Help. Weird problem with sand-filled plug

[mothercourage]

We've just had a new sink fitted with a pivot/swivel type plug that comes already fitted in the sink. My daughter has emptied sand in the sink and now the plug is completely stuck fast. No amount of brute force (with a hammer) is budging it. Apart from replacing the entire unit, does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks...

[Narnia]

Not sure I understand the type of sink you have and I'm no plumber. Have you emptied the sink of water? If so perhaps you can undo the pipe underneath the sink. Seems like there is an airlock but I could be wrong.

[intexasatthe moment]

Umm - dry the sand out by directing hot air from hairdryer ?

Might also heat up and expand metal ,breaking vacuum type seal that wet sand must have created ?

[ClareC]

Allow the sand to fully dry out, perhaps then it will separate and wash down the sink

[ruffers]

I think I know the kind of plug you mean, I'm guessing there's so much sand in there it won't spin, is that the problem or is there sand in the mechanism and it's jammed? If the former I'm guessing take out the u bend, let it dry out (which could take a while) and poke sand out from below.

[kathryn.s]

I had a similar problem with a disc type plug, that jammed (not with sand) i liberally sprayed on some WD40 oil left it there over night and it popped open. Good luck.

[Marmora Man]

Bucket under sink. Dismantle U bend. Wiggle thin stick / skewer up into sand blocked pipe, perhaps running some water too. Re-assemble when all clear.

[mothercourage]

Right first time Ruffers, the sand is preventing the disc from spinning. Though who'd have thought half a teaspoon of sand could cause such a kerfuffle. Am going to try the WD40 trick tonight and if not then take out the u-bend and see if that helps. Thanks so much for all your advice everybody...

[Shuggster]

I had exactly the same problem a while back when cleaning out a sand filled container. I tried WD40, a rubber sucker on the disc, washing-up liquid but nothing budged. I took the U-bend off and put a bucket underneath. I got a bamboo cane and got it in contact with the underside of the disc and repeatedly hit the other end of the cane with a hammer and hey presto it popped up. Once released I gave the whole assembly a good clean with methylated spirit. I replaced the U-bend and everything's been working well ever since.