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Clearing a Fixture Drain
Line
If your sink is backed up but the clog isn't in the trap,
it's probably further in the drain system – in the drain
lines inside your walls...
Fixing Leaky Sink
Strainers
The sink strainer assembly connects the sink to the drain
line. There's a bead of putty that goes under the lip of
the strainer, and it's a very common place for leaks to
occur. Your goal is to take the assembly apart, put in
fresh putty, and tighten everything back up. Remember:
there are quite a few nuts, washers, and gaskets to this
assembly. Keep...
Replacing Drain Traps
Drain traps – those U-shape pieces of drain pipe
underneath your sink – do a lot of dirty work.
Occasionally, they leak, become corroded, or get plugged
with years of accumulated soap and grease. When that
happens, replace an old trap with nice new ones...
Unclogging a Sink Drain
Trap
One of the most common household plumbing problems is a
clogged sink drain trap. Mostly, it's because traps work
by gravity – holding water in them to prevent sewer gases
from coming up into the house. Gravity, however, works to
hold an accumulation of grease... |
Take the
stopper out of the sink. Some pop-up stoppers lift out
directly; others turn counterclockwise. Some older
stoppers have a pivot rod that has to be removed. Under
the sink, you'll see a locking nut where the rod enters
the drain pipe. Remove the nut and pull the rod out.
Stuff a wet
rag in the sink overflow opening. This prevents air from
escaping as you work with the plunger. Place the plunger
cup over the drain opening and run enough water to cover
the rubber cup. Move the plunger up and down rapidly to
clear the clog.