Mon, 25 May 2026 08:49:53 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18029&Focus=304317#Comment_304317 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18029&Focus=304317#Comment_304317 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:42:10 +0000 Rex
In the greater scheme of building questions, a question about clearing the kitchen sink rates rather low.

But I have just done it and not surprisingly, found it somewhat blocked with black algae and gunk. I have searched with Dr. Google on how to keep it clear but I really do not understand.

Pouring bicarb of soda and vinegar will probably do the job, but that mixture will not get into the trap nor will it get further along the outlet pipes to clear them, which is where my blockage was.

Other than dismantling and manually clearing the pipes, is there a 'best way' to do it?

Should point out that the gunk is not really fat/oil based at all as we use virtually no oil for cooking.

Thanks and toodle pip]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18029&Focus=304318#Comment_304318 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18029&Focus=304318#Comment_304318 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:10:33 +0000 owlman You've reminded me that I need to do a de-gunge of the bathroom sink trap, this time I'm going to try one of the proprietary overnight unblockers. Washing machines need regular cleaning cycles too.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18029&Focus=304351#Comment_304351 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18029&Focus=304351#Comment_304351 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:56:20 +0000 revor
Seems to be a sink week I had to unblock a slow draining bathroom washbasin this week and it was surprising how much gunge was in there. The problem is in the type of outlet it has a mechanism where you can operate the plug with a lever. There are so many places to act as an obstruction there was no wonder it built up. Would never consider fitting one of these again. And old tooth brush came in handy to effect the cleaning.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18029&Focus=304354#Comment_304354 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18029&Focus=304354#Comment_304354 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:36:26 +0000 djh
Sinks have pull-out baskets at the top of the waste that catch most of the rubbish. Shower drains have removable tops and hair catches underneath and again is easily removed.

Haven't had any problems with drains as yet. Well apart from improperly mounted manhole covers that had to be rebuilt. And this summer we discovered that the standpipe for the washing machine drain hasn't got a trap fitted, so when the wind is in a particular direction we get some whiffs in the utility room. Haven't decided whether it's worth doing something about that yet. Flushing the loo that's above it on the stack makes the smell go away for now.]]>