How to unblock a sink

In this guide, we walk you through the steps to unblock your sink and get your kitchen or bathroom back to normal.

Additionally, we'll explore how home insurance can assist when DIY solutions fall short, offering protection if a blocked drain can't be fixed or causes further damage to your property.

How do I know if my sink is blocked?

Here are some common signs that your sink drain might be blocked:

• Standing water: Water remains in the sink and doesn’t drain away.
• Slow drainage: Water drains much slower than usual.
• Unpleasant odours: You notice smells like dampness, mould, sewage or rotten eggs caused by a build-up of bacteria or debris.
• Gurgling sounds: You hear gurgling noises coming from the drainpipes.
• Bubbling: You see bubbles or air pockets coming from the drain area.
• Debris: Debris appears in the water when the sink is in use.

How do I unblock a sink?

If your sink is draining slowly, try using bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar. Pour some baking soda down the drain, then add a cup of white vinegar. It will fizz. Wait for around 30 minutes, then flush with hot water (using a kettle is best). If you don't have these items, you can use a store-bought drain cleaner and follow the instructions on the bottle.

If the water isn't draining at all and is just sitting in the sink, use a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and push down several times. The water around the plunger will help create a seal, and pushing the plunger can help clear the blockage. After a few pushes, remove the plunger and see if the water starts to drain.

How can I unblock a sink without a plunger?

If you don't have a plunger or it's not working, here are some other ways to unblock your sink:

• Plumber’s snake: This is a long, flexible tool with barbs. Insert it into the drain and move it slowly towards the blockage. The barbs will catch the blockage, allowing you to pull it out.
• Bicarbonate of soda: As mentioned above, mix baking soda and white vinegar and pour it down the drain. This can help if the sink is draining slowly.
• Store-bought drain cleaner: There are many types available that can help unblock your sink.
• Washing up powder: Pour two tablespoons of washing up powder down the drain, followed by a full kettle of hot water.
• Blast of water: Fill an empty bottle with hot water, place the open end in the plughole and squeeze. The pressure can help clear the blockage.

If none of these methods work, check if your home insurance covers blocked sinks. With Saga, you can add home emergency insurance to your policy, which covers the cost of sending an approved tradesperson to fix unusable kitchen sinks or blocked drains within your property’s boundaries.

Additionally, if you have contents insurance, you may be protected if your blocked sink causes water damage to your belongings.

How do I prevent my sink from getting blocked again?

To avoid the headache of blocked sinks, try these tips:

• Don't pour cooking oil or fat down the sink. It hardens as it cools and can block your pipes. Instead, you can dispose of small amounts in your food waste or pour it into a non-recyclable container and throw it in the general waste bin. Your local waste and recycling centre may also take cooking oils for recycling.
• Put food scraps in the bin, not down the sink.
• Use a plughole screen to catch any debris.
• Regularly flush your sink drains with hot water to clear away small bits of debris.