How to Remove a Sink Trap

If your sink does not drain the way it should and you have tried every clog remover in the store, then it may be time to replace the trap under your sink. The p-trap is the small pipe under your sink that attaches the drain in the sink basin to the drain pipe in the wall. Removing it is relatively easy, but some precautions are needed to protect yourself and your sink.

Things You'll Need

• Latex gloves
• Shallow bucket
• Adjustable plumber's wrench

Instructions

1. Shut off the water supply to your sink. On each of the water supply pipes under your sink, there should be shut-off valves. If you do not see shut-off valves under the sink, they may be in your basement. Trace the supply pipes to the basement and see if there are any shut-off valves. If you still cannot find the shut-off, then you will need to shut off the water to the whole house. Follow your water-supply pipe in to the house and turn off the valve on that supply pipe.

2. Clean out the area under your sink so you can get to the p-trap easily. Wear latex gloves in case there are rusted cans or other potentially dangerous items under the sink.

3. Place a shallow bucket directly under the p-trap to catch any water that may come out when you remove it.

4. Unscrew the caps at each end of the p-trap pipe. If you have a metal p-trap and the caps are a little rusted, carefully unscrew them using an adjustable plumber's wrench.

5. Remove the p-trap pipe. You can reduce the mess by removing the short end first and making sure that it empties directly into the bucket.

Tips & Warnings

• Finding your water shut-off valve can occasionally be frustrating, especially if there are individual shut-off valves in the basement. If you carefully trace your pipes, you should be able to determine if there are individual shut-off valves or if you will need to shut the water off to the entire house.

• Wear your latex gloves throughout the entire process. They will help you keep your grip on the screw caps for the p-trap when they get wet and they will protect you from water and any other debris that may fall.

References

• TheHandyBlog.com - Sink Clog
• McLendon's Hardware - DIY Replacing a P-trap
• New Bathroom Sinks - Fixing the Drain On Your Bathroom Sink