First, open the cabinet under the sink and take a look. See that section of pipe beneath
the sink that’s shaped like an “S” or a “P”? That portion of the pipe is called the trap, and
it could be at the root of your problem. Using gravity, the curved section of pipe “traps”
water inside to keep sewer gases from seeping back up
through the drain into your home. Over time, however, this fundamental force of nature
also causes soap, hair and other debris to collect in the trap, creating a greasy mess that
can clog your drain and cause no end of frustration. When that happens, it’s tempting to
grab a can of chemical drain cleaner, but that may not be the best plan. It’s usually best
to open the trap and see if you can clear the line before using a chemical drain
cleaner. Many home drain systems are now constructed of PVC pipe, and some caustic
chemicals can damage this material.
Warning: Never remove a sink drain trap after chemicals have been added to the line
without wearing protective gloves and eye wear. Always inform a plumber if chemicals
have been added to a drain line so he can take proper precautions.
Removing the sink trap is a simple process. You'll need a bucket, a pair of slip-joint
pliers and a wire brush that's small enough to fit inside your drainpipe. Then follow these
simple steps:
- Clear out the area under the sink and place the bucket beneath the trap.
- Use the pliers to loosen the slip nuts located on each side of the trap. Once the
slip nuts are loose, unscrew them by hand and push them to the side.
- As you loosen the trap, the water that is trapped inside will gush out. Let it run into
the bucket, along with any debris that has accumulated. Once all the water and
debris are out of the trap, remove it and use the wire brush to clean it thoroughly.
Rinse it with hot water to get rid of accumulated greasy material, but don't forget –
you'll need to use another water source because you've disconnected the drain.
After the trap has been cleaned thoroughly, set it aside and inspect the slip nut
washers. Do they look stiff or cut? If so, replace them. Doing so now will save you a
leak later on.
- Once you are satisfied that the slip nut washers are ready, add pipe joint
compound to the surface of each washer, and fit the trap back into place, making
sure it is seated properly on either end. Holding the trap steady with one hand,
slide one of the slip nuts back into place and tighten it. Then, slide the second slip
nut back into place and tighten it. Use the pliers to make sure the slips nuts are
snug, but don't over tighten. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks. You may want
to put a sheet or two of newspaper under the trap to help you spot drops of water.
If a leak appears, you may have tightened one of the slip nuts improperly. Loosen
each slip nut and try tightening them again, making sure they are aligned properly.
Pipe joint compound will be especially helpful in avoiding leaks. It can be
purchased at plumbing supply stores for use on certain types of pipe to help form
an effective seal.
- When the trap is secure and no leaks are apparent, turn on the tap and see if the
drain flows smoothly. In most cases, removing the accumulated grease and debris
from the trap will solve your problem. Knowing how to remove a sink drain trap can
come in handy in another kind of emergency, as well. Sometimes, items such as
rings can fall into the sink and go down the drain. To reclaim your valuables, simply
remove the trap.
If your drain problems persist, you may need to contact a professional plumber.
For more information on CENTRAL TRIAD SERVICES, contact us at 476-6107.
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