Published 13 May 2026
In most households, a clear and clean sink is key to maintaining smooth operations and cleanliness. When blockages strike, they can set free foul odours, cause damage to your pipes, and allow bacteria to thrive.
Knowing how to unblock a sink is something that everyone should have in their DIY arsenal.
Do you have a blocked drain?
It’s important you’re aware of the tell-tale signs of a blocked drain. It might be an unpleasant job but dealing with it quickly will prevent any ongoing issues or damage to your home.
Blockages tend to affect the narrower pipes, such as toilets or sinks, but debris can still build up in the wider drains outside.
Some signs your drain is blocked include:
- Slow draining water - The water in your sink or shower takes longer than usual to drain away. If the blockage is bad it may not drain at all.
- Smelly drain - Food waste and debris can build up over time, leading to foul odours. You’ll want to fix this before the issue develops, even if the water is still draining.
- Gurgling noises - Air bubbles can get trapped, resulting in gurgling noises coming from the drain.
You should act as soon as you notice any of these happening to stop further blockages.
How to unblock a sink
Not sure how to unblock a bathroom sink? Try working your way through the options listed below before calling in a professional.
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Check the plughole
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Use a plunger
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Use a natural drain unblocker
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Use a chemical drain unblocker
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Clear the u-bend
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Try a drain snake
Pop on a pair of rubber gloves and look for any debris in or around the plughole that could be preventing water from flowing freely.
The plunger is your best friend and it often only takes a couple of firm plunges to dislodge a blockage.
Removing excess water from the sink that’ll not drain will help you get an airtight seal.
To check if this has worked, run a little water and see how easily it drains away.
Pouring a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain causes a fizzing that can dissolve blockages.
Running hot water down the sink can also dissolve softer blockages, as can the pressure of filling up a plastic bottle and squeezing it down the drain.
Chemical drain unblockers can help dissolve some of that stubborn build up. Try pouring some common household bleach or specific drain cleaner down the sink to dislodge anything that may be lingering.
However, be warned that chemicals can cause harm if not washed away properly.
If you're able to remove the u-bend pipe, this is a great way to remove any debris which could be causing a blockage.
A drain snake breaks up and removes the blockage in the pipe and either breaks up the material enough to flow through the pipe unhindered or drags it up to the surface where you can throw it away.
How to prevent a blocked sink
Preventing a blockage is much easier than having to unblock a sink. Here are a few simple steps to help keep your drain clear:
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Clean your plugholes
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Remove buildup of hair
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Watch what you put down the sink
- Clear food and rubbish from the drain as much as possible.
- A sink strainer can help catch food waste before it gets washed down the sink.
- Never wash vegetable peelings or leftover food down the sink.
- Making sure that the plughole stays hair free is the easiest way to prevent problems with your bathroom sink.
- You can purchase plughole covers that’ll catch hair and beauty product residue.
- Avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink as it can solidify.
- If cooking oil is too hot to put in the bin, leave it to cool and then dispose of it.
- Do not put cotton wool buds, tissues, paper or straws down the plug as they will cause blockages.
Do I need to call a plumber to unblock my sink?
If none of the above tips work for you, the blockage keeps returning or you notice a bad odour, it's probably time to call a plumber. It could be that the blockage is further down the pipework or is just too stubborn for DIY plumbing. Professional plumbers have the expertise, tools and technology to diagnose and drain blockages effectively.
Allianz Online Home Insurance covers blocked drains or pipes up to certain amounts depending on your type of cover, so make sure to check your policy, so you can stay protected.
Everything you need to know about unblocking a toilet
A blocked toilet can be messy, smelly and a major inconvenience. While fixing a toilet isn’t the most appealing task, knowing how to do it yourself can save you a whole lot of time, money and stress.
What equipment do you need to unblock a toilet?
With the right equipment and know-how, unblocking a toilet should be a fairly straightforward job. It can get messy, so
consider stocking up on these items before you start:
- A plunger to help remove toilet blockages.
- Rubber gloves to protect you from germs and make the job as hygienic as possible.
- A bucket or plastic blag to dispose of any obstructions.
- Towels or newspaper to protect the floor around the toilet.
How do you unblock a toilet with a plunger?
Your best course of action is to use a plunger. A plunger should be able to dislodge most blocked toilets, so it’s worth having one in case you need it.
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Step 1: Stop the water flow
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Step 2: Locate the blockage
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Step 3: Create an airtight seal
Before pulling out your plunger, you need to stop the bowl from filling up with water while you work. Lift the lid of the tank
behind the toilet and close or push down on the flapper located at the bottom centre of the tank. It should look like a drain-plug attached to a chain, and will naturally seal against the drain opening. If you can’t find the flapper, just turn off the water supply to your home temporarily.
Prepare the area by putting old towels or newspapers around the toilet to help protect your floor. An extractor fan or open window will help get rid of any unpleasant smells. Once the blockage is located, put your rubber gloves on and see if you can dislodge it by hand. If you can, put it in a bucket or plastic bag and dispose of it appropriately.
If the blockage is out of sight or reach, you’re going to need the plunger. The key is to create an airtight seal around the toilet bowl. Place the plunger over the hole, push down gently on the plunger before you release. A stubborn obstruction may need more plunging force and speed to make sure it’s dislodged properly. Here’s a tip, try running the plunger under hot water before you start to make the rubber head more flexible.
How to prevent your toilet from blocking
The best way to fix a blocked toilet or pipe is to stop it happening in the first place. Here are some simple steps to prevent your toilet from blocking
- Avoid flushing sanitary products, nappies, wipes and cotton buds.
- Don’t use toilet paper in excess if you don’t have to.
- Close the lid of the toilet to prevent dropping items in accidentally.
- Use specialist cleaning products to prevent a build-up of limescale.
When to call a professional
If the situation gets worse and the above methods don’t work, the best action is to call a professional. You want to avoid pushing the blockage further up the pipe or even causing water damage to your property. Allianz Home Insurance covers blocked drains or pipes up to certain amounts, depending on your type of cover, so make sure to check your policy so you can stay protected.
