Tried unblocking sink but made it worse- time to call a plumber?

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AFF8879
AFF8879 Posts: 651 Forumite
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in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving
So once again the internet has lied terribly and made a bad situation worse. :)

I’ve had a slow running bathroom sink for a while now and decided today to attempt to fix it again. I have previously tried shop bought sink unblocker, boiling water, vinegar, washing up liquid and one of those extended wires with a brush head you can manoeuvre about. None have worked.

So today I read multiple articles that suggested a combination of salt, baking soda and boiling water. Having attempted this the sink is now totally blocked with sitting water. :mad:

Any ideas or should I resign myself to paying for a professional?
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  • Robin9
    Robin9 Posts: 12,106 Forumite
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    Have you taken the u bend apart ?
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  • Whitefiver
    Whitefiver Posts: 688 Forumite
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    Hi,


    Before you call anyone in, might just be worth trying a hot solution of Soda Crystals. Around £1 per Kg from e.g. Tesco, I believe.


    Instructions are probably on the packet, but I use a couple of tablespoons of Soda in a pint of hot water (take care!), pour it down the plug hole, and leave for 10 minutes. Get as little as possible on any metalwork.


    Follow up with a kettle of hot water.


    One application usually works for my shower.


    Hope that helps.
  • D_M_E
    D_M_E Posts: 3,008 Forumite
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    As Robin9 says, take the U-bend - could be a P-trap - off and clear that out then replace.

    If it's gone so solid that you cannot clear it then buy another, they only cost a few quid from hardware shop or the likes of B&Q.

    Remove any water from the sink first using a small cup or similar and put some towels or something underneath to catch what's left in the pipe when you remove the bend.
  • Grenage
    Grenage Posts: 2,899 Forumite
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    As above, remove the u-bend. A couple of minutes with a bucket and you'll be done.
  • Browntoa
    Browntoa Posts: 49,302 Forumite
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    It can be the level pipe leading away from the u bend that's blocked , sometimes because of poor installation there's a slight drop in the level of the pipe towards the u bend and crap accumulation happens
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  • Working_Mum
    Working_Mum Posts: 559 Forumite
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    I had the same problem - i removed the U bend, cleaned it thoroughly (awful job) and replaced it - I have zero DIY plumbing skills so it's an easy job to do for a complete novice!!

    Kept a cloth underneath the ubend for a few days as there was a slow drip but I just tightening it.
  • General_Applause
    General_Applause Posts: 198 Forumite
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    Use a plunger. Remember to block the overflow whilst plunging.
  • keith969
    keith969 Posts: 1,571 Forumite
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    HG Duo drain unblocker. It's expensive, but cheaper than a plumber!
    For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong.
  • worried_jim
    worried_jim Posts: 11,631 Forumite
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    One shot- if you can get your hands on it now.

    https://shop.wessexcleaning.com/the-cheeky-panda
  • paddy's_mum
    paddy's_mum Posts: 3,977 Forumite
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    If you do get a plumber in, make sure you warn him about the rake of toxic stuff that might still be lingering in the pipes.
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