How to Unclog a Sink Trap

Drains become clogged from debris.

Sink traps contain a small amount of water to retard the migration of sewer gas in the home. The sink trap or "P" trap is located directly under the sink. While the trap holds water, it is also an area that collects debris and may eventually clog, stopping up the sink drain. Unclogging the sink trap may be a little messy, but within a matter of minutes, you should have the drain running smoothly with no obstructions.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bucket
• Plumber's pliers
• Old toothbrush
• Stiff wire

Instructions

1. Center a plastic bucket under the sink trap.

2. Locate the two large plastic nuts on either end of the sink trap fitting.

3. Fit the jaws of plumber's pliers around one of the large plastic nuts. Turn the pliers in a counterclockwise direction. Loosen the nut. Finish removing with your hands. Water will spill into the bucket.

4. Remove the other large nut on the opposite end of the sink trap. Dump the contents into the bucket after removing the trap from the drainpipe.

5. Wash the interior of the sink trap using hot water. Use the old toothbrush or stiff wire to scrape the debris from the trap's interior.

6. Replace the trap in reverse order of removal. Dump the contents of the plastic bucket down the toilet.

Tips & Warnings

• You may wish to wear a pair of rubber gloves when cleaning out the sink trap as it can be a little nasty from the accumulated debris.

• Run hot water down the sink drain on a daily basis to flush the sink trap and aid in removing collected debris.

• Using a chemical sink cleaner may damage pipes and cause a larger problem if you have a septic system. Follow label safety directions when using any type of chemical drain cleaner.

References

• This Old House: Clear any Clogged Drain
• Home Time: Plumbing