Advice about blocked sinks and toilets

The most effective thing you can do to stop the pipes in your home getting blocked is to be careful about what you put down sinks and toilets.

Blocked toilets

Do not put anything large like sanitary towels, baby wipes or nappies down the toilet. Put these items in the bin.

Toilets should not get blocked under normal circumstances; if your toilet becomes blocked, do not use it - contact Housing Repairs immediately.

Blocked sinks

To help prevent blockages, do not pour fats and grease down the sink. Clean waste pipes with hot water and soda crystals at least once a month.

To clear a blockage:

• remove all the water from the sink
• hold a rag tightly over the overflow pipe opening and place a plunger over the drain hole
• pump the plunger up and down rapidly to clear the blockage
• after clearing the blockage, it is advisable to rinse out with a household blockage cleaner

Also see

• Housing
• Council homes
• Report a repair
• Tips and advice for council tenants