What's slowing your drain? How to clean the p-trap under your sink

CHICAGO (WLS) -- If you've ever poured a bottle of liquid drain cleaner down a stubborn sink only to find the water still sitting there, you are not alone. Sometimes, a chemical solution just isn't enough to move a physical blockage.

Casey Finn from The DIY Playbook recently took a trip under the sink to clear one of the most common household headaches: a clogged P-trap.

What is a P-trap?

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe underneath your bathroom sink. Its job is to hold a small amount of water, which creates a seal that blocks sewer gases from coming up through the drain. Because of that bend, it is also the most common place for debris to collect.

"You would be shocked by what you can find in there," Casey says. "Usually hair and toothpaste, but I've found Legos and even sticks."

If your sink is slow to drain or has developed an unpleasant odor, this area is often the culprit.

And if your sink is slow to drain or perhaps smells bad, this area is often the culprit.

The Tool Kit

You don't need a plumbing license or a heavy toolbox to fix this. In fact, you might not even need a wrench. Here is what you should have on hand:

Bucket: To catch the standing water currently in the pipe.
Towels: To wipe up any splashes.
Flashlight: To see what you're doing in the dark corners of the cabinet.
Gloves: A must-have for handling whatever buildup has been sitting in the drain.
Pro-tip: If the pipe nuts are too tight for your bare hands, a rubber jar opener provides the perfect non-slip grip to get things moving.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Prep the Area
-Place a bucket directly underneath the P-trap.

-Lay down towels to protect the cabinet floor.

-Turn off the water at the shut-off valves under the sink as a precaution (even though we are not disconnecting supply lines).

-Put on gloves.

Step 2: Remove the P-Trap
-Locate the slip nuts on both ends of the curved pipe.

-Loosen them by hand first (most are hand-tightened).

-If needed, use pliers gently to loosen - avoid overtightening or cracking plastic fittings.

-Carefully lower the trap into the bucket and allow any water and debris to drain out.

Step 3: Clean the Trap

-Remove visible hair and buildup.

-Use a brush to scrub inside the pipe.

-Rinse the trap in a separate sink or with running water (not back into the open drain).

-Inspect washers to make sure they are seated properly and not cracked.

Step 6: Reinstall the P-Trap
-Reattach the curved pipe. Hand-tighten both slip nuts securely. Do not overtighten.
-Turn the water back on. Run the faucet and check for leaks.

Important Notes
If your sink still drains slowly after cleaning the P-trap, the clog may be further down the drain line. Avoid relying on chemical drain cleaners - they can damage pipes over time and don't remove physical buildup.