How to Unblock a Kitchen Sink: DIY Guide & Professional Help (UK)

Robert Costart
May 12
21 min read

Updated: Jun 4

Clogged or slow-draining kitchen sinks are a common household issue. This guide covers how to unblock a kitchen sink yourself with step-by-step methods (using everyday items like boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, a plunger, etc.), along with safety tips and advice on when to stop and call a professional. It also provides an overview of hiring a plumber in the UK, including typical costs, what to expect from the service, and tips for finding a reputable tradesperson. All information is tailored for a UK audience and uses UK English terminology.

📝 Common Causes of Kitchen Sink Blockages

Understanding what causes blockages can help you both clear and prevent them. In kitchen sinks, blockages typically build up over time from everyday use. Common causes include:

Fat, oil, and grease: These liquefy when hot but cool and solidify inside pipes, eventually causing stubborn fatty deposits . Grease build-up is one of the top reasons for slow-draining kitchen sinks.
Food scraps and debris: Bits of food (like vegetable peelings or rice) can accumulate in the U-bend (trap) or pipes. Starchy foods such as pasta or rice and grounds like coffee can swell with water and clog the pipe . Even if you have a strainer, small particles may slip through and get stuck.
Soap scum: Over time, soap from washing-up liquid (which often contains fats or oils) can combine with mineral deposits and grease, lining the pipes with a hard residue . This narrows the pipe and traps other debris.
Foreign objects: Sometimes objects accidentally go down the plughole. Common culprits are small utensils, bottle caps, or even children’s toys – anything small enough to fit into the plug hole can cause a blockage if it gets lodged in the trap or pipe .
Hair (less common in kitchen sinks): While hair is more an issue in bathroom sinks, it can contribute if you wash pets or empty grooming bowls in the kitchen sink. Hair can snag in the drain and collect food particles and grease, forming a clog over time .

Being mindful of these causes is key. Dispose of fats and food waste in the bin (or a compost) rather than down the sink, and use sink strainers to catch solids. This will reduce the chance of a blockage forming .

🧰 Tools and Materials You Will Need

Before you begin your DIY sink-unblocking, gather a few basic tools and materials. Having the right equipment will make the job easier and safer:

Kettle (or pot) for boiling water: You’ll use this to pour hot water down the drain, an easy first step to dissolve grease .
Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and white vinegar: A natural fizzing combination that can help shift minor clogs . These are common household items in the UK (baking soda is often sold as bicarbonate of soda).
Plunger (cup plunger): A simple rubber plunger that fits over the sink plughole. This uses suction and pressure to dislodge clogs. Ensure you have a sink plunger (with a flat rim) as opposed to a toilet plunger for best results.
Drain snake (plumber’s snake or auger): A flexible, slender tool that can be fed down the drain to break up or retrieve deep clogs . If you don’t have one, a straightened wire coat hanger can work as a makeshift snake for shallow blockages .
Bucket and old towels: These are essential to catch dirty water or sludge when you disconnect any pipes (U-bend) or if water suddenly gushes out. Place a bucket under the sink trap before loosening it to avoid a mess.
Rubber gloves and safety goggles: Protective gear will keep your hands safe from dirty water and any cleaning agents. Gloves also give a better grip on wet components. Eye protection is wise if you’re using chemical cleaners or clearing a clog that could splash.
Adjustable wrench or pliers: If you need to unscrew the U-bend (trap) or any pipe fittings, a wrench will help loosen plastic nuts. (Often these can be unscrewed by hand, but have a tool ready in case they’re tight.)

Having these items ready will allow you to try multiple unblocking methods in succession. Most of these methods use ordinary household items , so you might already have them on hand.

📋 Step-by-Step DIY Methods to Unblock a Sink

Tackling a blocked kitchen sink yourself can save money and time. Below are several methods, from the simplest fixes to more involved solutions. Start with the easiest step and progress to the next if the sink remains blocked. Before you begin: If your sink is full of standing water, bail out the water into a bucket so you can work on an empty (or nearly empty) sink. Also, try to remove any visible debris from the plug hole (use a gloved hand or a piece of wire to pull out food gunk) – pulling debris out is better than pushing it further in . Once you’ve done that, move through the following steps:

Step 1: Remove Standing Water and Debris

If there is water backed up in the sink, start by removing it. Ladle it out into a bucket or use a cup to scoop it so that the sink basin is mostly empty. This prevents additional mess and allows boiling water or other treatments to directly reach the clog. Next, inspect the plughole (drain opening) and clear out any obvious blockages by hand. Using a torch (flashlight) you might see food scraps or congealed fat near the top of the drain. Wear rubber gloves and pull out what you can. You can straighten a wire coat hanger to hook out clumps of food or hair from the drain – don’t push them further in, gently pull them upward and discard them . Removing this surface debris can immediately improve drainage and will make the following unclogging methods more effective.

Step 2: Pour Boiling Water

Pouring a kettle of boiling water down the drain can dissolve fatty deposits and flush out loose debris . This is the simplest first attempt to clear a minor blockage, especially one caused by grease. Boil a full kettle (or a large pot) of water. Carefully pour the boiling water directly into the plug hole in a slow, steady stream. Pour slowly in stages rather than all at once . This allows the hot water to work its way through the pipes, melting and loosening greasy buildup as it goes . After the kettle is empty, wait a minute or two. Then run hot tap water to see if it drains through. You might notice some improvement in flow if grease was the culprit – the boiling water melts the congealed fats, effectively washing them away into liquid form . Safety tip: When pouring boiling water, do it carefully to avoid splashes that could scald you. If your sink has PVC plastic pipes, one kettle of boiling water is generally safe (the contact time is brief), but do not use boiling water if the drain is completely blocked with no movement – the water could sit in one place and potentially soften PVC joints or seals . In such cases, try other methods or warm (not boiling) water first.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and vinegar create a fizzing reaction that can dislodge minor clogs . This classic homemade remedy is great for organic blockages or as a follow-up after flushing grease. First, ensure the sink is drained of any standing water (as in Step 1) so the mixture can reach the clog. Pour about one cup of baking soda down the plughole (you may need a spoon or spatula to push it in if it’s powdery clumped). Next, pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain. Immediately cover the drain with the sink plug or a rag – this forces the fizzy reaction down into the pipe rather than letting it bubble out of the plughole . You will hear fizzing and bubbling as the baking soda and vinegar react, producing carbon dioxide gas that can help agitate and break up the blockage. Wait 5–10 minutes while the mixture works (you can let it sit longer, even 30 minutes, for tough clogs). Then flush the drain with hot water from the tap or another kettle of boiling water to wash away loosened debris . With luck, this combination will have cleared the blockage or at least significantly loosened it. Note: This method is eco-friendly and safe for pipes in moderation. However, do not repeat it too many times in a row – the acidity of vinegar, while mild, could corrode older metal pipes or damage rubber gaskets if used repeatedly . One or two rounds is fine; if it doesn’t work, move on to mechanical methods. Also, never mix this method with commercial chemical drain cleaners – if you’ve recently used a chemical unblocker, skip the vinegar approach (or vice versa) to avoid any potentially harmful chemical reactions.

Step 4: Plunge the Sink

Using a plunger creates suction and pressure that can dislodge the clog and get water flowing again . A plunger is often the go-to tool for clogged sinks. It works by forming a seal and then pushing and pulling water to jar the blockage loose. To do this effectively: block the sink’s overflow hole (the small round hole high on the sink basin) with a damp cloth or some tape while plunging. Blocking the overflow ensures that air doesn’t escape and you get maximum suction in the drain pipe . Place the plunger cup directly over the plughole, making sure it covers it completely and has water covering the rim of the plunger (if the sink is now empty, add a bit of water to the sink – enough to cover the plunger’s rubber cup – to help form a seal) . Now, pump the plunger vigorously up and down 4–5 times. You should feel resistance and then hopefully the resistance will suddenly give way. Quickly pull the plunger away on the last stroke. If the plunging succeeded, you’ll see the water whoosh down the drain and the sink will empty. You may also dislodge material that then flows down. Repeat this a few times if it doesn’t work immediately . Plunging is particularly good for dislodging solid objects or food clumps that aren’t too far down the pipe. You’ll know it’s worked when the standing water rapidly drains away . Remember to keep that overflow blocked throughout the plunging process. If you have a double-bowl kitchen sink, you’ll need to seal the drain on the opposite side as well (with another plunger or a wet cloth) to force pressure to the blockage. After successful plunging, run hot water for a minute to flush any remaining debris.

Step 5: Use a Drain Snake (Auger)

A flexible drain snake can reach clogs deep in the pipe that other methods can’t easily reach . If the plunger didn’t clear the blockage, the clog may be further down the pipe. A drain snake (also called a plumber’s snake or drain auger) is a long, flexible cable that you insert into the drain to either break up the clog or pull it out. You can buy a basic plastic drain snake from hardware stores (these often have barbed edges to catch hair and gunk) or a more robust metal auger for deeper clogs. Insert the snake into the plughole and feed it down slowly. You’ll need to navigate it through the U-bend; gentle twisting while pushing can help. Do not force it – if it’s a manual snake, crank or rotate it as you feed it in . When you feel the tip of the snake hit an obstruction (you might feel resistance or hear it scraping), rotate and jiggle the snake to break up the clog . For a mechanical snake, you would typically crank the handle to bore the auger head into the blockage. The goal is to either chop the clog into smaller pieces that can flow down the pipe, or snag the blockage so you can pull it out. Slowly pull the snake back out once you’ve worked the blockage; be prepared for some nasty debris on the end of it (have your bucket and gloves ready). Dispose of this gunk in the bin. Then test the drain by running water. You may need to repeat the snaking process a couple of times until the pipe is clear. Snakes are very effective for stubborn or deep clogs, such as those caused by accumulated grease or a foreign object lodged beyond the trap . If you don’t own a drain snake, as a temporary measure you could use a piece of stiff wire (like a straightened coat hanger) in a similar way – it won’t reach as far but can hook out blockages near the top of the drain . After using the snake, flush the sink with hot water to wash out any remaining debris.

Step 6: Clean the U-Bend (Trap) by Hand

If you’ve tried the above methods and the sink is still blocked, the clog might be concentrated in the U-bend (the curved trap) under the sink. Sometimes the U-bend itself is full of grease, food bits, or other debris that need to be manually removed. This is a bit messy but very effective for localized clogs. Prepare the area: Place a bucket directly under the U-bend (to catch water) and have towels handy. The U-bend is the U-shaped pipe section beneath the sink that connects the sink drain to the waste pipe. Loosen the slip nuts that secure the U-bend in place – you can often do this by hand (they are usually plastic nuts), but use a wrench or pliers if they’re tight. Slowly unscrew each end of the U-bend pipe . As you undo it, dirty water will drain out into your bucket. Once detached, tip out the contents of the U-bend into the bucket – you might see a large chunk of grime, food sludge, or other gunk come out. Thoroughly clean the U-bend: you can take it to another sink or outside and rinse it through with hot water. Use a bottle brush or a length of wire (or an old toothbrush) to scrub the inside of the pipe and dislodge any stubborn deposits . Make sure the pipe sections (and any washers/O-rings) are clean and intact. Reassemble the U-bend: fit it back into place and screw the nuts back on snugly (hand-tight is usually enough for plastic fittings; do not over-tighten and crack the fitting). Once reattached, run the tap and check for leaks at the joints . Tighten gently if you see a slight leak. Now see if the water drains properly. Often, a huge blockage will be removed by this process, instantly restoring flow. Cleaning the trap by hand is a reliable method because it addresses the most common location for clogs (the trap) directly. If the trap was relatively clear, then the blockage may be further along the pipe system – in that case, it may be time to involve a professional.

⚠️ Safety Tips for DIY Drain Unblocking

While unblocking a sink is a straightforward DIY task, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some safety tips and precautions to follow during the process:

Wear protective gear: Always use rubber gloves when dealing with dirty water or drain gunk to protect your skin from bacteria and harsh substances. If you’re using any chemicals (even baking soda and vinegar to some extent), consider wearing eye protection. Drains can sometimes splash unexpectedly, especially when plunged or when a clog suddenly gives way.
Be careful with boiling water: Pour boiling water slowly and steadily to avoid splashing yourself or others. It’s wise to wear long sleeves or gloves while pouring. Also, as mentioned, don’t pour boiling water into a completely stagnant, full sink – if the clog is solid, the water will sit and possibly damage PVC pipes or seals . In such cases, try to at least partially clear the blockage or use hot (but not boiling) water first.
Never mix chemicals: If you decide to use a chemical drain cleaner (the kind you buy from shops), do not combine it with any other method. For example, do not pour vinegar or boiling water immediately after or before using a chemical cleaner, and don’t use two different chemical products in succession. Mixing chemicals can cause dangerous reactions or release toxic fumes. Follow the product instructions to the letter and ensure plenty of ventilation. And if a chemical cleaner fails to clear the blockage, do not attempt to disassemble the trap or use a plunger straight away – you could splash caustic chemicals on yourself. Flush the chemical out with plenty of water first.
Handle tools carefully: When using a plunger, ensure you have a good footing so you won’t slip if water splashes. With a drain snake, be cautious of it whipping around; go slowly to avoid injury. If you’re removing the U-bend, remember that water may gush out once you loosen it – keep your face away and go slowly.
Protect your fixtures: Be gentle with your sink and pipes. Porcelain sinks can crack if shocked by extremely hot water (though boiling water in a stainless steel sink is fine). When using a metal drain snake, be careful not to scratch visible parts of your sink or pipe. You can wrap a cloth around the mouth of the drain to protect the chrome finish while snaking.
Know your limits: If at any point you feel unsure or the plumbing doesn’t budge with reasonable force, don’t force it. Overtightening or forcing pipes can lead to broken fittings. It’s okay to stop and seek professional help if a step feels beyond your comfort level.

By following these safety guidelines, you can avoid injuries and prevent incidental damage to your plumbing while attempting to clear the sink.

☎️ When to Stop and Call a Professional

It’s important to recognize when a blockage is beyond a simple DIY fix. Continuing to toil away at a stubborn clog can waste your time and potentially worsen the issue. Here are signs you should stop the DIY efforts and call a professional plumber:

Multiple failed attempts: If you’ve tried the plunger, drain cleaners (natural or chemical), and even disassembled the U-bend, and the sink is still not draining, it’s time to call in a pro. A persistent blockage after all common methods could indicate a deep clog in the main drainage line or an issue that requires specialized tools. As one guide puts it: if you’ve tried the conventional ways of unblocking a drain and the blockage remains, a specialist will be needed to take care of the issue quickly and safely .
The blockage keeps returning: If you do clear the sink but it clogs up again very quickly (the next day or week), there may be a bigger problem in your drainage system. Recurrent clogs could point to an obstruction further down in the waste pipe or buildup in the outside drain. Rather than continuously pouring boiling water or chemicals, have a plumber investigate the root cause.
Water is backing up elsewhere: If running your kitchen sink causes water to back up in other drains (like a connected washing machine drain or a gurgling sound in the kitchen gulley), this suggests a blockage in a shared drain line. A professional can perform a more thorough drain clearance, possibly going into the outdoor drain or using power tools, to clear the obstruction.
Foul odours persist: A strong, persistent smell of sewage or rotting food from the drain even after cleaning the trap and using cleaners could mean there’s rotting material stuck further along, or a bigger drainage issue. A professional can perform a deeper clean or use a CCTV drain camera to inspect for issues.
You’re not comfortable continuing: There’s no shame in calling a plumber when you feel out of your depth. For example, if the next step would involve dismantling pipes beyond the trap, or accessing external drain inspection points, and you’re not confident doing that – get professional help. It’s safer than risking damage. Also, if you suspect the blockage isn’t in the sink trap but perhaps in the underground pipes, definitely involve a plumber or drainage specialist.

In summary, if basic methods don’t clear the blockage, or the situation seems to be part of a larger plumbing issue, call a professional plumber. One source advises that after you’ve tried simple solutions like snaking or plunging with no success, “it’s time to call in a plumber” . Doing so can save you from frustration and prevent possible damage to your pipes from aggressive DIY attempts.

Now that we’ve covered the DIY portion, the next section explains what to expect if you decide to hire a professional tradesperson in the UK to unblock your kitchen sink.

👷‍♂️ Hiring a Professional Plumber in the UK

Sometimes a blockage is too stubborn, too deep, or simply too much hassle to fix on your own. A professional plumber or drain specialist has the experience and tools to clear clogs quickly. Below is an overview of what’s involved in hiring a professional in the UK for a blocked sink: typical costs, what the service includes (and how long it takes), and tips on finding a reputable tradesperson.

Average Cost of Unblocking a Kitchen Sink (UK)

The cost of having a kitchen sink professionally unblocked in the UK can vary based on your location and the severity of the blockage. However, it is generally a quick, inexpensive job in most cases:

Typical cost range: For a straightforward sink blockage (one that doesn’t require extensive work), you can expect to pay roughly £60–£90 for a plumber’s visit . According to a trade cost guide, the average cost to unblock a kitchen sink is around £60, and many plumbers consider it a small job . Another source notes a “typical sink unblocking service” costs about £90 in the UK . These figures usually include labour for the simple tools/methods needed to clear the sink.
What if it’s more complex? If the blockage turns out to be part of a bigger problem (for example, a blockage in the main drain line that requires using drain rods or high-pressure jetting), the cost will rise. In such cases, you might be looking at anywhere from around £80 up to a few hundred pounds. One source notes that if rodding of the outside drain is needed, it could cost on average £85 extra (on top of initial fees) for that service . And if a very large blockage or extensive work is required, costs could escalate (for instance, severe drain blockages requiring special equipment average ~£280) .
Call-out fees: Many independent plumbers do not charge a separate call-out fee for a quick job like a sink unblock, instead they might have a minimum one-hour charge. Since unblocking a sink often takes well under an hour, the cost often simply equates to that minimum charge. For example, a plumber might fit it in between bigger jobs . Always ask when booking if the price quoted includes the call-out and labour. If you use a larger company or it’s an emergency out-of-hours call, there might be a call-out surcharge.
London and regional differences: Expect to pay towards the higher end of the range (or slightly above) in London and the South East, whereas places in the North or more rural areas might be on the lower end. But in general, sink unblocking is one of the more affordable plumbing tasks (often < £100) . If you were quoted something very high (hundreds of pounds) for a simple kitchen sink, consider getting a second opinion unless there are clear complications.

Always request a clear quote before the work starts. For simple blockages, many plumbers can quote a fixed price over the phone. For more complex situations, they might quote after an initial look. It’s also perfectly fine to get a couple of quotes from different tradespeople to ensure the price is fair for your area.

What’s Included in the Service and How Long Will It Take?

When you hire a professional to unblock your sink, here’s what typically happens and what’s usually included:

Assessment: The tradesperson will usually start by assessing the situation. They may ask what you’ve already tried and whether other drains are affected. They might do a quick test (like running water or inspecting the outside drain) to locate the blockage. This initial assessment is generally included in the service cost.
Use of proper tools: A plumber will have specialized tools to hand. They might use a heavy-duty plunger or a professional-grade drain snake/auger to clear the sink. If the blockage is further down, they could use drain rods to reach along the pipe or even a motorised plumbing auger. In some cases (especially if multiple fixtures are affected), they might employ a high-pressure water jet or an air burst tool to clear the line. These techniques are typically part of their arsenal and are included in the unblocking service fee, unless the job escalates into something bigger (like needing a separate crew to jet a long section of external pipe).
Clearing the blockage: The professional will apply one or more methods to remove the blockage. Often, they can clear a standard kitchen sink clog within minutes by using a plunger or a drain snake . They might also detach the U-bend under the sink (just as described in the DIY section) to directly remove the clog by hand – plumbers do this routinely and quickly. The service typically includes whatever approach is needed to get the sink draining again (simple blockages rarely require more than a couple of tools/steps).
Cleanup and testing: After clearing the blockage, a good tradesperson will flush the sink with plenty of water to ensure the blockage is fully gone and the water flows freely. They will also check for leaks (especially if they took apart any pipes). Cleanup is usually minimal – they’ll make sure any mess from the blockage removal is cleaned up or at least contained (they often use a drop cloth or bucket to catch debris). The cost you pay should include leaving your sink in working order and reasonably clean. (It’s wise to have some household cleaner on hand to sanitize the sink afterward, especially if foul drain contents came up – you can do a thorough clean yourself once the plumber has finished the technical work.)
Duration: For an uncomplicated blockage, the job is usually very quick. In many cases, the sink is unblocked in 15–30 minutes. Plumbers often schedule such small jobs in short time slots. If the blockage is tricky or in a difficult spot, it might take longer – up to an hour or two if they have to try multiple methods or access a clog further down the line. According to one cost guide, a simple plunger or snaking can unblock a sink “within minutes,” whereas a bigger issue requiring rodding or jetting might take an hour or more . The key point is that professionals have tools to do the job efficiently – what might frustrate you for half a day, they might solve in 10 minutes because they’ve seen it all before.
Guarantee: Many plumbers will guarantee that the blockage is cleared, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a long-term guarantee against future clogs (future clogs depend on usage). However, if the sink blocks up again very soon after, a reputable tradesperson should stand by their work – sometimes they’ll come back if it’s the same issue. It’s worth asking if they offer any short-term guarantee on the clearance. Larger companies might offer a guarantee period (for example, 30 days guarantee that the drain will remain clear). Always clarify this if it’s a concern.

In summary, a professional sink unblocking service in the UK typically includes diagnosing the cause of the blockage, physically removing the clog using appropriate tools, and testing the sink to ensure it’s fully cleared. It’s a relatively quick job in most cases, and you’ll often pay a one-off fee that covers both the labour and the use of any necessary equipment. If the problem is more severe (like a collapsed pipe or something outside the scope of a simple unblock), the plumber will advise you on next steps (which could involve a separate job or additional costs).

💡 Tips for Finding a Reputable Tradesperson

When hiring someone to work on your home, you want to ensure they are qualified, honest, and will do a good job for a fair price. Here are some tips to find a reputable plumber or tradesperson in the UK for unblocking your sink:

Use vetted trade directories: Consider using services like Checkatrade, TrustaTrader, Rated People, or MyBuilder, where tradespeople are vetted and reviewed. For instance, Checkatrade is a popular online directory of recommended and trusted tradespeople who have been vetted and monitored to meet strict standards . Such platforms often perform background checks and require certain qualifications or references from their members. You can search for “Blocked sink” or “Drainage specialist” in your area and read reviews from previous customers.
Look for TrustMark accreditation: TrustMark is a UK government-endorsed not-for-profit scheme that accredits tradespeople. According to TrustMark, “the best way to protect yourself from rogue traders and cowboy builders is to use a TrustMark registered firm.” TrustMark-registered companies are thoroughly checked and monitored to ensure they meet industry standards and codes of practice . When you hire a plumber or drainage company with a TrustMark, you have an extra layer of assurance that the business is reputable and accountable. Many good plumbers will list TrustMark or other trade body memberships on their website or business card.
Check qualifications and experience: For general sink unblocking, a standard plumber or drainage engineer is suitable (no special license is needed like Gas Safe, which is only for gas work). However, you may want to check if they are members of professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) or have certification for safe use of drain cleaning equipment. Longevity can be a good sign too – a company that’s been in business for many years with a good track record is likely doing things right.
Read online reviews and get recommendations: Definitely look for online reviews. Companies with profiles on sites like Checkatrade or Trustpilot will have feedback from customers – and these platforms do a good job of ensuring reviews are legitimate . Pay attention to comments about punctuality, effectiveness, and whether the cost stuck to the quote. Additionally, ask friends, family, or neighbours if they have a recommended plumber for this kind of job . A personal referral can be invaluable.
Compare quotes and ask what’s included: For a non-emergency sink unblock, you have the freedom to call a few plumbers and ask for a quote. Describe the problem (e.g. “my kitchen sink is blocked; I’ve tried a plunger and it’s still not draining”). A reputable tradesperson will either quote a fixed price or an hourly rate with an estimate of time. Make sure to ask if the quote includes VAT, and if there are any potential extra charges (for example, if they needed to use specialist equipment, would that cost more?). Getting at least two to three quotes can give you a sense of the market rate and helps ensure you’re not overpaying . However, be wary of prices that are significantly cheaper than others – an unusually low quote could indicate a less experienced tradesperson or someone who might cut corners.
Verify insurance and guarantees: A reputable plumber should have public liability insurance to cover any accidental damage. You can ask if they are insured (most established pros will mention this in their advertising or can provide proof). Also ask about their guarantee for the work – what happens if the sink blocks again next week? While clogs can recur for different reasons, a good tradesperson will usually assure a short-term guarantee of their work.
TrustMark and other logos – verify them: If a plumber’s website or van displays logos of schemes like TrustMark, Checkatrade, or CIPHE, you can often verify their membership on the respective websites. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous folks might misuse logos. For example, TrustMark allows you to search their database to confirm if a business is truly TrustMark-registered. Taking a minute to double-check can give you peace of mind .
Avoid “cowboy” contractors: Beware of individuals who show up unsolicited or who give vague quotes. For a simple sink job, you likely won’t encounter this, but just in case – always get a clear agreement on the price before work starts. Reputable plumbers are transparent about fees (and most will have a standard rate for a job like this). If someone proposes an expensive solution without even properly diagnosing (say, immediately suggesting an entire pipe replacement), consider getting a second opinion unless you trust their assessment.

By following these tips, you should be able to find a trustworthy professional to unblock your sink. In summary: use vetted platforms, check for TrustMark or similar accreditation, read reviews, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about qualifications, insurance, and guarantees. Taking a bit of time to choose the right tradesperson helps ensure the job is done efficiently, at a fair price, and with confidence that your kitchen sink will be flowing freely again without any added troubles.

Sources:

QS Supplies – “How To Unblock A Kitchen Sink – 7 Methods”
HaMuch (Emily Rivers) – “Unblocking a sink costs in your area”
Checkatrade – “The Average Cost of Unblocking a Drain in 2025”
Checkatrade – “Cost of unblocking a drain – DIY approach”
Liberty (Customer Hub) – “How to fix a blocked sink” (plunging technique)
GDC Plumbing and Heating – “Reputable Tradesman – Finding quality plumber”
GDC Plumbing and Heating – Customer advice on reviews
Gilmore Services – “Can Boiling Water Be Poured Down the Drain?”
My Plumber (London) – “How to Unblock a Sink – 10 Methods” (U-bend cleaning steps)
HaMuch – Sink unblocking cost info