Plumbing + Electrical
Unblocking a Sink Video

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Unblocking a Sink Video

A drain full of hair, soap scum and general household gunk can be smelly, unsanitary and downright annoying. The good news is that it only takes a few minutes to unblock it and get the water washing away freely. You don't have to use any corrosive drain cleaners either, so you won't be harming the environment or damaging your pipes. Grab a plunger and get ready to wash your drain troubles right down the sink.

Time to complete the job: 10 mins to 1 hour

watch video

You will need:

  • Large bucket
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Auger
  • Sink plunger
  • Pump plunger
Step 1: Expose your pipes

Click to enlarge

Step 1: Expose your pipes

Slide the sink pedestal away from the sink so your pipes are visible. If you have an old bathroom, you will probably have a u-bend trap under your sink. If your bathroom is less than ten years old, you will likely have a bottleneck trap.
Step 2: Auger method

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Step 2: Auger method

This method will work for minor u-bend blockages. Push the flexible wire of your auger into the plug hole. Keep pushing until it's down as far as it will go. Use the handle on the auger to wind the wire. This will twirl the wire, which should grab any gunk in the pipes and push it out into the sewer.
Step 3: Plunger method

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Step 3: Plunger method

Cover the plug hole with the sink plunger. Push until suction holds the cup in place. Plunge up and down several times. The suction should suck or push the blockage out of the way. Remove the plunger and run the tap to clear out any debris.
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