Lavabo blocked? What to do now
Lavabo blocked? What to do now
A blocked sink - that sounds like a minor everyday problem at first. Something you can quickly get to grips with yourself. A little suction cup, hot water, maybe a chemical cleaner from the supermarket - and you're done. Right?
Well. Not always.
Because sometimes there is more to it than that.
Why do lavabos clog in the first place?
The cause is often right in front of us - or rather: inside us. Hair, soap residue, toothpaste, flakes of skin, grease, dirt, sometimes even jewelry or toys (yes, that happens too). You don't notice any of this for a long time in everyday life. The water drains away, perhaps not quite as quickly, but it works.
And then - suddenly everything stops.
Nothing works anymore. The sink gurgles or smells unpleasant, the water backs up, maybe even overflows. By now it's clear: something is blocked. And it's serious.
1. the first reaction: anger - and then action
Many people reach for the suction cup at that moment. Understandably so. Because it's quickly to hand and sometimes it helps. But if the dirt is deep-seated, it won't help. Others try household remedies: vinegar and baking soda, for example. Or hot water with washing-up liquid. It can work. But it doesn't have to.
What to do if it still doesn't work?
2nd sink clogged - and nobody helps?
This is where the helplessness often begins.
You might call a DIY store and ask for a pipe cleaning spiral. Or google your way through countless forums. Some swear by salt, others by cola. And still others say quite clearly: Hands off - a professional has to do it.
What is true now?
Honestly, it depends.
Sure, small blockages can often be cleared by yourself. But as soon as the problem is deeper - i.e. not directly in the siphon, but further back in the pipe - it becomes difficult. Because then you can't see the dirt. And if you can't see it, you can't solve it properly.
3. the hidden risks: If you wait too long
A blocked sink is more than just a bit of a nuisance. It can be the start of more serious damage. Backflow into the bathroom, overflowing, mold growth behind the base cabinet. And over time, grease and hair can really build up. No amount of pipe cleaner will help.
By the way: Many chemical agents attack the pipes. This can cause long-term damage, especially to old pipes. And if it then drips or even breaks...
Well - then it gets expensive.
4 What does a professional do differently?
A good question. We at Kanalhelden say: We look where others can no longer reach. With a camera, high pressure, a sure instinct - and a portion of experience.
We don't dismantle half the bathroom straight away. We analyze first. A targeted look with the sewer TV is often enough to find the cause. And then it gets efficient: either with a mechanical spiral, high-pressure flushing or - for deeper-lying problems - with special tools that not everyone has.
And yes, sometimes the whole thing only takes 20 minutes.
But: without the right know-how, you wouldn't even know at the time, where should be applied at all.
5. a small example from everyday life
A customer from Lucerne called us: "My sink hasn't been draining properly for days. I've tried everything." On site, we found a hairy mass in the connection pipe - combined with stubborn soap residue. The siphon was clean. But behind it? Totally clogged.
With the high-pressure device, the pipe was clear again in 10 minutes. And the customer? He just said: "I wish I'd called you earlier."
It's often like that. You try it alone at first - completely understandable. But at some point it just takes a little while Hero power.
Do you live in Lucerne? Then go directly to Sewer cleaning Lucerne.
6. when should we be called?
Honestly? Better too early than too late.
Because the longer you wait, the more effort (and costs) you incur.
A few signs that it's time to activate hero mode:
- The water keeps backing up - despite the free siphon
- It gurgles or smells unpleasantly from the drain
- Home remedies and suction cup have no effect
- There is backflow from the sink, especially when showering or flushing the toilet
Are you at home in Zurich? Our Sewer cleaning team in Zurich is ready for use around the clock.
7 And what if the sink keeps clogging up?
Then the problem probably lies deeper. Perhaps the pipes are outdated or incorrectly routed. Perhaps there is residue in the main line. Or the pipe is simply too narrow.
We can check that too - with our invisible superpower: the sewer TV inspection. This allows us to find even hidden weak points before they become a problem.
If you live in Bern, you can directly access our Pipe cleaning in Bern to fall back on. Fast. Clean. Regional.
"What belongs in the sink? Only what really fits through - and also dissolves. The rest belongs in the waste, not in the wastewater."
- Kanalhelden AG
8. precaution instead of emergency
Our tip: Having a professional clean once a year will save you a lot of stress. This prevents deposits from building up in the first place. This saves money - and hassle - in the long term.
By the way: We also offer subscription services for just such cases. Regular checks, transparent costs, no surprises. It's as simple as that.
9. conclusion? Not necessary.
Because perhaps there doesn't have to be a clear conclusion. Every case is different. Sometimes a household trick is enough. Sometimes it takes technology. And sometimes... a bit of luck.
But one thing is certain: if the sink is blocked, it's not the end of the world.
Just a small traffic jam - which can be quickly cleared with the right tools.
And if things do get critical:
Our canal heroes are here. Fast. Clean. Heroic.
Managing Director & Channel Professional
When it comes to sewer cleaning, TV inspection or renovation, Ednan Destovic knows exactly what he is talking about. He has been working in the industry for over ten years - starting as a plumber and now as an expert with a deep understanding of everything that goes on beneath the surface.
What drives him? Clean work, sustainable solutions and honest advice. No technical jargon, no half measures - but results that are convincing in the long term. Together with his team, he ensures that problems are not just fixed, but actually solved.
Managing Director & Channel Professional
When it comes to sewer cleaning, TV inspection or renovation, Ednan Destovic knows exactly what he is talking about. He has been working in the industry for over ten years - starting as a plumber and now as an expert with a deep understanding of everything that goes on beneath the surface.
What drives him? Clean work, sustainable solutions and honest advice. No technical jargon, no half measures - but results that are convincing in the long term. Together with his team, he ensures that problems are not just fixed, but actually solved.