Use sink plunger
2Check U-bend
3Check main drain
PLUMBING PROBLEMS
189
BLOCKED SINK
1
Use sink plunger
• Smear petroleum jelly around the rim of a sink plunger.
• Block the overflow outlet with a piece of cloth, then position the plunger over the drain. Run 2 in( 5 cm) of water into the sink.
• Pump vigorously for a few minutes to clear a minor blockage.
• If this fails, use a commercial drain cleaner or pour carbonated soda dissolved in hot water down the drain.
Block the overflow outlet with a cloth
Pump the plunger over the drain
2Check U-bend
• For a U-bend with a drain plug( a small capped outlet at the bottom of the U section), put a bucket in place, then unscrew the plug using a wrench.
• Wedge a piece of wood in the U-bend to keep it steady as you work. Clear any debris, then replace the drain plug.
• For a removable U-bend, unscrew the joints and lift out the U section, draining the water into a bucket. Clear debris from the pipe, then replace the U section.
CLEAR BOTTLE TRAP
• If the sink is still blocked, place a bucket underneath the bottle trap below the
sink and unscrew the base.
• Push a clotheshanger or“ snake”( a flexible length of metal) down the drain
to try to push the blockage out.
• If this is unsuccessful, try working up through the trap bottom and along the
waste pipe. Try to pull any debris back toward you rather than pushing it further away.
• Replace the trap base
and fasten securely.
Remove the base of the bottle trap
3Check main drain
• If the pipe remains blocked, there could be a problem in the drain.
• Call a drain cleaner to come and clear the drain.
Unscrew both sides of the U-bend to remove blockage
Place a bucket underneath to catch water