Removing pea trap (clogged sink)

Submitted by ytsephill t3_10lw6ny in DIY

I have a stubborn clogged kitchen sink problem that I’m trying to solve myself so as to avoid calling the landlord.

I’ve tried the usual methods of baking soda/vinegar, boiling water and a type of drain-o (supposedly more powerful). I ended up having to drain the water every time because it was backing up.

As a last attempt I will be removing the pea trap but wanna make sure I don’t mess it up.

My question is, the first screw comes out easily by hand (pic 1) but the second one (pic 2) doesn’t budge. I wanted to make sure if this one is supposed to unscrew at all before I go and buy a tool to try and do it with more force — just don’t want to break anything or “unscrew” something I’m not supposed to!

https://imgur.com/a/WC4yFO5

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SmileFirstThenSpeak t1_j5zbps0 wrote

(P trap)

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cooldude_4000 t1_j5zd0ee wrote

  • Yes, it should unscrew. If you can't do it by hand, try wearing a rubber glove or using a washcloth to gain more grip on it.
  • Make sure you're turning it the correct direction. Sometimes when it's at an odd angle, your mind has trouble telling which way is counterclockwise.
  • If you used Drano and it didn't help the clog, that Drano is likely at the bottom of your P-trap, so wear goggles at least to protect yourself against it splashing out when you remove the trap.
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Wellcraft19 t1_j5zo5ts wrote

Just unscrew. The first photo has a compression fitting that slides up and down the drain tube.

In the second photo, some idiot has applied Teflon tape to the threads. Not needed as the seal in that connection is mating two surfaces. Teflon tape never to be used.

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meatcalculator t1_j60dpim wrote

The fact the tape is there implies the fittings were also probably over-tightened by someone who didn’t know better. Over tightening will just make the leak worse!

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Scozz554 t1_j5zchyr wrote

You can also try one of those cheap plastic snakes if chemicals didn't do it.

Yeah that coupling ring is threaded and will unscrew. Make sure you are trying to turn it the right way - the ring in the 2nd photo will unscrew downwards and stay on the elbow.

Don't worry too terribly much about breaking something - you've got a couple more fittings before you lose the pipe to the wall. Should be easy replacements if something does break.

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APLJaKaT t1_j5zciei wrote

Yes the second one comes apart as well. Make sure you are turning it the right way. It appears the nut is on the bottom and the threads on the top. If this is the case, you want to turn it to the left from your point of view.

You should be able to turn it by hand, but if not get a set of slip joint pliers to help.

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ytsephill OP t1_j60hj8l wrote

Thanks. I would’ve been turning it right all day otherwise.

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Sluisifer t1_j5zsyeh wrote

Yes, it's a pretty simple job.

First, get a pair of channel locks / slip joint pliers. I like the Knipex style, and think that's a great tool to have in a small toolbox. e.g. https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/pliers/single-pliers/adjustable/12-in-fast-adjust-water-pump-pliers-56749.html You want to to be firm with them while not crushing them, and make sure you're turning the right way. But generally they aren't difficult. And those parts are cheap to replace, worst case.

Second, someone has already messed those up. Those fittings do not need teflon tape, but there it is. Those make a flared seal with a gasket. It's either 1 1/4" or 1 1/2". Example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/OATEY-1-1-2-in-Sink-Drain-Pipe-Plastic-Slip-Joint-Nut-with-Rubber-Reducing-Washers-HDC2698C/316622089 Chances are fair that the gasket is missing. If you have a bit of water under the sink from time to time, getting a gasket in there will fix that.

Have a good basin to put under all that for the stuff that will pour out. It's important to get one that fits reasonably well with high enough sides, or it's easy to make a mess.

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kitten0077 t1_j6067uz wrote

I don't understand why the sink keeps filling up? Is it a double basin sink with a disposal on one side?

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ytsephill OP t1_j60helm wrote

Thanks everyone for your input, I was able to take the P-trap out, but there was nothing in it.

Whats my next move here? I tried looking inside the tube that the P-trap is attached to but couldn't see much. Should I get a snake and start from that point?

Theres also this lid right next to the tube that connects to the wall, should I open that and pour drain-o in it instead?

https://imgur.com/a/QCh2aFb

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fredsam25 t1_j63f293 wrote

Me trying to understand where in the world they install a trap just to catch peas... But also stop putting so many damn peas down the drain...

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