If you’re stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s possible that you’ll have to get your hands dirty and do some basic plumbing yourself until a professional can be called in to deal with your plumbing issue. One of the most common issues homeowners face is a clogged P-trap.
What is a P-Trap?
A P-trap is a plumbing device found under sinks in the shape of the letter P (with the rounded part of the P pointing down towards the floor) and it combines two 90-degree joints together. Essentially, it holds in a little water and stops sewer smell from coming back up through the sink into your home as well as allowing the heavier stuff to sink to the bottom.
Working With P-Traps
First things first. When inspecting a P-trap, the water from the sink should naturally be turned off. Don’t be alarmed, however, to find that there’s already some water accumulated at the bottom of the P-trap. It always holds a little water inside. Use a small pan and a cloth to collect the water.
Also, use some disposable gloves and personal safety equipment if you’re working in a confined area. We also service Blocked drains, Roof guttering, Gas fitter, Backflow prevention in Melbourne. Get in touch with our experts to know more.
Taking Apart a P-Trap
Often, P-traps are screwed onto the joints fairly tightly, so you may wish to use an adjustable wrench to help unscrew it from the joints. The P-trap will likely be attached via large washers that secure it in place.
Once the P-trap has been removed from the joints, use a bright flashlight on one end (the joint is somewhat of a U shape) and see if light comes through on the other end. If you can clearly see the light protruding, the P-trap isn’t being obstructed by a large piece of debris.
Cleaning the Fittings
After visually inspecting the P-trap, use a microfibre cloth to clean inside of the fittings and around the threads. Preferably, use an old cloth that you don’t mind getting dirty; P-traps can accumulate grease and all other sorts of unsightly things over the months and years. Chemical cleaning products and degreasers can help loosen up and eliminate grease and debris from the inside of the fitting, but often a simple wipe will remove much of the unwanted debris that may be blocking water from draining properly through your sink.
Putting it Back in Place
Once the P-trap’s been thoroughly cleaned, put it back into place by loosely fitting the top washer to the longer part’s threading, then secure the bottom washer to the smaller part’s threading. When the P-trap is securely back in place, you can feel free to tighten it so that it’s securely held in place.
Now that the P-trap is back in place, give it a test for leaks by running a little water through the sink, still keeping the pan and towel underneath in case of leakage. If all worked well, there should be no leakage. If a leak persists, avoid using the sink until a professional can be called in to inspect further down the plumbing for blockages or leaks.
Get Your Plumbing Done Professionally With Murphys Plumbing
Whether it’s a clogged P-trap or any other plumbing issue you may be facing, give the friendly plumbers at Murphys Plumbing a call and let us resolve any plumbing issue you’re facing in your home.
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