For light clogging a plunger (available at most DIY stores) may do the trick, but it depends on the type of blockage involved.

Kitchen or Bathroom Sink/Basin
To improve the action of the plunger, before you use it, coat the edge of the plunger's cup with Vaseline (petroleum jelly). Also a few inches of water in the sink can improve suction.

Position the cup over the drain hole and firmly pump the handle up and down several times. Depending on the type of blockage it may take a few attempts to clear the clog.

If it doesn't clear see unblocking the trap below for possible solutions.

Plunging a clogged toilet pan
For toilet pans a standard plunger may suffice, but a larger plunger (can be hired) may be required.

Lower the plunger into the toilet, manipulate the plunger's handle to pump the cup firmly.

If using a standard sized plunger, try repositioning the plunger in the U-bend for best results.

If the plunger is unsuccessful you may need to use an auger.

Unblocking the trap

All sinks and basins should have some type of trap to block odours.

Tubular Traps
These are a common type of trap and fairly easy to maintain and clean.

Before starting, get a bowl for any excess water.

Some tubular traps have an access point (shown in green in fig 1.1) to aid cleaning. If your trap features an access point then remove the cap (by hand or wrench), then use a piece of wire or something similar to remove any lodged sediment that has built up during use.

If your trap doesn't have an access point, or you can't clear the blockage using the access point, then you will have to dismantle the trap. Tubular traps are very easy to remove.

Undo the top and bottom nuts (A and B in fig 1.1)
- You may be able to undo the nuts by hand (try using a cloth for grip). If not use a wrench carefully to loosen them first, then finish them off with your hand.
Once they are completely loose, gently pull the U-bend away from the other pipes.

Clear any blockages and then replace the U-bend carefully.

note: take extra care when replacing the nuts as they can cross-thread easily.

Bottle Traps
These are a very handy type of trap for cleaning and maintenance.

Before you start, get a bowl to catch any excess water.

To unblock any clogs, simply unscrew the base (A in fig 1.2) by turning it anti-clockwise.

The bottle can be cleaned easily when it has been removed. Be careful when replacing it, they can cross-thread very easily.

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