Unblock a metal bottle trap

weather83

The sink in my bathroom has always been very slow to drain, but it's now so slow I think I need to unscrew something and unblock it. I'm not sure what to unscrew though! I've done a normal plastic u-bend before, but this sink has a metal bottle trap.

I've had a good look online, but couldn't see anyone showing how to tackle a sink that looks like mine. I was wondering if the "cap" at the very bottom of the trap is meant to come off, but it won't budge.

Any suggestions very welcome.

As a new user, I can't post links, but if you join these two bits together, you'll see a picture: i.imgur. com/NN9lHv8.jpg

Thanks!

prosaver

Put bi carbohydrate soda crystals down and then white vinergar. . That works for me ..google or you tube it

EssexExile

http://i.imgur.com/NN9lHv8.jpg

weather83

Thanks for fixing the link and for the soda crystals & vinegar suggestion. I've tried that, but unfortunately it didn't work.

I've also tried chemical stuff, a plastic unblocking rod, and that thing that blasts air down the plug hole, but no go...

Le_Kirk

Have a look under the bottle trap (you might have to lay on the floor) and you should see that the bottom cap has a screwdriver slot in it. You will need a large flat-bladed screwdriver and some elbow grease. Keep a hand on the rest of the trap to prevent it trying to turn. Of course have a bucket under the trap!

Wookey

Chromed metal basin traps are one of the worst culprits when it comes to blocking and maintenance, it will probably require footprints or large pump pliers to get the trap split to clean it out, using those tools will likely cause the trap to dinge or leave noticeable marks.

The internal in some of them is just a thin plastic tube which sometimes can be left to long meaning they block up sooner with hair/soap, the sealing O ring between the two body parts is also liable to disintegrate or warp if not fitted correctly when trying to put it back together. If it was mine i would bin it and replace it with a plastic P trap or bottle trap, whatever one suits the waste pipe connection best.