How to Replace a Drain Trap

A drain trap is one of the most important parts that help the drainage system function properly. It is beneath every bathroom lavatory and the drain outlet of kitchen sink. Ensuring health and safety for everyone in your family, each drain trap has a water plug within its curved section.

It is fastened tightly to seal the entrance of harmful sewer gases. This water barrier can break and create hazardous conditions in case there’s a leakage in the drain trap. And, this is why they need to be kept in good working condition. Drain trap clogging is a common problem that hampers or stops the drainage flow. You need to clear the blockage quickly before it becomes so serious that you need to hire a handyman in NYC.

Just develop a habit of checking your traps from time to time so that you know when quick repairs ought to be made.

If your trap needs to be replaced, here’s a step by step guide for you:

1. Remove the leaking drain trap assembly and replace it with a new one. Since its old parts are faulty now, it is no use fitting them in the new assembly. If there is a cleanout plug on the bottom of the curved section, remove it with wrench and drain the water into a container. If it is not there, you just have to screw slip nuts to slide them out of the way. In the process, if you end up causing more damage, feel free to make a phone call at 347-771-9971 and we’ll send a handyman servicing Manhattan or other areas in NYC immediately.
2. If your trap is a swivel type, you will get a curved trap section for free. Make sure you keep the trap upright while you remove it. But, if it is fixed and can’t swivel, you have to simply remove the slip nuts at the top and drain flange. Now, push the tailpiece down and twist the trap clockwise to drain water in the trap. Separate the tailpiece free and unscrew the trap from the pipe.
3. Make sure your new drain trap is of the right size and diameter. Also, you need to have drain extension, new tailpiece and all other accessories ready. The best case scenario is when you can have a swivel trap as it is quite easy to fit and can be adjusted for misaligned drainpipe. Our handyman in NY is usually loaded with all such tools so that a repair or installation job is executed quickly. If it has a cleanout plug, you need not remove the trap to clean it.
4. Fit all the parts in the correct order while replacing the drain trap. Get compression seals, slip nuts and large washers lined up on the respective pipe sections. Connect all the parts with slip nuts, properly align the structure and tighten the nuts. Do not over-tighten the nuts and there is no need to apply compound or joint tape.
5. Next, check the fitting by running water into the trap. This way, you can check for the leaks and keep the trap filled to prepare the barrier against sewer gases.

Things to Consider:

• Consider using a continuous waste-T-fitting to attach tailpieces if it is a sink with two basins you’re repairing
• Join the fittings with slip nuts so that the beveled washer sides face the threaded portion of the pipes.
• You can cut the trap arms with a hacksaw when needed
• Use the slip nuts to attach the trap arm to the trap bend
• Avoid using Teflon tape on fittings and white plastic pipe threads

As a handyman service provider in NY, we’re always a call away should you require any assistance in replacing a drain trap. You can contact on us in case of any emergencies. Write to us at info@nyhandymannyc.com or call at 347-771-9971.