Being a homeowner is rather rewarding in most situations, but it also involves a lot of hard work. One thing everyone knows is that, when you want to be smart about your money, it’s important to know how to perform essential plumbing repairs on your own. But in order to do this, you will have to possess some knowledge on the topic beforehand.

The 3 Basics

Out of all the possible scenarios, people seem to dread dealing with plumbing traps the most. Fortunately, it’s rather easy to DIY an adequate method. When it comes down to it, all that you need is a basic understanding of the concept. Here are three essential things that everyone should know about plumbing traps.

1. Know What to Expect from This Fixture

According to ThePlumbingInfo, every time you use your sink, bathtub and so on, the plumbing trap collects a small amount of water known as the seal. This prevents unpleasant odors from leaking into your home. But it also means that removing it for repairs can get messy because that liquid will go everywhere.

2. Plunge the Water out of the Trap First

When it’s time for a round of seal trap maintenance, plunging out some of the water it has collected over time is a sure way to minimize the mess. A basic rubber plunger placed on top of the drain should do the trick. If you are doing this in a kitchen equipped with a double sink, plug the second drain to contain air pressure properly.

3. Have All the Necessary Tools on Hand

Some traps have a cap that you simply unscrew to clean out debris. But if the one in your home doesn’t have this feature, you will need to remove it manually. This might cause a mess, so be prepared with a bucket to catch water and loose residue. As for the detachment itself, channel pliers and adjustable wrenches will do the trick.

Conclusion

When setting out to flush out the trap seal and clean the plumbing trap by yourself, it’s important to know what to expect. To minimize the mess, plunge some of the water out first, then use a bucket to catch the excess. Finally, always be prepared with the right tools.