Learn How to Check for a P-Trap Clog

A clog in your drains can certainly ruin your day. The good news is, some clogs are more manageable by the homeowner than others, and depending on where they occur, you may be able to handle the unclogging yourself. For instance, when a clog occurs in that bent portion of pipe beneath your kitchen or bathroom sink — known as the p-trap — you may be able to unclog it yourself.

What P-Traps Do

P-traps aren't designed with a curve just to fit in your cabinet space. The curve actually has a purpose: it holds water continuously so that it blocks sewer gases emerging from nearby sewer lines from drifting into your drain and up through your sink.But the curved design also helps to trap substances in the drain other than water, such as hair, hairpins, and sludge from soap and other substances.

Clearing a Clog

As with any clog, you should start with the simplest solutions first. Try clearing the clog by pouring a half cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of vinegar. Leave it to bubble for five minutes, then turn on the hot water and let it run for a minute or so.If the clog persists, you can use a coat hanger or drain snake in the drain to see if it clears. A clog lodged in the p-trap may be hard to dislodge, so you may need to move to the next step.

Clearing the P-Trap

Assemble a few things to remove the trap, including adjustable pliers, latex gloves, an old towel and wash cloth and a bucket. Place the bucket under the trap to catch water and sludge when you remove the trap.Using the pliers, loosen the nuts that hold the trap in place. Remove the trap, emptying the water and cleaning out any clog material. Put a wet wash cloth in the open pipe coming out of the wall to prevent sewer gases from escaping. Reattach the pipe.For more on clearing a p-trap clog, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow. We've served our loyal customers since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about P-traps and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “d3images/Pixabay”

Clogged Drain? Find Out What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Sooner or later, all homeowners will encounter a clogged drain. Depending on the cause of the clog and where it's located, you may experience anything from an annoying slow drain to a serious overflow and even flooding. Some clogs you'll be able to fix yourself; others will require professional attention. Here are some tips for either case.

Minor Drain Clog

Most minor drain clogs are caused by congealed food, soap and hair. More than likely you can fix a minor drain clog with some do-it-yourself remedies. Here are some of the most effective:

• Pour a half cup of baking soda in the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Cap it off and let it foam for 10 minutes. Follow up by pouring boiling water down the drain.

• Sometimes, simply pouring a pan of boiling water down the drain will loosen the clog. You may have to pour several pans to effectively loosen and move the clog.

• Use a drain snake or hanger to reach into the pipe. Try to loosen or snag the clog.

• Remove the P-trap underneath the sink. Clean it out and replace the trap, making sure that water flows freely through it.

Major Clogged Drain

You'll know when you have a major drain clog. The water won't drain from the sink, tub or appliance (dishwasher or washing machine) or else it may overflow, resulting in flooding. If the clog is in the sewer line, and is a result of grease, tree roots or collapsed pipes, you will need a plumber. If water is overflowing somewhere in your home, find the valve to the sink or appliance and turn it off. It's a good idea to also turn off the water at the main valve, probably located in the yard, near the street. Do not turn the faucets on until the plumber arrives.

For more information on clearing a clogged drain, contact Air Assurance. We provide quality service to residents of the Broken Arrow area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “cigdem/Shutterstock”