A blocked sink disrupts daily life, whether it happens in the kitchen or bathroom. Grease and food waste clog kitchen pipes, while hair and soap scum block bathroom basins. The blockage can sit in the trap under the basin or further along the waste pipe. Because debris often builds up at the outside gulley too, a full clear covers the whole run.
The engineer checks the U-bend or bottle trap under the sink. Since the blockage may sit further along, this shows whether the trap itself is the problem. A quick look often rules out the easy fix first.
Rods, a powered snake, or micro-jetting can shift the blockage. For example, jetting suits heavy grease, while rods suit a simple clog. The engineer picks the tool that fits the pipe.
Next, the engineer looks at the gulley where the waste pipe leaves the building. Debris can collect there, so clearing it helps stop a repeat. Because the gulley takes all the waste water, it is worth a look.
Run both taps at full flow to see if the sink drains freely. If you still hear gurgling or see slow water, tell the engineer before they leave. A quick re-check costs little, while a repeat visit costs more.
The cost of sink unblocking depends on the blockage. A greasy kitchen sink can need jetting, so it takes longer than a simple trap clear. Ask for a written quote before work starts, and ask whether there is a call-out charge. If the engineer finds a deeper fault, such as a broken pipe, ask them to explain your options first.
Grease and fat are the usual cause. Cooking oil turns solid as it cools, so it slowly narrows the pipe. However, a sink strainer, wiping greasy pans first, and a weekly hot flush can cut the risk.
Chemical cleaners can ease a small blockage, but they are not a lasting fix. Repeated use can eat into older metal pipes and damage rubber seals. For a stubborn or full blockage, a mechanical clear works better, since it removes the cause.
Yes, since many sinks share an underground drain with other fixtures. A blockage in that shared part can cause slow drainage elsewhere. This can happen in older terraced homes, where kitchen and bathroom waste may share one pipe.