How To Clean Out P Trap Under Bathroom Sink

How to Clean Out a P-Trap Under a Bathroom Sink

Cleaning a P-trap is a quick and easy task that should be done on a regular basis to prevent clogs and buildup. If your sink is slow to drain, or if you notice a foul smell coming from the drain, it's probably time to clean the P-trap.

Materials you'll need:

* Bucket or bowl * Rag or sponge * Screwdriver or pliers * White vinegar (optional)

Steps:

Gather your materials. Before you start, gather all of the materials you'll need. This includes a bucket or bowl to catch any water that spills out, a rag or sponge to wipe up the mess, a screwdriver or pliers to loosen the P-trap, and some white vinegar (optional).
Turn off the water supply. Turn off the water supply to the sink by closing the shut-off valves under the sink. There are usually two valves, one for hot water and one for cold water.
Loosen the slip nuts. Use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen the slip nuts that hold the P-trap in place. There will be two slip nuts, one on each side of the P-trap.
Remove the P-trap. Carefully remove the P-trap from the sink drain. Be careful not to spill any water that's still in the P-trap.
Clean the P-trap. Turn the P-trap upside down and shake out any debris. Use a rag or sponge to wipe away any remaining gunk. If the P-trap is particularly dirty, you can soak it in a solution of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes before cleaning it.
Reinstall the P-trap. Once the P-trap is clean, reinstall it in reverse order. First, insert the P-trap into the sink drain. Then, tighten the slip nuts on each side of the P-trap. Be sure to tighten the slip nuts snugly, but not too tightly.
Turn on the water supply. Turn on the water supply to the sink and check for leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the slip nuts a little bit more.

Tips:

* If you're having trouble loosening the slip nuts, you can try using a lubricant, such as WD-40. * If the P-trap is badly clogged, you may need to use a drain snake to clear the clog. * To prevent clogs in the future, pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain once a month.