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How to unblock a basin

There’s nothing worse than a blocked sink to disrupt the flow of daily life. Fortunately, it’s an easy enough problem to solve. Once resolved your basin will be fully functional again and much needed order will be restored.

Before you begin, lay an old dust sheet to protect the floor from any spillages.

Basin overflow is blocked using a piece of tape.Basin overflow is blocked using a piece of tape.Basin overflow is blocked using a piece of tape.Basin overflow is blocked using a piece of tape.

1. Block the overflow

Clean and dry the overflow and surrounding area. Then block off the overflow with tape, making sure the seal is airtight. You can use any tape that will stop air passing through. Make sure the plug hole is open.

Removing water from a corner basin using a plastic measuring jug.Removing water from a corner basin using a plastic measuring jug.Removing water from a corner basin using a plastic measuring jug.Removing water from a corner basin using a plastic measuring jug.

2. Remove water

If the basin is full of water, remove it using a bucket and then pour in enough warm water to submerge the head of the plunger.

Pouring detergent into a basin. Detergent is poured around the plug hole and is sinking through the water.Pouring detergent into a basin. Detergent is poured around the plug hole and is sinking through the water.Pouring detergent into a basin. Detergent is poured around the plug hole and is sinking through the water.Pouring detergent into a basin. Detergent is poured around the plug hole and is sinking through the water.

3. Pour detergent into the basin

Pour a generous amount of detergent into the bowl. This will sink down through the water to the blockage and help lubricate its movement.

Plunger submerged in warm water inside a bucket to make it more flexible.Plunger submerged in warm water inside a bucket to make it more flexible.Plunger submerged in warm water inside a bucket to make it more flexible.Plunger submerged in warm water inside a bucket to make it more flexible.

4. Warm the plunger with water

Submerge the plunger in a bucket of warm water to make it more flexible and easier to use.

Person wearing gloves gripping a plunger placed inside a basin with two hands. Person is pushing down on the plunger.Person wearing gloves gripping a plunger placed inside a basin with two hands. Person is pushing down on the plunger.Person wearing gloves gripping a plunger placed inside a basin with two hands. Person is pushing down on the plunger.Person wearing gloves gripping a plunger placed inside a basin with two hands. Person is pushing down on the plunger.

5. Push the plunger downwards

Ensure you position the plunger so it creates a seal around the plughole. Once there is a vacuum, gently but firmly push downwards several times. This forces the water against the blockage and pushes it along the waste pipe.

Using a bucket to pour warm water into a basin.Using a bucket to pour warm water into a basin.Using a bucket to pour warm water into a basin.Using a bucket to pour warm water into a basin.

6. Add warm water to the basin

If the water drains from the basin, add some more warm water and keep using the plunger until you're sure that the blockage has cleared completely.

Person wearing gloves pushing a wire drain unblocker down the plughole of a basin.Person wearing gloves pushing a wire drain unblocker down the plughole of a basin.Person wearing gloves pushing a wire drain unblocker down the plughole of a basin.Person wearing gloves pushing a wire drain unblocker down the plughole of a basin.

7. Use a wire drain unblocker

If the plunger is not sufficient, use a flexible wire, drain unblocker hose or a draining rod. Insert into the plughole and manually push the blockage out of the way. Once you’re sure it’s clear, run the taps to make sure the problem is solved.