You’ve probably heard of a P-trap – it’s that P-shaped curl in the drain below the sink (and other plumbing fixtures) that acts as a water odour preventer. The P-traps main purpose is to prevent sewer gasses from escaping into your home.

The curved portion of the P-trap holds water and traps sewer gas. Water and waste travel downward through the P-trap with no problem, while sewer gasses stay where they belong, in the sewer and below the P-trap.

Unfortunately, the P-trap can also be a problem

Hair and soap scum can build and cause the drain clog at the curve. A blocked p-trap will cause water backflow to occur. The first sign that your p-trap is clogged is when the water in your sink takes longer than average to flow down the sink.

In the case of a clogged P-trap, it is best to place a small bucket under the trap with the water shut off. Using a large wench, the nut on the base of the trap should be loosened in order to disassemble the P-trap. Once the P-trap has been removed, the scum and dirt inside can be cleaned and-or removed. Jewelry and other valuables, or hair and grease, can all be extracted through this opening.

Trust us when we say you are not going to want to open the P-trap on your own. The many surprises that come out of it may be too much for you to handle. Another reason why you shouldn’t be opening the P-trap on your own is that you probably don’t know how to properly clean the P-trap. If the job is not properly done, it means another blockage is not too far away in the future.

ClearView Services specializes in expert plumbing maintenance and installations. Our dedicated team excels in resolving issues for our clients at a more cost-effective rate, minimizing both expenses and disruptions.