Blocked drains!?

Question

My kitchen sink drain is blocked - I could use some Mr Muscle type drain unblocker, but does anyone know of a chemical free method?

Answer 1

soda crystals or bi-carb and white vinegar open the windows though

Answer 2

The most effective way is to clean the trap manually. This can get clogged with grease and fat deposits. All traps are removable, and whether it is a bottle trap or p-trap, they all work on similar principles. The job can be a bit smelly (depending on what is blocking it) and the gunge can be quite stomach churning. Explains why a plumber will charge a lot! Get a bucket under the trap to collect any spillages, and undo the two large plastic connectors to the top and side of the trap. Ease the trap away and clean. Just don't turn the tap on in the sink you are working on! Check the waste pipe, as sometimes this requires a clean where the trap connects onto it. Finally ease the trap back into place and tighten the connectors. Ensure the gaskets are seated correctly. They may come out when you undo the trap? Good luck and wear a peg!

Answer 3

I'm afraid the only way to clear blocked drains is chemically unless you're prepared to take the pipes apart and clean them!

In the case of a kitchen sink I'd try unscrewing the 'U' bend underneath the sink and cleaning it and any of the pipes you can get at before using chemicals. You might find a flexible drain clearing rod will clear most of the obstruction.

Answer 4

look at where the drain pipe for the washing machine enters the drain under the sink if it is below the waste water trap or u bend as you call it you are letting the sewer vent through the washing machine drain, the drain for the washing machine needs to be either replumbed into an s bend standpipe arrangement which is available at diy outlets or plumbers merchants or purchase a wahing machine connection tee that connects below the waste of the sink and in between the trap and the outlet hope that helps second thought have you an external vent pipe on your soil stack it could be that you are experiencing siphonage of the trap when you let the water out , this usually happens as the volume of water being expelled sucks the water out of the watse water trap and leaves no seal into the sewer regards steve

Answer 5

you could use caustic soda,but be careful as it can burn your skin.
i was watching qvc shopping channel last night and it was a fabulous unblocker on there it cost£20.00 with post 'and you can use it 20 times,before it runs out it is a gas substance perfectly safe to use unblockssinks toilets, no expiary date, just put it in the plug hole and no matter how bad the blockage is. it will clear it,i order one for me and one for my daughter,of try a plunger depends on bad the blockage is.
i paid a plumber 2 weeks ago £50.00 to unblock my shower,we had my daughter here and 2 granddaughters 3 of them with long hair and it blocked the drain. so good luck.x

Answer 6

Buy a plumber's snake for the drain or unhook the U-shaped pipe under the sink and check for clogs. That is usually where they are but the snake should do the trick.

Answer 7

Put a hefty spoonful of bicarbonate of soda down the plughole then add vinegar. Then quickly cover the plug hole (you can put the plug in but you'll need to hold down!) Also remember to cover the overflow hole as well. The two ingredients react and should clear the drain x

Answer 8

Here's another vote for soda crystals - even though it is a chemical, it's a naturally occurring one. Put a nice pile over the outlet, then slowly pour boiling water down the hole - it might take a few goes.

Answer 9

put the plug in first before you undo the trap! and have a bucket underneath. THen go underneath the sink, undo the pipework and tip out all the crap into the bucket. (Now you'll realise why I said put the plug in!) Now put it all back together, remove plug and allow fluid to drain, checking for leaks. Finally, flush some bleach through to clean it out further down.

Answer 10

Pour in some Coke. It works better than Mr. Muscle

Answer 11

Depending on how blocked it is, you can try baking soda and lemon juice. The lemon juice is anti bacterial and it smells nice!!

Maybe try baking soda plus vinegar first, then follow up wih loads of boiling water to rinse it all out. Finish with the lemon juice on top of baking soda for a clean smell....and a FRESH START!