Unblocking a Sink with Liquid Unblockers: A Practical Guide

A blocked sink is one of the most common plumbing issues in the home. Whether it’s due to the build-up of fat or simply a clog of other debris, it can be a tedious and potentially expensive issue that needs to be addressed.

Fortunately, with the advances in chemical drain cleaners and liquid unblockers, it’s usually not a matter of calling in a plumber when unblocking a sink, but more a case of finding the right product for the job.

In this guide, we’ll look at how to use a sink unblocker liquid to clear a drain, what to do if the sink won’t unblock, and the precautions you should take before using a particularly strong product.

Introducing Liquid Unblockers

First, let’s look at what liquid unblockers are and how they work. Liquid unblockers are chemical-based drain cleaners used to unblock sinks and other blocked drains. Most of these products contain alkali metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide (drain cleaner), which will react with the fats built-up in the pipework and break them down. This will help to clear the drain and allow any other blockages to pass through. Other liquid unblockers can also be used, which may contain acids, but these are usually reserved for tougher blockages.

Although there are some natural solutions to unblocking a sink, such as vinegar and baking soda, liquid unblockers are the most common choice, particularly when the blockage is particularly stubborn.

Precautions Before Use

unblocking a sink

Before you begin with the unblocking process, it’s important to ensure that you’ve taken all the necessary safety precautions first. As liquid unblockers contain corrosive components, they must be used carefully. Make sure that you’re wearing gloves and goggles when handling the product, as it can cause significant irritation on contact with your skin or eyes.

It’s also essential to ensure that you’re correctly using the liquid unblocker. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines before using the product, as the concentration and amount used can vary from product to product.

Using a Liquid Unblocker

Once you’ve taken all the necessary safety precautions, it’s time to start unblocking the sink. Depending on where the blockage is, you may need to access the sink from under the sink, usually from a pipe in the corner of the room. Once you’ve found the pipe, prepare the liquid unblocker before use.

If you’re using the liquid unblocker straight from the bottle, make sure you wear gloves and goggles and pour the product in slowly and carefully. Make sure you’re not pouring it directly onto any metal surfaces as the chemical reaction can damage the materials.

If you’re using a product in powder form, then mix the powder with some water in a bucket before pouring it into the drain. Make sure you’re not pouring the solution directly onto any metal surfaces, and leave the solution to work through the system.

What to Do if the Sink Won’t Unblock

unblocking a sink

If, after using the liquid unblocker, the sink won’t unblock, then you may need to enlist the help of a professional. If the blockage is particularly stubborn or not visible, then it may be the case that a plumber will need to be called in to assess the situation.

If that’s the case, you need to ensure that the liquid unblocker is no longer present in the drain before the plumber comes, as this may cause damage to their tools and equipment when attempting to unblock the sink.

Conclusion

Unblocking a sink with liquid unblockers is a relatively straightforward process and can help save the time and cost of enlisting the help of a professional. Make sure you’re taking all the necessary safety precautions before use and refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the product you’re using.

If the liquid unblocker doesn’t work, then it may be the case that you need to enlist the help of a professional. Make sure that you’ve removed all traces of the liquid unblocker before the plumber comes, as this may damage their tools and equipment.

Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com

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