How to Unblock a Sink Without a Plunger

A blocked sink is an inconvenience that many have experienced. If a plunger isn't working for you or if you simply don't have one, check out our guide with other options to help you unblock your sink!

A blocked sink is a pesky ordeal that many of us will eventually have to face. Whether it is an obvious blockage or you have mysterious and foul smells coming from your plug hole, they are a real inconvenience that isn't always solved with a handy plunger. If you have tried your plunger and this method isn't working or you simply just don't have one, there are other magical ways in which you can restore your sink to its wonderful draining self.

There are 4 methods to unblocking a sink without using a plunger. To complete these methods, you'll be using many household items that can be found in the cupboard under your sink. If not, they can be found in your local supermarket. Check out the tutorials below and your sink will be unblocked in no time!

• Method 1 - Bicarbonate of Soda & White Vinegar
• Method 2 - Washing Powder
• Method 3 - Alka Seltzer
• Method 4 - Bleach and Water
• Tutorial - Unblocking the U-Bend

How to Unblock a Sink

Method #1 - Bicarbonate of Soda & White Vinegar

White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are staples to cleaning routines that can be used for most problems and in this case, heavy blockages. With just a few teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda and 500ml of white vinegar, your blockage may be gone.

Step 1 - Spoon 3 teaspoons of soda into the drain

Teaspoon 3 heaped soonfuls of bicarbonate of soda down the drain.

Step 2 - Slowly pour 500ml of white vinegar through

Measure out 500ml of white vinegar and pour it down the drain after the soda.

Step 3 - Leave for 5 minutes

Leave this mixure to activate in the drain for 5 minutes.

Step 4 - Put the kettle on!

Fill the kettle and put it to boil.

Step 5 - Flush the blockage with the boiling water

Pour the boiling water down the sink to flush the blockage.

Step 6 - Repeat if needed

This process can be repeated if the blockage is not completely cleared with the first go.

Method #2 - Washing Powder

There may be other items in the cupboard that are versatile enough to not only be for the one use, such as a biological washing powder. Using washing powder to unblock a sink is a great technique due to the enzymes it contains. These enzymes are used to break down fats, oils and grease in your clothes, which is why it can be used to unblock your sink.

Step 1 - Boil a full kettle of water

Fill the kettle and stick it on!

Step 2 - Spoon 3 teaspoons of washing powder (biological) into the drain

Similar to the first method, teaspoon 3 spoonfuls of biological washing powder down the drain.

Step 3 - Immediately flush the washing powder

Once the kettle has been boiled, pour the boiling water down the drain.

Step 4 - Repeat if needed

Repeat the process if the blockage still remains.

Method #3 - Alka Seltzer

Another common household item that can also be used for unblocking your sink is Alka Seltzer tablets. Try this akla seltzer method to unblock your sink.

Step 1 - Put 2 Alka Seltzer tablets into the plug hole

Pop a couple of Alka Seltzer tablets into your plug hole of your blocked sink.

Step 2 - Pour 500ml of white vinegar over the tablets

Measure out 500ml of white vinegar and pour this into the plug hole, over the tablets.

Step 3 - Leave for 5 minutes

Allow the mixture to activate for 5 minutes

Step 4 - Boil a full kettle of water

Fill the kettle and stick it on.

Step 5 - Flush the blockage with the boiling water

Once the kettle has finished boiling, pour the hot water down the drain.

Step 6 - Repeat if needed

Again, this process can be repeated if needed.

Method #4 -Bleach and Water

If it has come to your last resort before ripping out the pipes, bleach and hot water could be your answer. Ensure your safety when using bleach by taking precautions such as wearing gloves and being careful not to breathe in fumes or getting any in your eyes.

Step 1 - Boil a full kettle of water

Fill the kettle and stick it on!

Step 2 - Pour 250ml of bleach into the drain

Measure out 250ml of bleach and pour it down the drain.

Step 3 - Slowly pour the boiling water through to flush the bleach

At a slow and steady pace, pour the boiling water down the drain after the bleach.

Step 4 - Repeat if needed

As with all the methods above, this process can be repeated if needed.

How to Unblock the U-Bend

If you have made it this far, and none of the methods above have worked, then you have a real tough blockage on your hands - a u-bend blockage! It's time to pull out the big guns and unblock the U-bend.

Step 1 - Prep your area

First you will need to ensure you prep, turn off your water and get a bucket to direct any left over water into when you remove the pipe. Also get some towels to put around the floor so that any water can easily be soaked up if it runs wild.

Step 2 - Unscrew the U-bend and remove it

Unscrew the U-bend with your hands or a spanner, remove it and make sure any water is going into the bucket

Step 3 - Wash out the U-bend using warm water, antibacterial spray and soap

Take the U-bend outside or to another sink and clean it thoroughly with some warm water, antibacterial spray and soap.

Step 4 - Reattach the pipe securely in place

After the big clean, reattach the pipe and securely screw it back into place.

Step 5 - Test for any leakages and blockages

Test it to make sure there are no leakages and that the blockage is fully removed. Clean up and live your life being blockage free!

If you still have a blockage then you’re in a sticky situation and it is time to call in the experts!

Prevention

Now, one thing to remember is that prevention is always better than the cure. Ensuring that only liquids go down your drain (apart from oil) is key to minimising the risk of blockages. Also maintaining a clean and healthy drain will help to tackle any small blockages that could become a big problem. So ensure you are bleaching your drain every week to prevent this!

We hope this blog has helped you realise that plungers aren't always the answer to keeping your sink blockage free. Now enjoy your fully restored sink and remember, prevention is better than the cure!