Did you know that below every drain, there is something called a drain trap? A drain trap is a small u shaped pipe that helps to maintain safety between the drain and the sewer system. The seal that is within the drain trap keeps out various types of sewer gases. The danger is if the trap leaks, this could cause damage to the structure of the home, as well as the safety of all individuals within.



It is very important that you try to keep the drain trap in proper working condition at all times. It is advised, that every month or so, you take the drain trap apart and ensure that it is in proper working order. This is especially true in the kitchen sink drain trap.

You may find that this particular drain trap has been burdened with grease and food that has fallen from the dishes that have been cleaned recently. Catching these things before they cause any damage, you will save yourself a lot of trouble in the long run.

To really prevent potential problems, consider changing the drain trap twice a year. When you replace the drain trap, these are the tools you will need to do the job correctly. They are as follows...a wrench, preferably a pipe wrench that suits the size of the pipe. A bucket in which to catch any water or debris that falls from the drain trap as you take it off. A screwdriver and plumbers and/or pipe glue or compound. Last but not least, a drain trap replacement piece!

Once you have gathered all the necessary tools to perform the replacement of the drain trap, you should follow the following instructions:

1. First off, turn off the water supply that supplies water to the area where you are working.

2. Now slowly turn the fittings of the trap using the pipe wrench watching for the water from the pipe to gently drip into the bucket which I know you have conveniently placed below.

3. Watch for the water to slow down then and only then can you take the entire drain trap off making sure not to ruin the threads.

4. Once the drain trap is off, discard it in the nearest garbage can.

5. Once you have discarded the old drain trap, you should then clean the area around the inside of the drain trap fixture. Make sure that there is no rust, dirt, or caulking that may interfere with the new drain trap installation.

6. Dry the drain trap area before you move on to the next step.

7. Now you can then attach the new drain trap and apply the plumbers glue around the new pipe thus sealing it from potential leaks.

8. You should then turn the water back on and run it to ensure that there are no leaks.

Replacing a drain trap is one of the easiest plumbing issues that a person with no prior knowledge can effectively resolve.