Check the extent of the problem
If several fittings are backing up or wastewater is appearing elsewhere, do not keep adding water. The problem may extend beyond the sink. Contact an appropriate plumber or your water company for advice about the affected drains.
Remove accessible debris
With the tap off, remove visible food or debris from the strainer without reaching into sharp or unknown material. Check a removable plug in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep children and pets away from backed-up wastewater.
Use a sink plunger only when appropriate
For a sound fitting with no drain chemicals present, a sink plunger may help a simple local blockage. Use gentle pressure and stop if joints leak or the fitting moves. If you have used a chemical product, do not plunge or dismantle the trap; follow the product safety directions and tell the plumber what was used.
Avoid escalating to harsh methods
Do not mix drain products or pour boiling water into an unknown sink and pipe arrangement. Dismantling brittle or corroded traps can cause a leak. A blockage that repeatedly returns needs assessment rather than repeated temporary clearing.
What Swift Home covers
We provide standard household sink, bath, shower and toilet unblocking. We do not offer high-pressure drain jetting, CCTV drain surveys or specialist sewer work. Send the affected fittings and symptoms so the suitable next step can be agreed.
Arrange the next step
Request household unblocking. For prevention, read how to prevent blocked drains.
Further guidance: Thames Water: blockages and blocked drains.
Arrange help with your property
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