Skip to main content
Bunnings

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website

Project list

Sign in to your account

Ready to Collect in 2 hours

How to unblock a sink drain

Drain cleaner being used to flush an unblocked drain

Overview

Many things can block a sink. Food scraps, hair or even tree roots can get into the drains. We show you how to unblock a sink and flush it with a cleaner to get rid of any residue.

Tools and materials

Tools

Materials

Steps

1Pump the plunger over the drain hole

Place the plunger over the drain hole and pump the plunger. The suction cup has to be below the level of the water that's standing in the blocked sink.  When it is unblocked the water will drain away nicely and you'll have a free flow of water.
A plunger being used to unblock a drain

2Flush the sink with drain cleaner

Use drain cleaner to make sure nothing else is left in the pipes. Put your gloves on and mix up the drain cleaner, following the instructions on the packet. Tip the drain cleaner down the drain and leave it to sit for the appropriate amount of time. Flush it through with clean water.
Drain cleaner being used to flush an unblocked drain
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.