What Is A Plumbing Drain Trap and How to Clean It

Drain traps in plumbing refer to the curved piece of a pipe located below or within a fixture. In residential plumbing, these traps are either U, S, Q, or J shaped. The purpose of the trap's curve is to retain some water to create a barrier in the drainpipe, preventing sewer gas from backing up through the drain into the house. 

Plumbing drain traps are made from PVC plastic or stainless steel and are present in every drain in the house. When a homeowner accidentally drops an object into the drain, it most likely ends up in the trap. 

Why do drain traps require cleaning?

The unique shape of drain traps makes them prone to clogs. When the water passes through these traps, it collects hair, grease, food waste, soap scum, debris, and objects that make their way down the drain. Even a small build-up in the traps causes clogs and slow-moving drains. 

How to clean a plumbing drain trap

If there is slow drainage in any plumbing fixture in the house, clean the drain trap and remove debris to prevent it from blocking completely. It is a simple DIY task and does not require calling in a professional plumber. 

Try these tips before going ahead with cleaning and removing the drain trap:

• Run hot water down the drain to clear clogs.

• If that does not help, use a plunger or drain snake as the next step to get rid of blockages.

If neither of the above tricks work, it is time to remove the trap and clean it. Clear the surrounding area to ensure there is enough space to carry on the job conveniently. Then follow the below steps to clean the drain trap:

Step 1

Locate the drain trap and place a bucket underneath it to collect the water that falls while disassembling the pipes. 

Step 2

Use pliers or a wrench to loosen the slip joints' nuts situated on both sides of the trap. Once loosened, unscrew them by hand to remove the pipe. Look out for the O-ring between the trap and the slip joint nut. Make sure to place it safely, as they are essential to re-seal the connection post-cleaning. 

Step 3

Clean the trap's interior with a straightened wire coat hanger or other cleaning tools. Remove all the gunk present in the trap and clean it inside out. Use a hose to rinse it and ensure there are no particles with the potential to cause future clogs left. 

Step 4

Start to reassemble the drain trap once all the debris is removed and the pipe is clean. Put the trap back in its place and tighten the slip joints. Don't forget to place the O ring and avoid over-tightening the connections.

Step 5

Once the trap is back in its place, run some water down the drain to ensure there are no leaks and the drain runs smoothly.

Call a plumber if the above cleaning method is unable to resolve the issue. They can inspect the drain and use their expertise and tools to clean the drain trap.

If you need a licensed, bonded, insured plumber for your Phoenix area leak or your next plumbing project, call MNS Plumbing today at 602-362-4524.