Clear Your Clogged Sink by Checking the P-Trap

Have your holiday guests left you with a clogged bathroom sink? Follow these instructions for clearing out the P-trap under your sink.

Every plumbing fixture in your home should have a P-trap. Some are located behind the wall or internally on a toilet, but for sinks they are accessible below. Look for a u-shaped pipe extending down from your sink and back up into the wall—that's your P-trap.

P-traps allow water to settle and create a seal that prevents sewer gas from passing from the drain pipes back into your house. They also make convenient places for rings and other valuables to settle before being lost forever down a drain. These traps are prone to clogging, but they are easy to clear.

You will need a bucket to catch the water and gunk in the trap and a pair of adjustable pliers.

Place the bucket underneath the trap and carefully loosen the nuts at each end of the p-trap. Then remove the trap by sliding it down and empty it's contents into the bucket. Check for any blockages and clear those. If you need more time to clear the trap, place a wet rag in the end of the pipe coming from the wall to prevent gas from coming out.

Don't overtighten the nuts when you reinstall the P-trap, as they can strip easily. If you see any leaks, you will need to replace the washers that are seated in each slip joint nut.

How to Clean a P-Trap | essortment (YouTube)

from Lifehacker http://workshop.lifehacker.com/clear-your-clogged-sink-by-checking-the-p-trap-1676460626

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