How to clean your sink’s U-bend? 5 steps you need to remember!

Is an unpleasant odour coming from your kitchen sink? Or have you noticed that the water isn’t draining as quickly as it should? Food scraps and grease washed away during the washing-up can build up and restrict the drain. How do you unblock a clogged kitchen sink? You don’t need a specialist – you can do it yourself. Discover 5 steps that will make unblocking the sink a simple routine in your home!

1. Get ready for the job

Every task requires proper preparation – unblocking a sink is no different! How do you unblock a kitchen sink? Put on protective gloves to shield your hands. You’ll need a bucket so the remaining water doesn’t flood the floor. Depending on the type of trap, a screwdriver may be useful for removal. Later on you’ll need a brush and cleaning products (household ones, e.g. vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, or chemical cleaners). Once you’re prepared, you can get started!

2. Clean the sink and drain

The first step towards unblocking the sink is removing any debris left in it. During washing-up, larger or smaller bits of food can fall into the drain and often get stuck on the drain strainer. Put on your gloves and clear them from the kitchen sink so they don’t fall into the trap, causing an even bigger blockage. Once the inside of the sink is clean, move on to the next stage – removing the trap.

3. How do you clean the trap under the sink? Start with dismantling

How do you unblock a kitchen sink without making a mess of the whole room? Start by placing the bucket under the trap to make sure the water runs into it. Then carefully unscrew the parts connecting the trap to the drain and the sink. If it’s a modern sink, use a screwdriver to undo the strainer that holds the entire trap in place. If you have an older sink and the trap has a characteristic little reservoir, carefully unscrew it by hand.

Remember to do this carefully so as not to damage the seals and threads. After loosening, gently remove the trap, bearing in mind it may be full of debris and water. Set the seals aside and pour any remaining water from the cup into the bucket, then move on to the next stage.

4. How to clean a kitchen trap? Cleaning methods

How do you clean the trap in a washbasin? If the dirt is minor, try to pull it out and then rinse the entire trap under running water. At this stage you can use the brush to thoroughly clean the whole drain. A toothbrush works great here, as it can reach lots of nooks and crannies.

Managed to remove the food residues and other larger debris? Time to tackle limescale and soap scum. Specialist cleaning products can handle these, as can household ones you probably have in your kitchen. Prepare a 1:1 mixture of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, and the reaction between them will help you get rid of even the most stubborn deposits.

Is the trap sparkling now? Have you got rid of the unpleasant odour? Great! Now is a good time to check the condition of the trap. Inspect all the components carefully. Check for any cracks that could lead to a leaky drain. Also look at the seals – if age has taken its toll, be sure to replace them with new ones. This will extend the life of the whole installation and help prevent flooding the kitchen.

5. Reassemble the trap and test for leaks

The last step is, of course, to reassemble the trap. Reconnect all the parts securely, just as they were before. Don’t forget the seals, positioning them carefully in place. Make sure to tighten each joint firmly.

All done? Before you sit down with a smile for a coffee, be sure to test for leaks! Turn on the tap and look closely to see if any water is seeping out anywhere. You can use a piece of kitchen roll to make it easier to spot any drops that appear.

Good luck!