Slow draining sink — how to clear it yourself

First try the simplest fix: put the plug in, fill the sink with hot water, then remove the plug quickly — the weight of water may push the partial blockage through.

Use a plunger: cover the overflow hole with a wet cloth (to create proper suction), place the plunger over the drain, and plunge firmly 10–15 times. This works best for sink blockages close to the drain hole.

Clear the U-bend (trap) under the sink: place a bucket under the trap, unscrew the trap — it's usually hand-tight. Remove any hair, grease, or debris. Rinse and replace.

For a kitchen sink, the blockage is often grease-based. Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain (safe for metal or ceramic sinks and pipes, but not for plastic pipes or older joints — use hot water, not boiling). Add a good squeeze of washing-up liquid first.

Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar: pour half a cup of bicarb down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Cover and leave for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water. This works on organic/grease blockages.

For bathroom sinks, hair is usually the culprit. A drain snake or zip-it tool (a thin plastic strip with barbs) can pull the hair mass out from just below the drain cover without dismantling anything.

Avoid using caustic soda or strong chemical drain openers regularly — they damage seals, cause pipe corrosion over time, and are harmful if they splash back. Use enzyme-based cleaners for regular maintenance instead.