5 Simple Steps To Change A Plumbing Trap

Plumbing taps are the curved pieces of drainpipe fitted beneath your sink and basin (often referred to as P traps) that are designed to hold a small amount of standing water.

The standing water prevents sewer gases and foul smells from entering the room, whilst still allowing waste to pass through to the drainage system.

There’s no denying that P traps do a lot of dirty work – but over time, they can crack, leak, corrode, or become clogged with accumulated soap and grease. Which is why it pays to know how to replace them.

Whether you’re a professional plumber or a dab hand at DIY, changing a waste trap isn’t too difficult – once you know how to.

So, let’s get started.

HOW TO CHANGE A PLUMBING TRAP

STEP 1: TURN OFF THE WATER

Before you begin, you must make sure that the water is switched off at the stop tap.

The last thing you want to happen is for someone to use the tap while you’re removing the P trap.

It’s also a sensible idea to clear the work area and place a bucket under the trap to catch the water.

STEP 2: INSPECT THE TRAP

 The next thing to do is to look closely at the plumbing trap.

Is there a nut located on the lowest part of the inverted P? If so, unscrew it using a pair of pliers and allow the water to drain into the bucket below.

Step 3: Unscrew the nuts by hand

There should be two nuts holding the P trap in place.

Use one hand to grip the trap tight, and the other to twist the nut anticlockwise until they loosen.

STEP 4: REMOVE THE P TRAP

Carefully pushing the fittings to one side and pulling down on the section of the trap that connects to the tailpipe, remove the P trap.

If the trap is still full of water, it’s worth placing a bucket beneath the opening.

After dislodging one end of the trap, the other should come away from the drainpipe with very little effort.

STEP 5: INSTALL A NEW P TRAP

When swapping a plumbing trap, it’s crucial that you use the same type of trap. For example, if the trap you removed was made from plastic, make sure you use a new plastic P trap.

To fit the new one, connect it to the tailpiece and position it level to the water seal before using the nuts provided to secure it in place.

Once installed, turn the water back on and give it a test. No water should leak from the newly fitted P trap, but you might want to leave a bucket under it just in case.

Now you know how to change a plumbing trap, you must make sure that you regularly maintain it.

Keep an eye out for any cracks, leaks, or signs of corrosion. And if you need any further advice or assistance regarding P traps, call the team at Total Pipeline Systems on 01254 382 000.

We have an extensive range of universal sink and bath waste traps too, and we’ll do everything we can to help – whether it be advising you on the most suitable products for your project or offering tips on how to change your existing fittings for new ones.