How-to Unblock a Basin
Is your bathroom basin blocked, or draining slowly. This How-To Guide will hopefully help sort it.
Equipment Needed:
- Protective Gloves
- Old dishcloth
- Washing up bowl or bucket
- Plunger
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar
- Soda Crystals
Step 1: Take the plug out of the hole and check for grime that may be blocking the drain.
Step 2: Fill the basin with water. This makes sure that there is an airtight seal for the plunger.
Step 3: Using an old dishcloth, block the overflow making sure there is also an airtight seal there as well.
Step 4: Using the plunger and place it over the plughole. Push the plunger up and down gently, while still holding the dishcloth against the overflow. This creates a good seal.
Step 5: If your drain is still blocked, try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. All you need to do is pour of small amount of baking soda down the drain, then pour a cup of white vinegar in after.
Step 6: Leave the mixture to work for a few minutes and then use hot water to wash the mixture down the drain.
Step 7: If your basin is still blocked you may need to remove the u-bend and clean it.
Step 8: Look under the basin and find the first bend in the pipe. Position a bucket or washing-up bowl under the u-bend. This will make sure to catch any water.
Step 9: Unscrew the u-bend where it joins to the bottom of the sink. Stop unscrewing when the water begins to drip out. Let all the water drip out into the bucket/washing-up bowl. Once all the water has drained, completely remove the u-bend and look inside. If you see any grime, clean it out and then re-connect the u-bend. Hopefully, you will no longer have a blocked basin. If it is still blocked we suggest you call a qualified plumber.