How To Replace Trap In Bathroom Sink

How to Replace a Trap in a Bathroom Sink

A trap is a curved pipe that connects the bathroom sink drain to the main drain. It is designed to hold water, which creates a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering the bathroom. Over time, traps can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris, which can cause them to leak or become blocked.

If you are experiencing problems with your bathroom sink drain, such as slow drainage, leaks, or unpleasant odors, it may be necessary to replace the trap. Replacing a sink trap is a relatively simple plumbing project that can be completed in about 30 minutes.

Materials Needed

New sink trap (same size and type as the old one)
Plumber's putty
Wrench
Bucket
Screwdriver
Rags

Instructions

Turn off the water supply to the sink. There is usually a valve underneath the sink that controls the water supply. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water.
Place a bucket underneath the trap. This will catch any water that leaks out when you remove the old trap.
Loosen the nuts that hold the trap in place. There are usually two nuts, one on each side of the trap. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts until they are hand-tight.
Remove the old trap. Be careful not to spill any water from the trap. Dispose of the old trap in a trash can.
Apply plumber's putty to the new trap. Roll a small piece of plumber's putty into a snake-like shape. Wrap the plumber's putty around the bottom of the new trap, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Install the new trap. Insert the new trap into the drainpipe. Hand-tighten the nuts that hold the trap in place.
Tighten the nuts with a wrench. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts until they are snug. Be careful not to overtighten the nuts, as this could damage the trap.
Turn on the water supply to the sink. Check for leaks around the trap. If there are any leaks, tighten the nuts until the leaks stop.

Tips

If you are having difficulty removing the old trap, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen the nuts.
If you are replacing the trap because it is clogged, you can try cleaning it instead. To clean a clogged trap, pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, flush the drain with hot water.
If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you can hire a licensed plumber to replace the trap for you.