We have a slow draining sink and we've already tried cleaning and plunging. The auger/snake won't fit through the sink hole because of the stopper thing that gets in the way. So, I've been trying to unscrew the trap underneath to clean it out, but it won't unscrew. One side is really stuck. Is there a specific way or trick to unloosening the trap pipe? (ie both grips unscrews counterclockwise right?) It is plastic. Would I have to go out and buy a pipe wrench or call a plumber?
many thanks
2007-07-25 12:11:54 · 8 answers · asked by curious cat 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
My muscle memory indicates it is counter clockwise, so you are approaching correctly.
What has probably happened is that some bone-head has glued it shut using plumber's putty, or worse.
You may still be able to get it loose, but you're going to need a little leverage. You just want to be careful that you anchor both the base pipe and the plastic nut so that you don't torque off the pipe. The best tool for the job will be channel locks. Get a good pair.
Go to attached website. It took me a while to pull it up, so be patient.
Also. plan on replacing the P-trap.
Make sure you have a bucket or such under the P-trap to catch the water. Also, the clog may be from crap built up where the pipe connects the sink to the p-trap, so be prepared to clean that out, too.
2007-07-25 12:30:04 · answer #1 · answered by keith_housand 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you should buy is more likely a pair of channel locks or water pump pliers, whatever they call them in your neck of the woods. They have adjustable jaws similar to pipe wrenches, but aren't nearly as heavy and can be used for other things than pipes.
Use the pliers, opened to the appropriate size, to loosen the nuts holding the trap, either a "P" type, (going into the wall behind), or an "S" type, (going down thru the floor of the cabinet), till you can remove one piece from the other. There may be obstructions in the elbow of the trap itself that can cause slow draining properties, or you may have to insert the snake into the pipe where the trap connects and run it further down that one. All plumbing threads work the same way as nuts and bolts, rightey tightey, leftey loosey. Good luck One last thing, make sure you have a small bucket or pan under the trap when you get it loose. There's usually a considerable amount of water, plus whatever else, in it.
2007-07-25 12:23:06 · answer #2 · answered by Corky R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They make a small brush like snake with a water attachment that is specially made for this. It will fit into the small hole without removing the stopper. Lowells or Home Depot carry it in the plumbing section and it only cost a few dollars.
2007-07-31 09:35:43 · answer #3 · answered by Ray 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They have something called Air Force it is canned air under pressure you put the seal over the drain and push and the force of the air will force the clog out. Make sure your plumbing is good shape this unit has a lot of force and check for leaks after wards.
2007-08-01 13:51:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont call a plumber the are nasty!
your prob turning it the wrong way cause usually a strong grip should losen it., but the sure fire way to clear the pipe is to sell your house and quit your job, that should do the trick.
2007-08-02 05:18:40 · answer #5 · answered by Vick B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
go counter clockwise and use and adjustable wrench go slow and make sure to hold the other pipe.
2007-07-31 09:08:39 · answer #6 · answered by luka 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a small pipe wrench will loosen that right up
2007-08-01 07:50:19 · answer #7 · answered by IT'S ME AGAIN 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I couldnt have said it better than Corky R....PERFECT!!! I usually try to steal 10 points from other answerers but it doesn't get any better than his answer!
2007-07-25 13:13:58 · answer #8 · answered by Tripping Billies 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋