Help to stop my mother blocking the sink drain

Sorry I don't have an answer for the sink problem but I do wish I had known about the lock. My mother used to keep the key in the lock which meant no one could get in if she had decided to lock it.

Oh dear. I think you have a bigger problem than sink drains.

I thought it was worth mentioning tiggypiro as, with these things, the problem is often what you don't know you don't know.

Oh dear; the old lady next door used to be constantly calling my father over to unblock the sink for her. We think she poured fat down it though.
Our shower has a strainer in the drain which is very difficult to get out but the plumbers fitted it so not sure where it came from. It has to be turned and lifted and I have to get DH to do it.

The lock is something worth remembering, thanks.

I do Anya, but mum has coped very well up till now with me and a daily visit from carers for her meds to help. We are getting to the stage where she may not be able to do her meals - so far she has been having a Wiltshire Farm Food meal at lunch and in the evening (she doesn't like change). She loves to think she is in control although I do all the stuff in the background to keep things going but thankfully, she doesn't really register that she isn't doing it any more. Just occasionally she gets very frustrated and can be quite angry but mostly she is not unhappy. I am not sure if you would say it was lucky or not but she doesn't have much mobility and, while she can get around with her trolley inside she doesn't seem to want to go outside.

She seemed to use a lot of energy just 'being there' when my son and family came over last summer and has seemed very old, and very tired since but she is a blessing in our lives even with all the things she has to cope with.

Jalima I think I have found something like your shower trap. It's not removable but that is better than mum taking it out and throwing it away. Here www.amazon.com/Non-Removable-Sink-Strainer-by-SemperScreen%C2%AE/dp/B0124LVO4S

My Mum used to cook dog meat and portable fat down the drain, she could not remember that it would solidify and block, we put a drain unblocking product down frequently to keep it clear.
The lock solutions seems very useful, thanks for posting.

I can't help but I do remember that my cousin bought a house with elderly lady tenants in the basement. They frequently blocked the lavatory with tea leaves and sundry vegetables and, on one occasion, with a Wellington boot.

Welcome back GG and I have every sympathy for those who are trying to help elderly parents maintain some degree of dignity and independence.

Anya on ebay the have a star shaped silicon sink strainer with suction pads(try saying that in a hurry) they come in all colours and are really cheap

The plumber may have some good suggestions about the drain.
Is the link to the American site GG?

A Wellington boot?

What about one of these?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garbage_disposal_unit
They might be expensive though.

Waste disposal system fitted to waste pipe.

Oh, just noticed that TriciaF has suggested it

Jalima I hadn't noticed it was .com instead of the .co.uk one. I will wait 'till I have talked to the plumber I think - unless someone comes up with a bright idea.

Oh - just read on about the waste disposal system. Off to do my research

My next bit after this is to chase the 'system' to see if we can have a wheelchair on loan. We do borrow one from a scheme in town from time to time but I think we need one more frequently now.

I was told that the Red Cross lend wheelchairs when I needed one on a temporary basis, but when we enquired they charge £1 per day. Could you find a 2nd hand one in good condition?

GracesgranMK2. Here is a link to the sink strainers with suction caps as described by grannypiper, from an English seller. You may need to have a few in case of accidental unsticking and binning! Only £1.79 each though!
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sink-Strainer-Hair-Trap-Shower-Bath-Basin-Plug-Hole-Strainer-Catcher-/371820048999?var=&hash=item569233b267:m:mOz6dkPqM__ccVwy_Pw5pCA

Wheelchairs are not expensive to buy, as I found out when I broke my leg. There are several different ones here starting at less than £55.

www.betterlifehealthcare.com/browse/wheelchairs/?gclid=CLy1lrT4stECFQfjGwod9FcDzQ

And you can claim VAT back for.having a disability

One problem that you could have if you change to a waste disposal unit is that your mother would possibly put dishcloths, spoons etc down it (it is quite a large sink hole) and therefore make the problem worse!

And fat would still go down a waste disposal too

I wonder if it would be any help to put the plug firmly in, fill the sink to overflowing, and then pull the plug out so you get a surging swirling surge that may clear the trap. especially if frequently repeated.

This post is eight years old, things may have moved on.

GracesGran do you have a link or name for the lock you described. It sounds such a sensible idea.

disposal is dangerous