How To Unblock A Sink Without Calling A Plumber

We’re not going to lie to you – we are among Brisbane’s top drainage specialists and we’d absolutely love your business! But we also know the truth – if you can figure out how to unblock a sink all by yourself, you probably want that. Right? And we support that too!

So if you’re staring down a slow-draining sink or standing ankle-deep in the bathroom, we’ve put this together just for you. We’ll show you how to unblock a sink using DIY methods that are:

• Simple
• Safe
• Legal.

Better yet, they work for a lot of the most common sink clogs – with no dodgy chemicals or unnecessary call-outs.

Why kitchen & bathroom sinks block so often

It’s no surprise that these are the top two blocked drains we see in Brisbane homes – and they’re also the ones you’re most likely to try fixing yourself.

In the kitchen, it’s usually:

• Grease and oil buildup (even small amounts add up)
• Food scraps like rice, pasta, or coffee grounds (watch what you drain)
• Dish soap residue binding everything together.

In the bathroom, it’s typically:

• Hair (especially in older-style pop-up stoppers)
• Toothpaste sludge
• Soap and skin oils mixing into a sticky mess.

Add to this Queensland’s older plumbing in many areas – plus the wet, humid climate – and it’s a perfect storm for a blocked drain.

5 Easy DIY ways to clear your sink drain

You don’t always need to grab the phone. Here are five safe, tried-and-tested ways to clear a basic sink blockage – with everyday tools and ingredients.

1. Flush it with boiling water

Let’s start with the simplest method. If the blockage is mostly greasy residue or congealed soap, boiling water can soften it and send it on its way.

HOW TO DO IT:

• Boil a full kettle
• Slowly pour it into the drain in two to three stages
• Wait 10-15 seconds between pours.

WHEN IT WORKS: Best for minor kitchen blockages caused by fats or oils.

WHEN IT WON’T: If water is already backed up, skip this – you’ll just end up with more mess.

2. Try the baking soda + vinegar trick

It’s not a myth – this fizzy combination can break up soft blockages.

HOW TO DO IT:

• Tip 1/2 cup of baking soda down the sink.
• Follow with 1/2 cup of vinegar.
• Cover the drain with a plug or plate.
• Wait 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

WHEN IT WORKS: Ideal for organic gunk buildup in bathroom drains.

WHEN IT WON’T: This won’t help if there’s a solid object or a dense block deeper in the pipe.

3. Use a sink plunger (Correctly!)

Most people own one – but using it right is key.

HOW TO DO IT:

• Block the overflow vent with a wet rag.
• Fill the sink with a bit of warm water to cover the cup.
• Use a sink plunger to plunge in short, fast bursts for 20-30 seconds.
• Release and check flow.

WHEN IT WORKS: Good for dislodging small, loose sink clogs close to the surface.

WHEN IT WON’T: Won’t work if air is escaping from the overflow or if the drain blockage is too compact.

4. Fishing with a hook or hair tool

If you suspect the culprit is hair or something physical (like a cap or ring), this can work wonders.

HOW TO DO IT:

• Use a bent wire hanger
• Better yet, use a drain snake tool from the hardware store.
• Gently feed it into the drain.
• Twist and pull – don’t force it.

WHEN IT WORKS: Especially useful for how to unblock a bathroom sink, where hair is the main offender.

WHEN IT WON’T: If the object is further down the pipe or jammed tightly.

5. Use a wet/dry vacuum or DIY pressure blast

This is the more advanced option – and sometimes your last shot before calling in a pro.

HOW TO DO IT:

• Set your wet/dry vac to suction (or reverse if trying to blast).
• Create a tight seal around the drain using a towel or duct tape.
• Turn it on in short bursts.

WHEN IT WORKS: Can dislodge deeper blockages using suction or pressure.

WHEN IT WON’T: Risky on old pipes or if you’re unsure of pipe integrity.

Need a plunger-free fix?

Wondering how to unblock a sink without a plunger? Use the baking soda method or a hair removal tool – both are effective and gentle. Just avoid chemical drain cleaners from the supermarket – they’re not only dangerous but can damage old pipes and are often illegal to pour into Brisbane’s waterways.

Kitchen vs bathroom – Same sink, different strategies

Still learning how to unblock a kitchen sink full of food grease – or figuring out how to unblock a drain sink in the bathroom with a mystery smell? Either way, remember:

• For grease, use boiling water and baking soda
• For hair, use hooks and manual tools
• For gurgling and smells – it’s time to look deeper.

And if you’ve tried multiple tricks and still can’t figure out how to unblock sink issues – don’t keep pouring random things down the drain. That’s when it’s time to stop guessing.

When you’ll need a plumber

Water won’t budge? Backing up into another fixture (like the bath)? Or dealing with a recurring problem every few weeks? You’re going to have to make the call.

Because these blocked sinks usually require:

• High-pressure water jetting
• CCTV drain inspection
• Pipe repairs or deep block removal.

Our friendly team at Brisbane Drain Cleaning uses commercial equipment to fix what DIY can’t – quickly, cleanly, and permanently. And yes, we always explain the problem before we fix it.

Call us if you need backup

Tried everything? Don’t feel down – blocked sinks are frustrating, and not every one of them can be cleared at home. Whether you’re in need of help with stubborn blocked drains in Brisbane Northside, a fast fix for Brisbane Southside drain issues, or expert support for blocked drains in Logan, we’ve got you covered. We also service Moreton Bay and Redland Bay for same-day results and guaranteed satisfaction. Call or book online today – your sinks will thank you.