There are a variety of plumbing traps that can crop up in your home or business. Some are harmless, while others are quite dangerous. It’s important to know how to find a plumbing trap, so you can take care of it and avoid the potentially fatal consequences.
If you’ve ever had a shower or sink leak, you’ve probably encountered a plumbing trap. This occurs when water backs up into the shower or drain and remains stagnant. As time goes on, the water can grow stagnant and rot the pipes. The result is a trap.
Finding a plumbing trap is important for several reasons. If you don’t take care of it, the stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold and even harmful insects.
That’s why finding a plumbing trap is essential. Follow the steps listed below to learn how.
Step 1: Inspect the Pipes
The first step is to inspect the pipes. This can be done by turning off the main water valve and then opening up the shutoff valve for the pipe that’s leaking. If you have a metal trap, turn it over to inspect it and make sure there are no signs of rust or corrosion. If you find any, replace the trap immediately.
Step 2: Turn on the Water
If you can’t figure out where the water is coming from, don’t worry. You can still find it, even when the water isn’t running. Turn on the water in your home or business to see if it flows into any of your faucets or drains. If so, find those locations and flush them with a powerful stream of water until the leak stops.
Step 3: Try to Find the Trap
If you can’t see any obvious plumbing traps, try to find the source of the problem. You may need to pull up your shower curtain or check your sink drain. Look around for signs of water damage like discoloration, stains and clumps of hair.
Step 4: Use a Sewer Snake to Find Traps
If your home has a plumbing trap and you can’t locate it, you can use a sewer snake to find the plumbing trap. A sewer snake is a slender tube with a handle or suction cup at one end and a metal blade on the other end. You push the tube through your home’s pipes until you reach the blockage, then pull it back out in order to clear any debris from the pipe.
If you need to know where a plumbing trap is located, buying a sewer snake will ensure that you get there quickly. If you don’t have access to one of these tools, go ahead and try searching for it with a flashlight and see if you can see anything that looks like debris or water near any fixture.
Step 5: Repair the Plumbing
If the trap is still retaining water, you should fix the pipes. You will need to remove the trap and clean out the old caulk that’s holding it in place. Then, you should apply new caulk around the pipe and replace it.
After cleaning out the old caulk, use a bucket or large bowl to catch all of the water that flows out of your sink or shower. The bucket or bowl will help keep you from getting hurt by any of the water while you are working on your plumbing problems.
Avoiding Plumbing Traps
– Inspect your shower or sink drain regularly to look for signs of a trap. These traps are often hidden just below the bottom of the drain pipe, so be sure to examine the space all around it.
– If you have a crawlspace, this is an ideal area for a trap. You might also see one on your bathroom floor or in the basement.
– Use a flashlight to inspect your plumbing, and make sure you always unplug any electrical equipment before inspecting it.
– Check under sinks and toilets, as well as under furniture such as beds and couches, to find possible traps.
Conclusion
Finding a plumbing trap is easy! All you need to do is turn on the water and use a sewer snake to find them. If you are having trouble, be sure to have a professional come in and repair the plumbing.
