A blocked sink can bring any household to a grinding halt — especially in busy Aussie kitchens or bathrooms where daily routines revolve around clean water and efficient drainage. Whether you’re in the heart of Brisbane, a suburb in Melbourne, or a coastal town in New South Wales, a clogged sink is an inconvenience that shouldn’t be ignored.
This comprehensive guide from the experts at As Flow Plumbing will walk you through how to fix a blocked sink in 2025, why it happens, and when to call in professional help. We’ll also cover estimated plumbing costs across different Australian states and answer the most commonly asked questions — all while keeping the content natural, helpful, and optimised for easy reading.
What Causes a Blocked Sink?
The root of a sink blockage lies in what goes down the drain. Over time, grease, food scraps, soap scum, hair, and even foreign objects can accumulate and obstruct the water flow. Here are the most common culprits:
- Kitchen Sink Blockages: Fats, cooking oils, coffee grounds, and starchy foods (like rice and pasta) are notorious for clumping up in pipes.
- Bathroom Sink Clogs: Hair, soap residue, toothpaste, and cosmetic products can build up in the drain, forming a stubborn clog.
- Laundry Sink Issues: Fabric lint, detergent buildup, and even small clothing items are often to blame.
Left unchecked, a blocked sink drain can lead to nasty odours, slow drainage, standing water, and even pipe damage.
Signs Your Sink is Blocked
Not sure if you’re dealing with a clog? Here are the red flags to watch for:
- Water drains slowly or pools in the basin
- Gurgling sounds coming from the drain
- Unpleasant smells rising from the plughole
- Water backing up into adjacent sinks or fixtures
- Overflowing water from the drain
These symptoms usually signal a sink blockage somewhere in the pipework.
How to Unblock a Sink: Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering how to unblock a sink without making things worse? Here are a few DIY methods to try before calling a plumber.
1. Boiling Water Flush
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. Boiling water can dissolve grease and minor soap buildups.
- Boil a full kettle of water
- Slowly pour it down the drain in two to three stages
- Wait a few minutes between pours to allow it to work
This method is particularly helpful for mild kitchen drain blockages.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
This natural solution works for both blocked bathroom sinks and kitchen sinks.
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain
- Follow it with 1 cup of white vinegar
- Cover the drain and wait 10-15 minutes
- Flush it with hot water
This chemical reaction helps break down grime without damaging pipes.
3. Plunger Power
A standard sink plunger can help dislodge deeper clogs.
- Fill the sink partially with water
- Place the plunger over the drain and pump vigorously
- Remove and test if water flows
Unblocking sink drains with a plunger works best when there’s a full seal over the drain opening.
4. Plumbing Snake or Drain Auger
For more stubborn sink blockages, a manual drain snake can help.
- Insert the snake into the drain
- Turn the handle to break up the blockage
- Pull out any debris, then flush the sink
This tool is effective for both bathroom and kitchen sink clog issues.
5. Check the Trap (U-Bend)
Sometimes, the clog is right below the sink.
- Place a bucket underneath the trap
- Unscrew the fittings and remove the trap
- Clean out any gunk inside
- Reassemble and test the flow
This method is a common fix for a clogged lavatory sink or kitchen sink not draining.
What If DIY Methods Don’t Work?
If you’ve tried all of the above and your sink is still blocked, it’s time to call in professional help. Licensed plumbers, like our team at As Flow Plumbing in Brisbane, use specialised tools like hydro jetters and CCTV drain inspections to identify and remove blockages deep within the pipes.
We serve all Brisbane suburbs and can also help if you’re located in areas like:
- Gold Coast
- Sunshine Coast
- Ipswich
- Logan
- Redlands
What Does It Cost to Fix a Blocked Sink in Australia?
The cost to fix a blocked sink varies depending on your location, the severity of the blockage, and the methods used.
Here’s a general pricing guide across major cities:
| Location | Cost Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Brisbane | $120 – $250 |
| Sydney | $150 – $300 |
| Melbourne | $140 – $270 |
| Perth | $130 – $240 |
| Adelaide | $110 – $220 |
| Hobart | $100 – $200 |
Note: Prices can rise for after-hours or emergency call-outs, especially if high-pressure water jetting or CCTV inspections are required.
How to Prevent Future Sink Blockages
Prevention is cheaper than repair — and cleaner too. Here’s how you can avoid a blocked kitchen sink or bathroom basin clog in the future:
- Avoid pouring oil or fat down the drain — let it solidify and dispose of it in the bin.
- Use sink strainers to catch food scraps and hair before they enter the drain.
- Run hot water down the drain after heavy use to clear light residues.
- Regularly flush your drains with a vinegar and baking soda solution.
- Avoid overusing chemical drain cleaners, which can erode pipes over time.
When to Call a Brisbane Plumber
Some blockages are just too deep or stubborn for DIY fixes. If you notice:
- Recurring clogs
- Water bubbling in other fixtures (like your toilet)
- Foul odours that persist
- A blocked sink that won’t drain at all
…it’s time to call a professional. At As Flow Plumbing, we specialise in clearing blocked sinks across Brisbane and surrounding regions, offering fast, reliable service with upfront pricing.
FAQs: Blocked Sink Questions Aussies Ask in 2025
How do I unblock a kitchen sink in Australia?
Try using boiling water, a vinegar and baking soda mix, or a plunger. If it doesn’t work, it may be time to get a plumber involved.
What causes a bathroom sink to get blocked?
Common causes include hair, toothpaste, soap scum, and buildup of cosmetic products. Regular maintenance helps prevent it.
Can I use a chemical drain cleaner for a blocked sink?
Yes, but use them sparingly. Overuse can corrode pipes and cause long-term damage, especially in older homes.
Why does my kitchen sink keep getting blocked?
It could be due to food scraps, grease buildup, or improper drainage slope in your pipework. A CCTV inspection might reveal hidden issues.
How much does it cost to fix a blocked kitchen sink in Brisbane?
Typically between $120 and $250, depending on how severe the blockage is and how deep in the system it lies.
How do you unblock a sink without a plunger?
Try a baking soda and vinegar flush, or use a drain snake. You can also remove and clean the U-bend manually.
How long does it take to unblock a sink?
DIY methods might take 30–60 minutes. A professional plumber can usually fix the issue within an hour, unless it’s part of a larger blockage.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Blocked Sink Disrupt Your Day
Whether it’s a kitchen sink clogged with grease or a blocked wash basin filled with gunk, clogs never happen at a good time. Knowing how to act fast and who to call can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
If you’re in Brisbane or surrounding suburbs, don’t let a stubborn drain stress you out. As Flow Plumbing offers expert plumbing services with fast response times, transparent quotes, and real solutions that last.
Need help today? Contact us now and get your sinks flowing again.
Related Services We Offer in Brisbane:
- Emergency Blocked Drain Repairs
- CCTV Drain Inspections
- High-Pressure Water Jetting
- Pipe Relining
- Kitchen Plumbing Maintenance
- Bathroom Renovation Plumbing
