How do I unblock a kitchen sink without using toxic chemicals?

Prepare to amaze the kids! Listen out for a fascinating struggle of fizz and muck! And enjoy the drama....safely, of course

Question

How do I unblock my kitchen sink without resorting to using a bottle of hazardous and toxic chemicals?

Answer

I’m glad you asked, as I believe it remains the single most useful bit of domestic/scientific razzle-dazzle of all time. 

Prepare to amaze the kids. 

Pour a heaped tablespoon or two of baking soda — right down into the plughole. 

Add a cup (about half a conventional table bottle) of white vinegar. 

Listen out for the horrible and fascinating struggle of the fizz and the muck. 

After about two minutes, chase the whole lot down with a full kettle of boiling water. 

Done — well, hopefully. 

You'll need a sink plunger — beloved of the ages, it is a really useful bit of kit to have in reserve and is about a tenner from any good DIY outlet. 

Add a couple of centimetres of water over the plunger (avoid adding more liquid to the drama), form a seal, and cover the over-flow with a rag to avoid a face-full of water. 

Plunge straight up and down with both hands. 

Don’t use a plunger if the drain is already full of chemical cleaner — that'll result in a likely trip to A&E. 

If you can’t get a U-bend apart on your own, call the plumber.

Got a home improvement or DIY question for Kya deLongchamps? Email [e-mail]