Dealing with a stubborn clog in your sink can be a frustrating experience. If you’ve tried using an auger to no avail, it may be time to take a different approach.
Removing the P-trap and using a drain snake can often do the trick, but it’s important to know the right technique to get the snake through the trap.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to successfully get your drain snake through the P-trap and clear that stubborn clog.
So, grab your tools and let’s get started!
How To Get Drain Snake Through P-trap
Step 1: Remove the P-trap
The first step in getting your drain snake through the P-trap is to remove it. Place a bucket under the trap to catch any water that may spill out. Use a pipe wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the slip nut at the end of the P-trap.
Step 2: Insert the drain snake
Once the P-trap is removed, insert the drain snake into the pipe leading into the wall and begin to auger. Be cautious and gentle when pushing the snake’s head into the drain without rotating it. If the snake doesn’t go further, it has probably run into an obstruction.
Step 3: Clean the snake periodically
As you use the drain snake, debris may gather on its head, so it’s important to clean it periodically. If you push the snake inside and nothing comes up, the obstruction is probably due to some solid material. Consider turning the crank in the opposite direction when you think the snake is stuck somewhere.
Step 4: Don’t force the cable
It’s important not to force the drain snake cable through sharp bends in the fixture P-trap underneath your sink or tub. Instead, take apart the drain trap beneath your sink and insert the drain snake into the horizontal branch drain. This will give you a clear path into the branch drain and make it easier to get through any clogs.
Step 5: Break up the obstruction
Once you encounter an obstruction, start moving the plumbing snake head back and forth and up and down. The idea is to slowly break up the obstruction into smaller pieces that can move down your drain pipe. Be careful not to jam the drain snake into the walls of your piping.
Step 6: Re-assemble your drain
Once you’ve cleared out the obstruction from your piping, remove your plumbing snake and rinse it off with water to remove any stuck-on debris. Then, re-install your P-trap and turn on your water fixture to test that it’s draining properly.
Understanding The P-trap And Its Function
The P-trap is a critical component of your plumbing system that plays a vital role in keeping your home safe and healthy. It is a U-shaped pipe that is typically located under sinks and other plumbing fixtures. The P-trap’s primary function is to trap noxious sewer gases inside the wastewater system so that they can’t rise back up through the drain and into your home.
The shape of the P-trap makes this possible. When you run water down the sink, it flushes through the trap and down into the drain line. However, when you shut off the faucet, a small amount of water always remains inside the bend at the bottom of the P-trap. This water acts as a barrier that seals off the pipe so that the smelly sewer gases can’t escape.
Additionally, the P-trap helps prevent your drain line from being clogged. Any food or solid particles you wash down the drain usually stay inside the bend in the P-trap. If your sink is clogged and won’t drain, the clog is usually located inside the P-trap itself. This is actually not a bad thing, as unclogging the P-trap is generally far easier than removing an obstruction further down inside the drainage system.
To clean out a clogged P-trap, remove it by loosening and removing the slip nut at the end of the trap. Be sure to place a bucket underneath to catch any water or debris that may spill out. Once removed, inspect and clean out any obstruction you find. If you don’t find anything, using a drain snake may be necessary to clear out any remaining debris.
Gathering The Necessary Tools And Materials
Before attempting to get your drain snake through the P-trap, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Drain snake: As mentioned earlier, a drain snake is a flexible, 25-foot long steel cable that is used to unclog drains that cannot be dislodged with a plunger. Make sure to choose the right type of drain snake for your job. For bathtub and sink drains, a hand auger is the best type of snake drain.
2. Bucket: You’ll need a bucket to catch any water that may spill out when you remove the P-trap.
3. Pipe wrench or pliers: You’ll need a pipe wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the slip nut at the end of the P-trap.
4. Cleaning supplies: As you use the drain snake, debris may gather on its head, so it’s important to have cleaning supplies on hand to periodically clean it.
5. Optional: Gloves and goggles: While not necessary, gloves and goggles can protect your hands and eyes from any debris that may come out of the drain while you’re working.
Make sure to have all these tools and materials on hand before attempting to get your drain snake through the P-trap.
Removing The P-trap
Removing the P-trap is the first step in getting your drain snake through the P-trap. To do this, place a bucket underneath the trap to catch any water that may spill out. Use a pipe wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the slip nut at the end of the P-trap. Once the nut is removed, you can carefully pull the P-trap down and away from the drainpipe. Be sure to dump any water or debris that may have accumulated into the bucket.
It’s important to note that older P-traps may be more difficult to remove and may require more force or tools to loosen. If you encounter resistance, use a pipe wrench or pliers to carefully loosen and remove the slip nut. Remember to be gentle and avoid twisting any supporting pipes, as this could cause damage or leaks in your plumbing system. Once you have successfully removed the P-trap, you can move on to inserting your drain snake into the pipe leading into the wall and begin to auger.
Preparing The Drain Snake
Before using a drain snake to clear a clogged drain, it’s important to prepare the tool properly. Start by selecting the appropriate size of drain snake for your particular drain. A snake that is too small may not be effective in clearing the blockage, while one that is too large may damage your pipes.
Next, make sure the cable is clean and free of any debris or kinks that could impede its progress through the drain. If necessary, clean the cable with a cloth or wire brush before using it.
Before inserting the snake into the drain, turn off the water supply to the affected fixture to prevent any water from flowing into the drain while you’re working. This will help prevent any mess or water damage.
Finally, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using a drain snake, as it can be messy and potentially dangerous work. With these preparations in place, you’ll be ready to tackle even the toughest clogs with confidence.
Inserting The Drain Snake Through The P-trap
Inserting the drain snake through the P-trap can be a tricky process, but with the right technique, it can be done effectively. Start by removing the P-trap using a pipe wrench or pliers and placing a bucket underneath to catch any water that may spill out.
Next, insert the drain snake into the pipe leading into the wall and begin to auger. It’s important to be cautious and gentle when pushing the snake’s head into the drain without rotating it. If the snake doesn’t go further, it has probably run into an obstruction.
To break up the obstruction, start moving the plumbing snake head back and forth and up and down. The idea is to slowly break up the obstruction into smaller pieces that can move down your drain pipe. Be careful not to jam the drain snake into the walls of your piping.
It’s important not to force the drain snake cable through sharp bends in the fixture P-trap underneath your sink or tub. Instead, take apart the drain trap beneath your sink and insert the drain snake into the horizontal branch drain. This will give you a clear path into the branch drain and make it easier to get through any clogs.
As you use the drain snake, debris may gather on its head, so it’s important to clean it periodically. If you push the snake inside and nothing comes up, the obstruction is probably due to some solid material. Consider turning the crank in the opposite direction when you think the snake is stuck somewhere.
Once you’ve cleared out the obstruction from your piping, remove your plumbing snake and rinse it off with water to remove any stuck-on debris. Then, re-install your P-trap and turn on your water fixture to test that it’s draining properly. By following these steps, you can successfully insert a drain snake through a P-trap and clear out any stubborn clogs in your sink or tub.
Clearing The Clog With The Drain Snake
Clearing a clog with a drain snake can be an effective way to remove blockages in your plumbing system. Follow these steps to clear the clog with the drain snake:
Step 1: Extend the snake down the drain
Start by extending the snake down the drain using the correct control method for your make and model. Practice patience here, as each pipe is unique and many feature sharp turns that necessitate increased cranking power or some gentle wiggling. Eventually, the snake will hit the blockage that caused the clog in the first place.
Step 2: Identify the type of blockage
Blockages present themselves in two ways. Either the obstruction is large enough that the snake stops, or it’s relatively small and soft, allowing the auger head to work through the mass slowly as it keeps extending. In other words, some clogs require you to bring the gunk back up, and others let the snake break up the gunk for dispersal throughout the system.
Step 3: Crank the handle
Slowly begin to crank the handle of the drain snake once the cable is in the drain. This propels the cable forward and twists the corkscrew end to break up any clogs.
Step 4: Push through friction and resistance
When pushing the cable through the P-trap, which is located just below your sink or tub drain opening, you may encounter some friction and resistance. If this happens, push on the cable while cranking the drain snake slowly. A couple of turns will help the cable maneuver through the bends in the pipe.
Step 5: Check for clearance
You can check to make sure you’ve cleared the blockage by running some water and seeing whether it trickles past the snake or backs up into your sink or tub. If it appears that you’ve dislodged the clog, reverse the rotational direction of the cable and pull the snake back up.
Step 6: Flush out remaining debris
When you’ve removed a clog, you should run water for a couple of minutes to make sure it’s draining properly. The running water is enough to rinse away any remaining pieces of debris that weren’t grabbed by your auger.
Using these steps, you can effectively clear a clog with a drain snake and restore proper drainage to your plumbing system.