Dismantling a Trap

A trap seals out gases and provides a bottleneck that prevents clogs from traveling farther down the line. That's why most clogs are found in a trap bend.

To clear a clog dismantle the trap and clean it out. You'll probably need to replace some rubber washers as they get brittle with age. It's not unusual to find that the entire trap needs replacing. If even one component is leaky, replace the entire trap rather than a single piece -- one worn component is likely to mean wear in others. Less expensive chrome-plated traps are notoriously short-lived. They may look OK on the outside but squeeze the bottom of the bend with your fingers to check the trap. If you feel it give, even slightly, the metal is corroded. For durability buy a plastic trap or a chrome-plated trap that is made of heavy-gauge brass.

Bathroom traps are 1-1/4 inches in diameter; kitchen traps are 1-1/2 inches.

Checklist

Time
About an hour to dismantle and reinstall a trap

Tools
Groove-joint pliers, toothbrush, hacksaw, sandpaper

Skills
Dismantling and connecting parts with washers and nuts

Prep
Prepare a comfortable work site; have a bucket or dishpan and a drop cloth in place

Materials
Washers, pipe tape, perhaps a new trap