What should you do when a sink is blocked?
Remove only accessible debris, never mix drain-cleaning products, and have the drain checked if water backs up, leaks or no longer flows away.
Start with accessible parts
Remove the strainer or stopper and clear only visible, accessible debris. Place a container below the trap if there is already a leak, without dismantling pipework you are not familiar with.
Avoid dangerous mixtures
Never mix different drain cleaners, bleach, acids or other chemicals. Reactions can produce splashes, heat or dangerous fumes.
Note useful signs
Check whether only one fixture is affected, several drains are slow, gurgling noises occur or water backs up elsewhere. These details help locate the blockage.
Have the drain checked
A recurring blockage, a leak below the sink or several affected drains may indicate a problem farther along the pipe. A diagnosis helps avoid damaging the trap or pipework.
