How to Unblock a Toilet or Sink
When toilets and sinks become blocked, they can stop working and produce nasty smells! These tips on how to unblock a toilet or sink will help you tackle the problem.
Top Tip
To make unblocking a toilet or sink easy, there are specialised cleaning products available in shops. Domestos Sink and Pipe Unblocker can get the job done quickly with minimum effort. Just read the label and test any product in a small area first.
A nice, clean bathroom is something we all hope for. After all, it’s much more pleasant to relax in the bath when you know the room is clean and fresh. Unfortunately, sometimes we get a blocked sink or toilet that just seems to get worse the more we try to fix it. When a sink is blocked with old soap scum or a toilet is blocked with non-flushable baby wipes, stuffed toys, and socks, putting more stuff in on top of the blockage is only going to make it worse. Before you try anything, we recommend reading these helpful hints, which will make your job much simpler.
What Products Can I Use for a Blocked Toilet or Sink?
There are hundreds of products out there that claim to unclog a blocked toilet or clear out a blocked sink, some of which work, and some of which don’t. Here’s your helpful guide to the best products to use:
- Water
That’s right, good old plain water can work wonders on a blocked sink or toilet. Simply fill a large bucket or container with water and pour it quite rapidly down the plughole. The sheer force of the water is sometimes enough to flush out small blockages. It’s well worth trying this method before trying commercial products.
- Commercial Products
If you’re still struggling to unblock the toilet or sink, try commercial cleaning products like Domestos Sink and Pipe Unblocker. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and wear rubber gloves. These cleaners are powerful enough to dissolve blockages, so they’re better off away from your hands. Make sure that you follow the safety guidelines, avoid contact with skin, and avoid taking inthe product. Also make sure that the room is well ventilated when you’re using commercial products.
How to Use a Toilet Plunger
If you know what’s blocking your drains, and it’s something that you know can’t be dissolved or easily flushed out – such as a child’s toy, – you can try using a plunger. A plunger is easy to use, and it’s more budget-friendly than calling a plumber. Here are some tips to remember when you’re using a plunger:
Do wear rubber gloves and old clothes.
Do use the right plunger for the job – a sink plunger for plugholes, and a wide-lipped plunger for toilets.
Do make sure you get a good, airtight seal around the area.
Do cover other outlets, or the water you’re pushing through will simply come back through the overflow.
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Don’t plunge wildly – a rhythmic up-and-down motion is fine.
Don’t have too much water in the toilet bowl. Scoop some out first if you need to.
Don’t use chemical unblocking products first – they could splash back up onto you.
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The next time you find your plugholes filled with toy cars or dirty tissues, don’t panic, and don’t reach for the phone. Believe it or not, unclogging a toilet or sink is simple, and you really don’t need a plumber unless you’ve tried all your other options.
Safety Warning
Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.