• Blockages in basins and sinks are usually caused by the build up of waste in the trap: fat, tea leaves, hair etc. It is advisable to flush wastepipes and traps regularly. Do not use caustic soda as it destroys modern plastic fittings.
• The traps always hold some water which stops air or foul smells coming up the drain. However, waste can build up and become stuck in it. 
• If more than one fitting (bath, basin or sink) is blocked, the blockage may be in the soilstack or main drain. This will need to be cleared by us. Contact your local housing office.
• Blockages in toilets are usually caused by objects such as nappies, toys or air fresheners. You must not use toilets as bins or waste disposers.

What to do

You will need:

• bowl or bucket
• jug or cup to be used as scoop
• wet rag or dishcloth
• plunger (for toilet you can use a toilet brush or mop)
• rubber gloves.

To unblock a bath, basin or sink:

• bale out some of the water
• hold the rag tightly over the overflow opening
• place the plunger over the plug hole and pump up and down rapidly.

To unblock a toilet: 

• if the pan is already full, remove some of the water into the bucket using some form of scoop. eg a jug or cup
• push the brush or plunger to the bottom of the pan
• pump it up and down vigorously about 10 times. This creates a vaccum and pressure, which may shift the blockage
• flush the toilet to see whether the blockage has gone.

You may need to repeat this process several times before the toilet flushes normally.

If there is no improvement after a couple of attempts, you should contact us.

Thoroughly wash your hands and all equipment after you have finished.