Unblock pipe liquid?

Shefwedfan

Ok, so the sink in 2 of the bathrooms are really slow to empty. Always have been like this since I got house but now they are really struggling.,

I had a look in them earlier and it looks like they are just full of gunk is best way to describe.

I was going to put down some liquid to try and clear them out as I think that is all they need. Just wondering what is best? seen stuff in Tesco but I would say it is useless

Any idea's? Thanks

wait4me

Why not unscrew the u-bend trap underneath and clean out first? Make sure you put a basin or towel underneath to pick up the water that will spill out.

Shefwedfan

wait4me wrote: »

Why not unscrew the u-bend trap underneath and clean out first? Make sure you put a basin or towel underneath to pick up the water that will spill out.

Both have units under them. They are all blocked in. Would prefer not to start pulling the whole unit out. I know something will break and then it will throw out bathroom and the Misses will want a new bathroom

wait4me

Buster bathroom gunge (might not be actually called that - but is is Buster) cleaner usually works for me. You could use caustic soda but only if you are careful. I am sure that someone else here might chip in at this stage. w4m

my3cents

If you want to live dangerously then most builders merchants carry a product for drain cleaning that is very strong sulphuric acid its about €15 for a liter. This stuff makes Buster look like a total wimp.

There are plenty of issues with using it and it is no good on anything but plastic pipes in good condition even then as it reacts with the crap in the pipe it creates a lot of heat. I've used it with success and its never caused any pipe damage but there are plenty of warnings on the label.

Shefwedfan

my3cents wrote: »

If you want to live dangerously then most builders merchants carry a product for drain cleaning that is very strong sulphuric acid its about €15 for a liter. This stuff makes Buster look like a total wimp.

There are plenty of issues with using it and it is no good on anything but plastic pipes in good condition even then as it reacts with the crap in the pipe it creates a lot of heat. I've used it with success and its never caused any pipe damage but there are plenty of warnings on the label.

Went to Goodwins yesterday and got stuff, threw it down the pipe. Left for 3 hours and came back. Has kind of cleared some of the crap out. Need something stronger so I might check into this

I know I got stuff years ago, when I threw it in there was smoke coming up out of the pipe. It cleared everythign out

my3cents

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Went to Goodwins yesterday and got stuff, threw it down the pipe. Left for 3 hours and came back. Has kind of cleared some of the crap out. Need something stronger so I might check into this

I know I got stuff years ago, when I threw it in there was smoke coming up out of the pipe. It cleared everythign out

Thats the stuff! Its not labeled as sulphuric acid you have to read the label to check thats what it is. The trick is not to put too much down at a time. A couple of "glugs" is all it needs to start with then leave it for 20 minutes rinse and repeat.

Shefwedfan

my3cents wrote: »

Thats the stuff! Its not labeled as sulphuric acid you have to read the label to check thats what it is. The trick is not to put too much down at a time. A couple of "glugs" is all it needs to start with then leave it for 20 minutes rinse and repeat.

They didn't have in Goodwins, must try and remember where I picked up before. Goodwins not great for plumbing anyway

You need to keep the windows open. Watch the hands and as you said throw a bit in at a time....;)

ronn

Try a plunger to dislodge the gunk,

K.Flyer

I rarely need to use anything other than a plunger.
Block up the overflows and other sinks and use the plunger on the sink closest to the blockage.
Failing that and I would use a wet vac to pull any gunk and crap out of the pipes. If its still being stubborn then I would turn to the chemicals.
The one that always works is DamBuster, but if not used exactly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions you can do more harm than good. It can distort pipework if you use it incorrectly.
Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection if you are not used to using the stuff.