How To Remove and Clean A Drain Trap
Clogged drains are unattractive and unhygienic. So, when you notice that the sink is starting to clog, it’s time to grab your tools and start cleaning. Uncleaned drain traps can become a nightmare, costing you an arm and a leg due to plumbing system damage. However, the good news is that if you take prompt action, it won’t become a plumbing emergency.
Drain traps get congested with debris such as food and hair over time. As a result, undesirable sewer gases are unable to pass through the pipes. To prevent environmental and health damage, modern drain traps are designed to enable inhabitants to clean them with ease.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how you should remove and clean a drain trap in your house.
Switch Off The Water Supply
The first step is to ensure that the cleaning process will not result in a water leakage. That’s why you need to switch off the water supply before detaching a drain trap. Gather all your equipment beforehand, and place a bucket or a water container in case of any spillage.
Loosen the Drain Trap
The equipment for drain trap removal primarily includes a wrench and a pair of pliers. Use the pliers to loosen the nuts holding the trap. Then, unfasten the rest of the locks attached to the trap. As soon as the drain trap begins to loosen, the debris, dirt, and still water will start flowing out of the drain trap. You need to be prepared to discharge all the dirt beforehand.
Clear Out All The Debris
Pour out all the debris into the bucket placed near the source. The smallest amount of debris can cause the drain to clog. Therefore, you must use a wire hanger, a wired brush, or a toothbrush to ensure the whole trap is thoroughly cleaned.
Use a disinfectant to clean out the drain trap. A smooth trap surface will ensure faster drainage of water. If your drain trap’s surface is still dirty or greasy despite cleaning it, contact your plumber to replace it.
Reinstall or Replace the Drain Trap
Once you properly clean out the drain trap, make sure you dispose of all the accumulated debris. Then, use the same wrench or pliers to reassemble the drain trap. Clean your equipment before reinstalling the trap.
When reassembling, make sure the trap is appropriately seated on the surface before you tighten its nuts. A faulty assembling can result in unwanted water leakage.
Continue tightening the trap until the leakage stops. However, if you cannot draw the web correctly, it is highly likely that your washers or drain pipe have defected. Connect with us at Pro Serve Plumbing to consult with our plumbers. We ensure the perfect plumbing for your home and will be at your service within 30 minutes. Schedule an appointment here.