Replace a P-Trap

That u-shaped piece of pipe under your sink is called a p-trap. It's design has two purposes: First, to allow the water from the sink to flow out and keep noxious gas from coming in, and second, to catch items that might go down the drain (wedding rings) before they are swept away. Over time this p-trap can become plugged with hair, dirt, and other debris and the sink will start to drain very slowly.

Draino or liquid plumber can sometimes help dislodge a small blockage but a better option is to use a snake or something called a zip-it. We don't recommend using a plunger as that can push the blockage deeper into your plumbing. When you've exhausted these options you should check out the p-trap. In less than an hour you can remove the trap, clean it, and re-install it. Just follow these steps:

Replacing the P-Trap [KPTV video]
Installing Dual P-Traps [HGTV]
How to Rescue an Item From the Sink [EHow.com]
How to Clear Clogged Drains [Readers Digest]
Replace a P-Trap [DIY Network]

  November 8, 2006 | Comments (2)