A blocked sink disrupts your daily routine whether it occurs in the kitchen or bathroom. Kitchen sinks typically block due to grease, food debris, and soap residue accumulating in the trap and waste pipe over time. Bathroom sinks are more commonly affected by hair, soap scum, and toothpaste buildup. Our engineers use a combination of manual rodding, high-pressure micro-jetting equipment, and electromechanical drain snakes to clear sink blockages at any point from the trap beneath the basin to the underground connection. We carry specialist descaling tools for hard water deposits and grease-cutting attachments for kitchen waste pipes. During the visit we inspect the full waste run — not just the visible trap — to ensure there are no secondary obstructions that could cause the problem to return. We also check the external gulley where the waste pipe discharges, as debris often accumulates at this point. Most sink unblocking jobs are completed within 30 to 60 minutes, and we always test flow rates before leaving.
We check the U-bend or bottle trap beneath the sink for visible obstructions and assess whether the blockage is in the trap itself or further along the waste pipe.
Using drain rods, a powered drain snake, or targeted micro-jetting, we remove the blockage and flush accumulated debris from the full length of the waste run.
We inspect the gulley or hopper where the waste pipe exits the property, clearing any debris that could restrict drainage or cause future problems.
We run both taps at full pressure to verify the sink drains freely with no residual slow drainage or gurgling, confirming the blockage has been fully resolved.
Sink unblocking in the Manchester area typically costs between £80 and £130. Kitchen sinks with heavy grease buildup may require jetting and sit towards the higher end. We provide a fixed quote before any work begins and never charge a call-out fee. If we discover a deeper problem such as a broken pipe, we explain your options before proceeding.
Recurring kitchen sink blockages are almost always caused by grease and fat accumulation inside the waste pipe. Even small amounts of cooking oil solidify as they cool, gradually narrowing the pipe. Using a sink strainer, wiping greasy pans with kitchen roll before washing, and flushing the drain with hot water weekly can significantly reduce blockage frequency.
Chemical drain cleaners can provide temporary relief for minor blockages but are not a long-term solution. Repeated use can corrode older metal pipes and damage rubber seals. For persistent or complete blockages, professional mechanical clearance is more effective and safer for your pipework.
Yes. If a sink waste pipe connects to the same underground drain as other fixtures, a blockage in the shared section can cause slow drainage or backups in multiple appliances. This is particularly common in older terraced properties where kitchen and bathroom waste share a single pipe run.