
The best time to replace your P-trap is when you’re renovating your bathroom. To begin, start by cutting the subfloor around the drain with an electric saw. Make sure you cut an even 12” by 12” square piece, and that you only cut the portion that runs over the floor boards.
How do you connect a P-trap to a wall drain?
How do you connect the p-trap to a wall drain? Here's what you need to do: slide the shorter side of the p-trap over the tailpiece. Now, move around to line up the arm with the wall's opening. Use a pipe cutter to cut the tailpiece if the p-trap isn't moving upward anymore, and that's all!
How do you replace a P-trap under a shower?
This is because the P-trap under a shower isn’t accessible. The best time to replace your P-trap is when you’re renovating your bathroom. To begin, start by cutting the subfloor around the drain with an electric saw. Make sure you cut an even 12” by 12” square piece, and that you only cut the portion that runs over the floor boards.
How do I attach the reducer and the P-trap?
When attaching the reducer and the P-trap, spread a high-quality glue on the inside of them, and then attach them firmly. Make sure you get the P-trap in the right location.
How do I get rid of odors coming from my P-trap?
There are a couple easy, but not always effective ways to get rid of odors coming from your P-Trap. You could try pouring a couple cups of water into your p-trap in order to create that aforementioned water seal, but it will most likely dry within a couple days and you’ll be forced to repeat the process again.

Is it easy to replace P-trap?
1:084:01P Trap Replacement – Fix It In 15 Minutes | HouseSmarts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs well you may have to slide that a little bit to line it up. We're gonna put the new J Bend on andMoreAs well you may have to slide that a little bit to line it up. We're gonna put the new J Bend on and show you how it goes back together. All right now it's time to install the p-trap.
How do you unscrew a pee trap?
0:101:35How to Remove the P-Trap Without a Plumbing Wrench : Plumbing RepairsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing your rag place it in your hand and grip the p-trap. Now grip the other side and you're doingMoreUsing your rag place it in your hand and grip the p-trap. Now grip the other side and you're doing this so you don't actually snap the pipe. And just turn it loosen up a little bit now do the other.
When should I replace my P-trap?
It is required by plumbing code and is often part of installing a new sink since an old trap assembly doesn't always fit the new sink configuration. When parts of a trap corrode or the joints begin to leak and can't be fixed by tightening the connecting nuts, it's time to replace the entire trap assembly.
How do you replace a glued P-trap?
2:314:15How to Replace a PVC Sink Trap | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst connection for us is going to be to glue this into the wall. It's really essential that youMoreFirst connection for us is going to be to glue this into the wall. It's really essential that you clean the pipe and the fitting before you glue. It hold it for a. Three.
How much does it cost to replace P-trap?
between $200 and $325The p-trap, also known as a sink trap, runs between $200 and $325 to replace. Costs will vary by location - urban areas with higher costs of living can expect higher installation prices. Sink traps are required by building code to keep sewer gasses from entering your home.
How do you unscrew a slip nut?
0:221:39Loosening a Rusted Plumbing Slip Nut : Plumbing Fixes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut it over the nut. And try to break it loose you might want to wiggle it back and forth a littleMorePut it over the nut. And try to break it loose you might want to wiggle it back and forth a little bit to get started. And then loosen it up.
How do you replace a P-trap in a bathroom?
0:061:52How to Replace a Sink Trap | Plumbing | The Home DepotYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can replace it fairly easily. Here's what you'll need to begin remove the old drain assemblyMoreYou can replace it fairly easily. Here's what you'll need to begin remove the old drain assembly from the top down. Use your pliers to unscrew any stubborn slip nuts.
How do you remove a P-trap from the wall?
To remove the P-trap from the wall stub, hold the trap assembly firm with one hand and turn the coupling nut counterclockwise with respect to the wall stub until it comes loose. If the nut is overtightened or old, you might have to use a wrench or a pair of pliers for the purpose.
Are all P traps the same size?
Your P-trap can be polypropylene (white or black), ABS (black), PVC (white) or 18-gauge brass (chrome-plated or natural). Plastic traps come in inside-diameter sizes of 1-1/4-in. for a standard bathroom sink; 1-1/2-in. for a laundry sink, bathtub or standard kitchen sink; and two inches for a shower or floor drain.
How do you remove a PVC pipe fitting after it's glued?
1:593:22How To Remove Glued PVC Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd use some needle nose pliers to pull out the softened pipe. Sometimes that flat-head screwdriverMoreAnd use some needle nose pliers to pull out the softened pipe. Sometimes that flat-head screwdriver I mentioned earlier is necessary to start loosening the pipe from the fitting.
Do P traps need to be glued?
P-traps come in various diameters to fit different water fixtures, and although sink P-traps are generally screwed into place, traps for the other fixtures can be cemented. Replacing this type of trap requires that you cut out the trap before cementing a new one into position.
Should you cement P-trap?
You do not use cement or any sealant on the threads of a p-trap. It would not do any good and would bond the threads and so prevent adjustment. The purpose of the threads in these drain elements is to compress the joint. The seal is made by rubber or plastic ring seals or the faces of the two parts of the p-trap.
How do you remove an old P-trap from the wall?
To remove the P-trap from the wall stub, hold the trap assembly firm with one hand and turn the coupling nut counterclockwise with respect to the wall stub until it comes loose. If the nut is overtightened or old, you might have to use a wrench or a pair of pliers for the purpose.
How do you unscrew a plastic nut under the sink?
3:354:50Remove Plastic Faucet Nut Tips & DIY Tool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCouple other tactics that you can try is use a drill and drill holes. On opposing sides of theMoreCouple other tactics that you can try is use a drill and drill holes. On opposing sides of the plastic nut. And then try to tear it off heat the tip of an old screwdriver up with a torch.
How do you loosen a pipe without a wrench?
What to Use if You Don't Have a WrenchDuck tape. Duct tape is useful in almost any situation but you may be surprised to learn that you can use it to loosen bolts. ... Two coins. Who would think that money can be used as a makeshift tool? ... Zip-tie. ... Another nut and bolt.
How do you loosen a stuck plastic pipe fitting?
0:072:24Loosening Plastic Plumbing : Plumbing Help - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you want to grip it just enough that you have a hold on it. Then I take my pair of pliers. And I'MoreSo you want to grip it just enough that you have a hold on it. Then I take my pair of pliers. And I'll grip the other one and just give it a little twist. And they should come right apart.
How to attach a P trap to a shower drain?
When attaching your new P-trap to the end of the pipe, you may need to use a reducer if the pipe coming up from your shower floor is a different dimension than your new P-trap and your drain. The reducer allows you to transition from one size to another. When attaching the reducer and the P-trap, spread a high-quality glue on the inside of them , and then attach them firmly. Make sure you get the P-trap in the right location.
When to replace P trap?
This is because the P-trap under a shower isn’t accessible. The best time to replace your P-trap is when you’re renovating your bathroom.
How to measure the distance from a P trap to a subfloor?
Make sure you get the P-trap in the right location. Reattach the square subfloor piece and then measure the distance the from the P-trap to the subfloor. You’ll now want to cut a piece of ABS piping to that exact measurement and attach it to the end of the P-trap.
Where should a P trap be located?
First, your P-trap should be located directly below the center of your shower and close to your shower drain . Homeowners who install their P-traps too far away from the drain may experience more odors than what’s normal. Just remember, the longer the distance from the shower drain to the P-trap, the more your drains will stink your bathroom up.
What is the inlet of a sewer line?
The inlet is where your waste water enters. The downward bend portion of the pipe fills up with water and produces an airtight seal keeping sewage fumes and small organisms from entering your home. Lastly, the outlet is where the waste water leaves the pipe and heads to your public sewer plant.
What is a P trap?
P-traps are curved pipes installed under showers and drains of all kinds. The P-trap not only directs your waste water out of your home, this essential pipe also keeps small organisms and sewer fumes from entering your living space by providing a powerful barrier.
Do you know what P traps are for shower drains?
When it comes to shower P-traps, a lot of homeowners don’t even know what they’re for, if their shower drains are built with them, and how to replace them. If you’re unfamiliar with the P-trap, then read on. You’ll be glad you did.
How far away should I put a trap?
I did however find two prevalent requirements in local ordinances and state codes: (1) A distance that allows the trap to easily flush and not permit the release of waste odors (My ignorant interpretation of complex legal jargon.) , and (2) 2-4 inches. Although most plumbers offering online advice recommend less than 3 inches.
Why is the flow of water reduced when a trap is installed backwards?
The flow of water is actually reduced because the flow of water runs into a more vertical wall in the lower installation.
Why is the sink trap vertical?
The near vertical drop allows the waste water draining from the sink to enter the trap with a lot of speed so that the trap self scours. The shape of the p-trap when installed this way takes advantage of the brachistochrone property of the cycloid shape. If you install the p-trap backwards you don’t get the velocity. The trap may/will work but not as designed.
How deep should a sink trap be?
Per codes, a trap has to be a minimum of 2 inches in-depth and a maximum of 4 inches. Its not the acceleration of water that makes it overflow into the drain, the water itself seeks level. A riser off the trap into the sink is better off shorter than longer. Any thing over 2 ft, per code, a trap could lose its seals.
What happens if you don't fix a trap?
So what will happen if this is not fixed? Well eventually the trap will clog up with debris and water will just not drain properly. It isn’t “typically” a difficult fix (although there are instances where it might be fairly difficult)—something any plumber can do when they are at the home for other reasons or something that even a knowledgeable homeowner or other qualified repair person can fix.
What is a trap engineered for?
Traps are engineered to be self scouring (cleaning) by virtue of their shape . Note how in the first picture below the flow of water enters from the sink (disposal in this case) at Point C and the blue arrow.
Where do tail ends go in a flow?
Also the tail ends always go inside the receiving piece in the direction of the flow.
How to convert a S-trap to a P-trap?
You can convert an s-trap into a p-trap by cutting its adapter off, or you can purchase thin-wall fittings; however, you will have to extend its pipe up.
How far does a P trap drain?
Eight inches is the minimum distance of the p-trap to drain.
What is a plumbing trap?
Instance 1. Plumbing traps prevent noxious sewage gases from entering your house by constraining gas or water in one particular place. There are various types of plumbing traps currently available for home or industrial uses. However, none is as useful as the p-traps in plumbing systems. P-traps are pipes that ensure dirty water ...
Why are P traps important?
Conclusion. Plumbing traps are essential fixtures that every house requires, mainly because your sewer can discharge deadly gases harmful to your entire family. P-traps are now the go-to pipes for drains, as they are efficient at blocking poisonous sewer gases.
What happens when a P trap leaks?
When the interceptor or trap loses its water seal, it provides sewer gases passage to re-enter the house via the drain. Leaky P-Traps. The leaks often start small and snowball into a big problem if not fixed straight away. This leak frequently leads to a clogged drain, causing a foul odor.
How to install a slip nut on a trap arm?
Fit the slip nut into your trap arm and washer in the end. Make sure the washer bevel faces outward.
Why is my P trap smelly?
Smelly P-Traps. Smelly p-traps are often the worst. They occur when the sewer gases back up inside the home via the drain. If this problem isn't addressed urgently, it can eventually become hazardous for your entire family.
How To Clean a P-Trap (4 Steps)
While cleaning a P-trap is easy, the procedure can differ from one P-trap to another. The plumbing traps under the sinks are generally the easiest to clean. Toilet, shower, or tub P-traps are not removable, but there are ways to clean them effortlessly. Here’s how.
Why Clean a P Trap?
The main reason to clean the P-trap is to clear it from clogs, but you may also want to clean it if it emits foul odors.
How Often Do You Need To Clean P-Trap?
You should clean the P-trap with a chemical plunger or an auger when you have drainage issues. To prevent clogging, you should also clean the trap with a baking soda and white vinegar solution about once a month.
Cleaning P Trap Without Removing It
Removing the P-trap is not always possible, but there are ways to clean it without removing or replacing it.
3 Signs You Need A New P-Trap
If cleaning the P-trap didn’t solve the clogging issue, or if the trap keeps clogging over and over again, the problem could be an excess mineral build-up. While you could use various chemicals to remove it, the task is often tedious. In most cases, buying a new trap and replacing the old one is not only faster but also cheaper.
P Trap Cleaning Tools Available
This cleaning tool is an innovative plunger-auger hybrid with an included garbage bag. It is an excellent choice for cleaning sinks, tubs, and shower drains.
Summary
As you’ve noticed, there are various ways to clean a P-trap, based on its location. We hope this guide can help you solve the problem quickly and effortlessly. However, you should always remember that if you’re in doubt, the best solution is to hire a plumber.
How to get rid of smells in P trap?
There are a couple easy, but not always effective ways to get rid of odors coming from your P-Trap. You could try pouring a couple cups of water into your p-trap in order to create that aforementioned water seal, but it will most likely dry within a couple days and you’ll be forced to repeat the process again.
How to get rid of dried P trap smell?
In order to really eliminate those awful dried p-trap smells, use Vapour Block by Brodi, a cirtus-based dry dra in maintainer ...
Why does my P trap smell?
The answer to all your p-trap smells is most likely that your p-trap has dried out. A dried out P-trap no longer has that seal of water that was mentioned before, so nothing is stopping those nasty sewer odors from escaping your drains and flowing through your place of business.
What is a P trap seal primer?
Trap seal primers are designed to provide a supply of water to P-Traps, replenishing drains located in infrequently used areas. In some cases, they are a small piece of tubing which feeds water to the P-Trap when a sink is used or a toilet is flushed.
Where is the P trap?
A floor drain is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a drain in your floor, usually found in store rooms, washrooms, loading docks and hallways. Sure, you could find it in other places, but you’ll typically find them in these couple rooms.
Does a P trap have a seal?
Sometimes, in places where the pipes aren’t frequently used, a p-trap will have a trap seal primer with it.
