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Is your bathroom sink blocked, clogged, or not draining properly? The usual case is a blocked U-shaped pipe, commonly known as a P-trap. Clearing one of these plumbing fixtures is easy, and you do not have to be an experienced plumber to fix this issue.
Steps
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Get a bucket. You will need a bucket because U-shaped pipes usually retain a small amount of water, and need to be emptied.- Place the bucket under the U pipe.
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Start by unfastening. Unfasten the holders holding the U pipe.- Usually you can twist it by hand. If it is shaped of a bolt, you may need a wrench. If it is too difficult to open by hand, use a plumbing wrench to help you.
- There are usually 2 or 3 fasteners.
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Remove the pipe. Water may drip out of the pipe.- Do not forget there is water retained inside the pipe. Tip it to empty it
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Remove solids. Remove hair if there is any. -
Scrub it. Usually some remnants from waste water is left. This can include calcium, mold, or scum. Use a flex brush to remove gunky waste. -
Snake the hairball. Using a plumbing snake, insert the snake into the drain hole in the sink. Pull out obstructions.- It may take a couple of attempts to snake a hairball out.
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Attach the pipe. Place the pipe back in place.- Remember that the long side faces the sink drain.
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Fasten back the pipe. Make sure to fasten tight. -
Check for leaks. Do this by turning on the sink to check if drainage is okay.- Keep the sink on for 15 seconds.
- If it leaks, make sure it is fastened right. Is the fastener loose? If that is not the case, you may need plumbing tape. You can purchase plumbing tape at a local hardware store. Use the tape as a gasket.
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Clean up. Empty the bucket out in a drain. Put back the tools.
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- "Made me aware of tools I will need. A list of tools at the top of the page, and the mention of tape that may be required, would be great." ..." more
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