Unblocking A Plug Hole - Best Way ????

[Gizmonster]

Well ..... the bathroom sink has been taking longer and longer to empty, so today I'm on a mission to unblock it.

I've tried a coat hanger bent with a hook on the end and I've also tried one of them gadgets that you can buy - a wire with a sticky bit on the end ... but they don't seem to be able to reach down far enough and unblock the blockage.

I've tried undoing the pipe at the back, but it's not very accessible as it seems like the waste pipe was put in first, then the pipes leading to the taps were fitted after, as they run very close to the waste pipe and I can't get a spanner in to loosen the fittings.

....... so I'm left with the option of pouring something down the plug hole, like caustic soda or something else.

Has anyone any suggestions as to what to use ????

[andy-hughes]

I'd have a try with one of the commercial un-blockers - there is one for bathrooms which will disolve hair and associated gunk.

If not, the 'blaster' is good, you can get a one-off blaster from your hardware store, but stuff a tea-towel into the overflow first, or it will simply shoot out of there and drench you!

[Gizmonster]

.... well it's not perfect, but it's a lot better than it was.

I can't believe I didn't figure out to cover the overflow ..... d'oh.

Anyway, thanks for all the replies .... there's still a bit of a blockage but I really cba plunging anymore, so I'm gonna pour something down it .... I might even try some prune juice :)

[Mamyalynne]

Follow the plunging with soda crystals and boiling water then plunge again in an hour or two.

[The Builder]

Giz, if you've cleared the trap, then a length of stiff fencing wire is good for poking down the pipe run. As an alternative, straighten out a metal coat-hanger.

Does it run to an internal soil-stack (big grey vertical pipe), or to an external gulley?

[Proofraider]

Try some washing soda followed by some vinegar - it'll fizz like mad and if you've managed to loosen up the gunk a bit by now it might help - I've cleared a kitchen plug that way.