If sinks, basins or baths become slow to drain, or stop draining completely, there must be a blockage somewhere in the waste pipe. The likely cause of slow draining is an accumulation of grease in the trap, or fibres caught below the grid on the plug-hole. If water doesn’t drain away at all, then there is a complete blockage and there must be an obstruction in the waste pipe. There are different methods you can try to remedy this. Camden Plumbers can unblock drains

If the sink is completely blocked, partially fill with water and place the cup of a sink plunger over the plughole. Stuff a damp cloth into the overflow to prevent loss of pressure. Then pump the plunger up and down vigorously. Take the plunger away and see if the water drains. You may need to repeat this. If this fails, try using a chemical drain cleaning product. Wear protective gloves and goggles and follow the instructions carefully, as it will be highly toxic. Do not use where other chemicals, such as bleach, may be present, as this could cause dangerous gases to be released. Smear some petroleum jelly around the rim of the plughole to protect it from damage.

If the blockage still hasn’t cleared, then you will have to remove the waste trap. Put a bucket under the trap to catch any spillage. Unscrew the trap, and empty the contents into the bucket. Replace the trap of making sure you replace any washers or O-rings. Do not over tighten or it will be difficult to undo in the future. If there was nothing blocking the drain trap use a drain auger to probe into the waste pipe. Camden Plumbers use a drain auger.

Note: this piece of equipment has a flexible rod that extends into a waste pipe as you rotate the handle, dislodging any blockage as it goes. The rod then winds back into the handle for hygienic storage.