How to Replace a Drain Trap

What is a drain trap? It is a particular fitting locatedare removing it. If there is a cleanout plug on the
under the drain of toilets and sinks. The drain trapbottom of the trap, use the wrench to remove this
provides an important seal, which prevents the leaksection. Otherwise, just unscrew the slip nuts and
of harmful gases from your drains. Thus, these drainmove them to a safe place.
traps must be kept in mint conditions to workOnce the old trap is removed from your system, it is
properly, though they do deteriorate over time. Youtime to insert the new one in place. Your newly
can notice the signs of the trap wearing out if itpurchased drain trap will come with helpful
becomes worn, damaged or clogged. When such ainstructions, which will help a lot in your installation.
situation occurs, you can always replace the drainYou should make sure the slip nuts, the washer, and
traps with a new one.all other connections are securely fastened. If not,
You will need the following tools to replace the drainyou can apply some tape around the pipe fittings to
trap: wrench, screwdriver, replacement trap, andprevent leaks.
tape. Some of these supplies can be found along withAfter securing these fittings, you should turn the
the purchase of a new drain trap, in the form of awater back on to ensure there are no leakages
'kit'. These basic starter kits are useful for mostanywhere. Fill the trap with water so you can make
installation projects and can be found in your localsure it is an effective barrier against sewage gases.
plumbing hardware store. Be careful when handlingIt is better to do a test trial before a real problem
the pieces though, because these pieces are delicateoccurs, because by then it may be too late already.
and fragile. Some products that come along with theYour drain traps should be routinely maintained for
kit include the drain trap itself, the tail piece, the drainthe sake of your health and safety. Make sure you
extension, and various smaller components.examine this trap for an ongoing basis so there are
Before the repair starts, remember to turn off yourno sewage gas leaks. There might be the case that
home water supply. Otherwise, the water will travelthe seepage or leakage is not detected right away,
through the pipe that you are replacing, creating aso the routine check-up is very important. If in doubt,
hectic flooding mess.you should call your local plumber for further details.
The existing trap can be carefully removed using theSuch preventative measures will keep your pipes
wrench. Now, make sure you have a bucketclean, safe, and free of odour. No matter the costs
positioned underneath the trap, because some wateror explanations, remember that a damaged drain trap
will be flowing out. Keep the old trap upright as youshould be immediately replaced!