Slightly blocked plug-hole - Advice?

Gillby1 · 22 December 2005 at 4:08PM

My bathroom sink plug is emptying the sink really, really slowly. I wondered if anyone has some old-style advice about clearing it? It's no use using anything liquidy coz it just drains away (albeit slowly) before it can do any good.

I'll pick up a sink unblocker from Tesco if needed, but thought i'd check with you guys first.

Thanks!

Gills

frosty · 22 December 2005 at 4:15PM

I have just unblocked my bathroom sink with bicarb and white vinegar,you pour a tub of bicard down the plughole then pour a cup of vinegar on top of it, it fizzes a lot, it might be worth a try.

Nile · 22 December 2005 at 4:16PM

Hello Gillyby1

Have you had a close look at the plug hole? Can you see hair and gunk collected around and under the plug hole? When ours needs a clear out, I use a pair of tweezers to pull the hair (and gunk) out. It's amazing how much hair collects in the sink/bath if that's the one you use to wash your hair.;)

I'd try the tweezer method first, to save some money on sink unblocker stuff. Save the nasty chemicals as a last resort.

I hope that helps.

billy_the_kid_2 · 22 December 2005 at 4:19PM

I still get the best results from the old tried and trusted elbow grease method. Buy yourself a sink plunger and go for it. You will get the best results by blocking off the overflow with a rag or face flannel. No nasty chemicals.

Queenie · 22 December 2005 at 4:20PM

I use a solution (strong!) of soda crystals on very very hot water!
Give it a whirl before you go out and spent a mint on drain cleaner.

Also, sometimes, for mild blockages, I place the flat of my hand over the plughole and "pump" it ... like the old gag of making a pooping sound under the arm pit? ... that can create just enough "suction" to clear any wee blockages.

HTH

cattie · 22 December 2005 at 4:27PM

If you haven't got a plunger you can use a piece of old rag & keep pressing on it over the plug hole as you would a plunger. It's a good standby method & better than using your hand as Queenie sometimes does.

thriftlady_2 · 22 December 2005 at 4:45PM

Nile wrote:

, I use a pair of tweezers to pull the hair (and gunk) out. It's amazing how much hair collects in the sink/bath if that's the one you use to wash your hair.;)

.

I use an old toothbrush for doing this as the hair wraps itself around the brush into one long, slimy disgusting looking blob! sorry if that wasTMI

eileenfromplaistow · 22 December 2005 at 4:58PM

Or to get really gross, unscrew the u-bend (with a bowl underneath of course), and go at that with a toothbrush.
Before this I would try 1.hot water and washing soda, 2. bicarb and vinegar and then the sink plunger to push all the loosened gunk through the pipe.

nikiyoung · 22 December 2005 at 5:59PM

Nile wrote:

Have you had a close look at the plug hole? Can you see hair and gunk collected around and under the plug hole? When ours needs a clear out, I use a pair of tweezers to pull the hair (and gunk) out. It's amazing how much hair collects in the sink/bath if that's the one you use to wash your hair.;)

I'd try the tweezer method first, to save some money on sink unblocker stuff. Save the nasty chemicals as a last resort.

Or i use cotton wool buds they just fit down the hole in the pulg quite nicely!

Bogof_Babe · 22 December 2005 at 6:49PM

I use a large crochet hook which works very well as far as it reaches. Anything stuck beyond that depth gets the Mr Muscle treatment.

superscotsman · 24 December 2005 at 11:17PM

Sometimes the cause of the blockage is congealed fat. A kettle of boiling water will melt it and that will shift the blockage.

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Slightly blocked plug-hole - Advice?

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