Unblocking the kitchen sink

Peter-Pan_5

I think taking the u bend off is the best way,crap job,if you put on rubber

gloves you will find gripping the plastic easier,when you put it back on a wee

squirt of washing up liquid on the threads will make it very easy screwing it back on,don`t get a

plumber,it`s really easy,have faith.

Mado

Just be VERY careful if you have used some chemicals when you undo the U-bend. Soda cristal and acids will burn.
Wear good protective gloves and goggles....or at least glasses.

Badgergal

Well,

The drain unblocker stuff I bought never worked I am now debating whether to open the U bend (which I'm not really happy about due to my lack of skills) or get some caustic soda (which is also scary!) Either way I think I better buy some new rubber gloves...

Thanks for all the replies! Will let you know how I get on...

squeaky

Once you've undone a u-bend you'll wonder why you ever thought it was difficult. It really is easy. Wear gloves, glasses or goggles, and sit a bowl or large dish under the u-bend to catch drips and muck.

Nile

I have worked in a lab using chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and sulphuric acid and despite wearing PPE, I managed to get it on my skin.

I know from bitter experience that speed is of the essence when you've got to get these chemicals off your skin.

As a word of caution, I would advise that as well as wearing gloves and goggles.......have a bucket of water ready nearby. If you've unscrewed the u bend and manage to get splashed with caustic soda......you won't be able to immediately run the cold water tap on that sink to rinse the affected area will you?

The bucket of water is your last line of defence, should the worst happen. Then make sure that you get to another sink with running tap or shower to thoroughly rinse the affected area. Better to be safe than sorry.

Badgergal

*WAILS*

Caustic soda did absolutely nothing!

And guess what. It would appear that, as a laydee, I am too weak to be able to unscrew the U bend, rubber gloves or no. I got all ready, gloves on, bowl underneath, and would it budge? Would it HECK!

This means I have to wait for a "big strong" man to come and do it, which I really resent! I like to be able to do things myself!

It has been blocked for days now and it is no fun having to take washing up to the bathroom.... *plans to save up for dishwasher*

squeaky

If you're talking about paying a plumber to come and do it you might want to consider a trip to your nearest hardware store first.

What you need is a spanner called a swan neck. It's adjustable to fit a range of sizes.

To see one go to This Page and type in swan neck in the search box. No quotes need.

Then in the hardware store ask for help in picking the one the right size for the job you're doing, and they may even know of something better.

Badgergal

Thanks squeaky, I hope to have gotten a strong friend to come over and do it by the weekend, but will go and have a look for one of those if even they cannot manage it. I think some complete fool might have painted over it (why? why would you do that? It's in a !!!!!! cupboard!)

squeaky

Actually there's a little beasty called a strap wrench that would do equally well for this sort of job. It's good at opening jam jars too

I'd forgotten about those - some toe rag stole my last one and I've made do with other tools like the swan necks where I've needed to.

mhoc

Had to give in and use Mr Muscle sink unblocker when the old fashioned remedies did not unblock the shower and sink. Hate having to use these over priced chemicals but it did the trick

Mary