prevent loss of pressure and then, pump the plunger up and down with some force. After a few plunges, take the plunger off and see if the water has drained. There is a chance that you will need to do it again until sorted. Of course try a drain cleaning or unblocking product if it doesn’t work. Always wear eye and hand protection and follow the instructions strictly, as it is quite toxic. If mixed with bleach products as dangerous gases could be released. Use petroleum jelly around the rim of the plughole to protect it from damage. Should the sink still be blocked, then you will have to remove the waste trap. Before you start, put a bucket under the trap to catch any spills. Undo the trap by hand (usually), and empty the contents into the bucket. Re-fit the trap including any washers or O-rings. Try not to over tighten or it will be difficult to undo at a later stage. If nothing was no blockage in the trap, then you will have to use a drain auger to probe into the waste pipe. Leyton Plumbers use drain augers.


Note: A drain auger is a piece of equipment that consists of a flexible rod that can be extended into a waste pipe by rotating its handle. This helps to dislodge any blockage on its way. It can then be rewound into its handle for hygienic storage.
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