Sink traps are one of those things that most people don’t think about cleaning until there’s a problem.
But if you’re going to spend money on plumbing repairs, you should probably take care of these little guys first.
How To Clean Sink Trap
To clean your sink trap, follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn off the water supply to your home.
Step 2: Remove any clogged pipes or debris that could block the drain.
Step 3: Drain the trap.
Step 4: Use a snake or plumber’s wrench to remove the stopper.
Step 5: Pour in a cup of baking soda.
Step 6: Close the stopper back up.
Step 7: Wait 24 hours.
Step 8: Run cold water into the drain.
Step 9: Open the drain and pour in a cup of vinegar.
Step 10: Let sit overnight.
Step 11: Rinse thoroughly.
Step 12: Repeat Steps 6 through 10.
Step 13: If necessary, repeat Step 6.
Step 14: Once the trap has been drained and rinsed, replace the stopper.
That’s it! Now, you’ve got a clean sink trap.
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list. There are many different ways to clean a sink trap. So, feel free to experiment and find the method that works best for you.
How To Keep Your Sink Traps Clean
1. Clean Sink Traps Regularly
It’s important to clean sink traps regularly. This helps prevent clogged drains and other issues down the line.
To clean your sink trap, use a drain snake or plunger to remove any debris that may be stuck inside. Then, pour boiling water into the sink trap to loosen up any remaining debris.
Once the water cools, run cold water over the trap to flush out the debris.
2. Use Drain Pots
A drain pot is a small container that sits under your sink faucet. The purpose of a drain pot is to catch any overflow from the sink.
Use a drain pot to catch overflow from your sink.
When using a drain pot, always place it directly below the faucet. Never place it above the faucet.
This prevents overflow from dripping back into the sink.
3. Check the Plumbing
Checking your plumbing periodically is another good idea. If you notice anything unusual, such as a leaky pipe, call a plumber immediately.
4. Change Your Sinks’ Filters
Changing your sinks’ filters every month is another good idea. It keeps your sinks free of bacteria and germs.
5. Replace Your Faucets
Replacing your faucets every two years is another good idea. Replacing them sooner than that could cause problems down the line.
6. Maintain Your Plumbing
Maintaining your plumbing is another good idea. Keeping your pipes clear of debris is an important part of keeping your plumbing running smoothly.
Keeping your pipes clear of debris can help prevent clogs and other issues down the road.
7. Install a Water Filter
Installing a water filter is another good idea. A water filter removes chlorine and other contaminants from your drinking water.
Water filters are inexpensive and easy to install. They’re also easy to replace if they become dirty.
8. Avoid Using Chemicals
Avoid using chemicals to clean your sink traps. These chemicals can damage your plumbing and lead to other issues down the road, including leaks.
Instead, use a drain snake to remove any debris from your sink traps.
9. Don’t Overfill Your Sink Traps
Overfilling your sink traps is another bad idea. Overflowing your sink traps can cause overflows and other problems down the line. So, avoid this at all costs.
10. Keep Your Sink Traps Clear
Keep your sink traps clear of debris so that they stay working properly.
11. Prevent Clogging
Preventing clogging is another good idea. To do this, keep your sink traps clean.
Clean your sink traps regularly. Also, never put soap or grease down your sink traps.
These items can clog your sink traps.
Also, avoid putting too much food waste down your sink traps. Food waste can clog your sink drains.
12. Make Sure Your Sink Traps Are Level
Make sure your sink traps are level. If they aren’t, they won’t function correctly.
13. Know How to Fix Problems Down the Line
Knowing how to fix problems down the line is another good idea. For example, if you see a leak coming from your sink, you’ll want to know how to stop it before it causes bigger problems down the line. This will save you money in the long run.
14. Be Careful with Your Sink Drains
Be careful when cleaning your sink drains. You don’t want to get stuck inside your sink drains.
15. Check for Leaks
Checking for leaks is another good idea. When you check for leaks, be careful not to break any pipes.
16. Drain Cleaners Aren’t Always Necessary
Drain cleaners aren’t always necessary. But, sometimes they are.
If you have a slow-moving drain, then you may need to use a drain cleaner.
17. Prevent Problems From Occurring Again
To prevent future problems, make sure to follow these steps every time you wash dishes:
• Wash your hands after handling food.
• Don’t let dirty dishes sit in the sink too long.
• Always drain your sink drains before putting them back in place.
• Never leave the faucet running while you’re doing dishes.
• Turn off the water supply valve whenever you finish washing dishes.
18. Be Careful With Water Pressure
Make sure to pay attention to the water pressure in your house. If you notice that the water pressure is low, then you need to fix the problem right away.
A slow leak in your pipes could lead to serious issues down the line.
19. Use Proper Plumbing Tools
Use proper plumbing tools to help you clean your sinks.
20. Take Advantage of Maintenance Plans
Take advantage of maintenance plans offered by your local plumber. These plans will cover everything from replacing your sink trap to fixing your sewer system.
21. Consider Using an Auger Snake
An auger snake is a tool used to clean out your sink traps. It’s similar to a drain snake but has a rotating head instead of a straight one.
22. Have Your Plumbing Repairs Done Regularly
Have your plumbing repairs done regularly?
23. Avoid Putting Too Much Grease Down Your Sinks
Avoid putting too much grease down your sinks. Doing this can cause overflow and other problems.
24. Keep Your Sink Traps Clean
Keep your sink traps clean. This will help prevent clogs and overflows.
25. Install a Waste Disposal Unit
Install a waste disposal unit in your kitchen. A waste disposal unit helps reduce the amount of trash going into your sink drains.