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Sink unblocking stuff like Mr Muscle - recommendations

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by JWK, Aug 31, 2019.

  1. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    Anyone had good results with Mr Muscle type sink unblocking fluids?

    The bathroom sink in my son's student house is completely blocked, it's probably hair. He has tried hooking out as much as possible. I looked yesterday when I picked him up and tried a plunger. Access to the U bend is terrible, it's a slimline trap hidden behind pipes almost impossible to reach. The U bend doesn't have an unscrewable trap, just an access cap and we can poke wire down that with no good result.

    So I was wondering about the Mr Muscle type products you pour down and leave, do they work?
     
  2. wiseowl

    wiseowl FRIENDLY ADMIN Staff Member

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    Good morning @JWK my friend I have tried Mr Muscle and was disappointed with it but I always use Drano Max Gel Clog Remover which always works for me,hope this helps:smile:
     
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    • Jiffy

      Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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      I use Vinegar and Bicarb of soda

      Stick some boiling water down first , then Bicarb, then vinegar, it will froth up and leave over night, but not sure it will work on hair
       
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      • roders

        roders Total Gardener

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        I always rely on a good plunger ,fill the sink with hot water......plenty of really hard thrust.......don’t forget to block the overflow with other hand......
         
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        • NigelJ

          NigelJ Total Gardener

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          You could try a biological washing liquid, the enzymes will break up the hair, would need to be left at least overnight, preferably longer.
           
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          • Scrungee

            Scrungee Well known for it

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            Do you actually mean one of these? (because IMO they are useless)

            [​IMG]


            But I've never failed when using one of these https://www.screwfix.com/p/sink-bat...4VOlXVW_1WNYWk8muPPokDskzxrpnP8BoCrtoQAvD_BwE

            Jamming a piece of (wet) compressed cloth in the overflow opening works better than a palm over it, plus frees up both hands, if it has waste outlet with plug chain fixing, get somebody else to hold the cloth tightly over it.
             
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              Last edited: Aug 31, 2019
            • roders

              roders Total Gardener

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              580B45CD-A243-4A9A-9FDF-4AE08FBA1605.jpeg
               
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              • Jack McHammocklashing

                Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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                Caustic Soda Crystals (available at supermarkets and diy stores)
                about £1 a half kilo, just need about a hand full (rubber gloves or measure as caustic)
                chuck in the plug hole and add half a kettle of hot water

                Regards
                 
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                • JWK

                  JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                  Yes that's the sort I have. I've just ordered that Screwfix one for collection tomorrow, then I'll use it when I return my son to his house.

                  Google suggested using strong tape to seal the overflow, the water was impossible to stop escaping when I tried plunging yesterday using a rag to seal it.

                  Thanks for all the useful tips folks !
                   
                • Liz the pot

                  Liz the pot Total Gardener

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                  • Scrungee

                    Scrungee Well known for it

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                    My first attempts at removing sink blockages have always been usiing a water blaster device, then using ordinary washing soda, not the fiercely aggressive caustic soda, plus trying some of my Wilko reduced to 10p tying wire with a 'hook' formed in the end to snag hairs blocking the pipe.

                    I use caustic soda to clear the trap of my outside drain gully, including pouring boiling water on it, but suggest goggles plus gloves if doing so. And beware of the heat generated, because this can leave big chunks of fused undissolved caustic soda in the drain - would you want these in your internal plumbing system?
                     
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                      Last edited: Sep 2, 2019
                    • Fat Controller

                      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                      • JWK

                        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                        Success! I got this as recommended by Scrungee, £2.99 from Screwfix:
                        [​IMG]
                        Firstly I used strips of gaffer tape to seal up the overflow, then about a dozen pumps before it suddenly cleared.

                        @Liz the pot - thanks I already had one of those which has been useful over the years. I was going to use it next if that unblocker didn't work.

                        I put down some baking soda to help clean it out after the blockage cleared.

                        Thanks again folks !
                         
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                        • Scrungee

                          Scrungee Well known for it

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                          I keep my 'blaster' permanently behind the back of the washbasin pedestal, so it's always to hand and clear the trap at the first sign of a blockage, rather than leaving it until I ransack my shed looking for it, whilst the blockage gets worse.

                          Don't forget to remove any hairs/muck that may have been sucked up inside the blaster during use, as these might reduce effectiveness next time it's required.

                          Wonder what a plumber/blockage removal company would have charged? :yikes:
                           
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                            Last edited: Sep 2, 2019
                          • zilly

                            zilly Gardener

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                            Try putting some bicarb down followed by vinegar, leave for 30 mins then pour in boiling water. This usually does the trick.
                             
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