For most clogs, there’s easy ways to unclog your drain.  Before you call the plumber, try this DIY that shows you how easily most pipes can be “unscrewed”:

Traps: If you have lost a valuable item such as a contact lens or ring, removing the trap, known as a “P” OR “S” trap, will be a perfect way to retrieve the lost item.

Step 1. Place a basin or bucket to catch water from the trap. If chemicals are present use a chemical resistant bucket and wear chemical resistant gloves. Also shield eyes.

Step 2. Loosen the two end nuts of the couplings. Some can be loosened by hand, but a pipe wrench may be needed. The trap will come free and you can get the lost item, or remove the plug.

Step 3. Check the washers for any damage when putting the trap back on. Replacing the damaged washers now may save you a leak later on.

via doityourself

Tags: chemical resistant gloves, clogs, contact lens, couplings, diy, how to unclog a drain, pipe wrench, pipes, plumber, Plumbing, s trap, step 1, step 2, traps, washers

This entry was posted on Monday, October 27th, 2008 at 6:33 pm and is filed under Plumbing, Plumbing DIY. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.