A blocked sink is something that we all have to face, and although it is easiest to just call the plumber, it isn’t affordable or practical to call the plumber every time the sink clogs. This is why we have put together 5 easy solutions to sort your blocked sink right away
Yes, boiling water is good for things other than a great cup of tea. If your pipes are blocked by fat or soap, boiling water can help dissolve the blockage and clear the pipes. Just be sure not to pour scalding hot water into PVC pipes, as this may damage them.
Start by making sure your sink is drained. If your sink is draining slowly, wait for it to completely drain. However, if your sink is heavily clogged, try removing as much excess water as you can. You can try scooping it up with a mug, just not the beloved tea mug
Don’t be shy. Use the whole kettle of boiling water and let it sit. You may have to repeat this several times, letting the water cool down each time.
We know, this is beginning to sound like the ingredients list of a great cake, but hear us out! Vinegar is effective at cutting grease, and baking soda cause a reaction with vinegar that bubbles up and helps to remove blockages in the pipe.
Start by pouring the baking soda into the drain, followed by a generous dose of white vinegar. Wait until your concoction has stopped fizzing, and then flush it out with hot water. Again, you may have to repeat this process a few times if it’s not immediately effective.
If you’ve had enough of ‘The Great South African Bake Off’, and you’re all out of boiling water, vinegar and baking soda, we’ve got another solution.
Jokes aside, if the above methods have proved ineffective, you may want to try something a little stronger. Commercial drain cleaner is effective at dissolving grease, food, hair and other organic materials. However, it should only be used as a last resort, and make sure to wear gloves and that you are in a well-ventilated area.
If your sink is firmly blocked, not even all your baking ingredients will help. Instead, try using the power of suction to shift the blockage.
For this, you’ll need a plunger. If you have a double sink, start by covering any overflow spouts or second plug holes. Then, fill the sink with enough water to cover the bell of the plunger and plunge the drain several times. If you have good suction and the blockage is solid, this might be enough to clear it. Follow up by, you guessed it, flushing it with plenty of hot water.
We don’t have superhero capes, but we do have access to specialist tools and equipment that can clear a blocked sink quickly and easily. These include drain cameras to identify exactly where the blockage is and what’s causing it and high-pressure jets that can blast out blockages without damaging your pipes.
So if you still haven’t come right, give us a call and we’ll make sure your baking cupboard doesn’t run dry 😉
Vital Plumbing offers 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services where our clients may find themselves. Our expert team of 24-hour emergency plumbers are trained and equipped to handle any emergency with professionalism and excellence, we are experienced in overflowing or blocked drains and sewers as well as technically equipped to fix any burst mains, pipes or geysers concerns as well as any other issue that may need an emergency plumber in Cape Town. Feel free to call us for 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services
