The Importance of Cleaning Drain Traps

If you are experiencing a slow drain or gurgling sounds or a foul odor coming from the sink, they could be signs that your drain trap needs to be cleaned. The p-trap is that curved bit of pipe beneath the sink that connects the sink to the pipe that extends from the wall. When gunk builds up in the trap, it will form a clog, which can build up over time causing your sink to back up. Fortunately, there are ways you can keep your p-tray clean to prevent clogs and costly repair bills. Incidentally, the traps in bathroom sinks need cleaning as much or even more so than the kitchen sink, as bathroom sink traps can collect hair and residue from facial cleansers, hand soap, cosmetics, and toothpaste.

Here are a few tips to keep p-traps clean:

• Scape food waste into the garbage or run it down the garbage disposal. Avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain as it can solidify and cause clogs.
• Don’t use drain cleaners. While many commercial drain cleaners claim that they won’t damage pipes, use them at your own risk. The harsh chemicals in these products can cause more problems than the clog itself.
• Flush drains and traps at least once a week by running water through them. You can also use baking soda, followed by boiling water, to clean drains and traps. A plunger can sometimes dislodge stubborn clogs.

If you are a DIY-er, you can open and clean the p-trap yourself. Just make sure you have the proper tools and are prepared for a mess. But if you aren’t particularly handy or prefer to leave the p-trap cleaning to the pros, contact Atlas Butler at 614-681-2183. Our phone is answered 24/7 by a live person and one of our licensed plumbers can remove a clog and clean the drain traps. By following some simple preventive plumbing measures, your drains will flow smoothly and you can stave off future expensive plumbing repairs.