How to clean the U-bend under your sink? 5 steps you need to remember!

Is there an unpleasant odour coming from your kitchen sink? Or have you noticed the water isn’t draining as fast as it should? Food scraps and grease washed away during the washing-up can build up and restrict the waste. How do you unclog a blocked kitchen sink? You don’t need a professional – you can do it yourself. Here are 5 steps to make unclogging the sink a simple routine in your home!

1. Get ready for the job

Every task needs the right prep – unclogging the sink is no different! How do you unclog a kitchen sink? Get protective gloves to safeguard your hands. You’ll need a bucket so any residual water doesn’t spill onto the floor. Depending on the type of trap, a screwdriver may be useful for removal. Later on you’ll need a brush and cleaning agents (homemade, e.g. vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, or chemical cleaners). Once you’re set, you can get started!

2. Clear the sink and the waste

The first step towards unclogging the sink is to remove any debris sitting in it. During the washing-up, larger and smaller bits of food can fall into the waste and often collect on the sink strainer. Put on your gloves and clear the kitchen sink of them so they don’t fall into the trap and make the blockage worse. Once the sink is clean, move on to the next stage – removing the trap.

3. How do you clean the trap under the sink? Start by taking it apart

How do you unclog the kitchen sink without making a mess of the whole room? Start by placing the bucket under the trap to make sure the water ends up in it. Then gently unscrew the parts that connect the trap to the waste and the sink. If it’s a modern sink, use a screwdriver to remove the strainer that holds the whole trap in place. If you’ve an older sink and the trap has a small reservoir, carefully unscrew it by hand.

Remember to do this carefully so you don’t damage the seals and threads. Once it’s unscrewed, gently remove the trap, bearing in mind it may be full of debris and water. Set the seals aside, tip any remaining water from the cup into the bucket, and move on to the next step.

4. How to clean a kitchen trap? Cleaning methods

How do you clean the trap in a washbasin? If the dirt is minor, pull it out and then rinse the entire trap under running water. At this stage you can use the brush you prepared to scrub the whole waste thoroughly. A toothbrush works brilliantly here, as it can get into all the nooks and crannies.

Got the food remnants and other larger debris out? Time to tackle limescale and soap scum. Specialist cleaning agents will deal with them, as will simple household products you probably have in your kitchen. Mix bicarbonate of soda and vinegar 1:1, and the reaction between them will help you remove even the most stubborn deposits.

Is the trap sparkling? Have you got rid of the unpleasant odour? Great! Now’s a good moment to check the condition of the trap. Look over every component carefully. Make sure there are no cracks that could cause the waste to leak. Check the seals too – if they’re showing their age, replace them with new ones. That way you’ll extend the life of the whole installation and protect yourself from a flooded kitchen.

5. Reassemble the trap and test for leaks

The final step is, of course, reassembling the trap. Join all the parts securely, just as they were before. Don’t forget the seals, fitting them precisely back into place. Make sure to tighten every joint firmly.

All done? Before you sit down with a smile for a coffee, make sure to test for leaks! Turn on the tap and look closely to see if any water is seeping out. A piece of kitchen roll will help you spot any drips more easily.

Good luck!