Nowadays, most people opt for renting a plumber to remove their home’s drainage. However, if you’re the one who knows how to operate your washer and has some basic tools in tow then take this DIY project on yourself!
The good news is that most drain trap obstructions are simple to solve! To get your pipes functioning smoothly again, follow this DIY advice on how to clean a sink drain trap.
Drain Clogs And Drain Traps
Drain clogs occur to the best of us. If your sink clogs, it’s probably time to clear your drain trap. Drain traps may quickly get clogged with food, hair, and other debris, and it’s critical to clear them on a regular basis to avoid causing harm to your plumbing system.
First off- get rid of any large items that could cause obstructions before beginning the process. Then use a flexible snake or pipe cleaner (or both) to clear out all debris from the inside of your drain trap. Afterward, deodorize your drains by pouring vinegar down them followed by boiling water.
What Is A Drain Trap And How Does It Work?
A drain trap, also known as a P-trap, is a u-shaped trap located between your plumbing and drain that prevents dangerous gasses from returning up through your pipes and into your kitchen or bathroom. It also prevents trash, hair, grime, and other unpleasant muck from entering your piping system.
This trap also serves as a resting spot for tiny things before they make their way deep into the plumbing system. Have you ever had a ring go into the drain? To discover the ring, you’ll need to remove and dismantle the drain trap. Many panicked clients who have lost a piece of jewelry down the toilet have certainly called professional plumbers to get it rescued!
Cleaning The Drain Trap: A Do-It-Yourself Guide
If you have a blockage, it’s most likely due to an issue with your drain trap. Fortunately, tiny blockages are simple enough for homeowners to solve. To get your pipes back to normal, use this DIY technique to clean up your drain trap.
1. Set Up Your Work Area
Before you do anything, make sure you have all of the necessary equipment. A bucket, a wrench or pliers, and potentially a snake drain are among the items needed. Also, make sure there is enough room beneath your sinks by removing everything that isn’t necessary. Place a bucket beneath your drain trap to collect any spilled water.
2. Take Apart The Drain Trap
Locate the drain trap first. Then loosen the slip joint nuts on either side of the trap’s “j” bend. The trap from the sink tailpiece and the adjacent wall fitting will be removed by loosening them. Unscrewing the drain tap on a modern sink may be done by hand. An older drain trap may be more difficult to open, requiring a wrench or pliers.
3. Remove The Obstruction From The Drain Trap
Clean the interior of the drain trap using a bottle brush or a wire coat hanger. Even tiny dirt might produce a blockage in the drain trap, so make sure it’s spotless.
If you remove your drain trap and it’s clean, the issue might be a blockage deeper down your pipes. Insert a drain snake into the leaking pipe in the wall. You can snake out any material that’s lodged in there and create your blockage by moving the handle clockwise.
4. Put Everything Back Together
It’s probable that your blockage issue will be cleared if you clean the drain trap or snake out the pipe in the wall. Screw the slip joint bolts back on to reassemble your drain trap. Make certain that each washer is securely fastened! If you’re hand-tightening the slip joint nuts, give them one more turn using a wrench or pliers.
If your drain trap begins to leak, you most likely did not tighten the washers enough. However, take care not to overdo it! Overtightening the washer might cause it to break.
When Should You Hire A Professional Plumber?
Do you have a blocked drain despite the fact that the drain trap or the pipe in the wall is clear? It might be a sign of a more significant issue that a simple DIY tutorial won’t be able to solve. A skilled plumber can check your pipes and restore normalcy to your plumbing.
When choosing a plumbing company, you should always pick one that values providing quality services to its customers. Hire a plumber that uses the most innovative and cutting-edge line tools to make sure that your drain trap is clear, and the job is done right.
The “drain unclogger tool” is a device that can be used to remove clogs from the drain. The device has a long handle and a wire brush on one end, which can be inserted into the drain pipe.
When handling your home’s drain trap, you have the luxury of being at ground level. But what happens if you are dealing with a plumbing issue while flying? Find out more in Aw, Crap! Toilet Trouble At 30,000 Feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you remove and clean a drain trap?
A: This is a difficult task to answer, as the process will depend on your local plumbing. You might be able to find instructions online for your specific drain trap.
How do you take apart a drain trap?
A: First, locate the trap spout and remove it. Next, plug up the bottom of your tub or sink with a towel to catch any water that might leak out. Then take off the handle for each faucet so you can see where they go into the wall. Take a pair of needle-nosed pliers and squeeze them together near one end until it is flat against its mate.
Next, insert one arm in between these two halves (about 1 inch) then bend back on itself.
Now push gently but firmly as if you had an L shape there now snap the top part forward onto both sides pushing down inside.
How do I clean the P-trap in my sink?
A: You can use a wire hanger to clean it out.
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