Should I replace a P-Trap?

Question

I had a project manager come out from the company I used to do a bathroom rehab and he recommended and ultimately sell me on the replacement of the p-trap. The reason being we had a slow drain. Now the guys out here are trying to tell me that the drain works fine w/ a thourough cleaning and router. It works OK, but should I try and negoriate the price if they omit this procedure I already paid for? How much should I knock off? Is the P-Trap replacement a good idea or can I get by with regular cleanings?

Yes, the P-Trap is for a tub, currently we have a drum canister trap. Is a clean, but old, drum canister trap the best fit for my house or is it obsolete? Thanks

Answer 1

a through the pipe cleaning of the p trap on a reg basis should do the trick, p traps are not that hard to replace either two slip nuts and two gaskets

Answer 2

the cleaning will cost WAY more than even 20 p-traps so i wouldnt worry about that......they will keep ur drains clear but really how often do they back up?......is it worth the extra money if the problem doesnt occur that often?.....also u can go buy and replace a p-trap urself in about 10 mins unless ur talking about the kind under a house like on a tub or washing machine.....also if its just a bathroom sink drain u can plunge it using a smaller plunger and plugging the overflow holes and that should get about any lav sink unless it ur line....also u can take out the pop-up plug if u have those and they get gunked with hair and soap....sometimes just cleaning that off will clear the line.....depends on the prices ur having to pay...good luck

Answer 3

A trap, even the metal type, are not more than $10 (PVC about $2) Cleaning will keep it working fine but I wonder what you are putting down the drain that causes blockage.