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How to replace or clean kitchen sink trap?

I think the trap underneath my kitchen sink is a bit clogged - sometimes I find evidence of a small yellow (greasy?) leak inside the cupboard (see picture below).

I want to either remove it and try to clean it out, or replace it altogether, but am a bit scared of doing it wrong and making a mess.

I was wondering:

- What is the name for this sort of trap? Is it a p-trap or an s-trap? Can I/should I just replace the J-shaped part (from the ends of which the leaks seem to be occurring)?

- If I want to replace the trap, which product would work? I think it's 50mm sized as the grey pipe the traps are attached to has some text that reads '50mm'. Do I need to find something that is the exact same configuration as the current trap(s)? Are the products adjustable in the sense that I can turn one part 90 degrees so it's facing the same way as my trap(s)?

- Should I try to turn the water off before removing the trap? I can't seem to see an obvious valve for this under the sink.

- Should I have a specific type of wrench or other tool on hand to make sure I can remove and replace the trap? (I don't own any wrenches at the moment) trap with leak.jpeg

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MitchellMc

Hi @basildill,

It's a combination trap with a double bowl connector above it.

Replacement of a trap like this is considered plumbing work, so you'll need to enlist the services of a licensed plumber to do so. Sometimes you'll find that tightening the fittings can resolve simple leaks. Additionally, if you suspect that it is blocked and not draining properly, you can try using drain cleaning products.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

basildill

Thanks so much! Good to know that I have no choice but to outsource the work, and what to pick up from Bunnings if I want to replace it.

basildill

Actually, can I check - if I just want to clean the trap out (maybe just the J- or U-shaped component), do you think I could try that myself without enlisting a plumber?

J-P

yes you can. Put a trough below the pipes, carefully remove all joints. Then take it outside the house and thorough clean all peices. put it back. Half tight each joint first and then full tight each one 3/4 and then full so that each joint gets an opportunity to form a tight seal. I would have the washers for these joints handy just in case since they are old it might rip apart once unscrewed and might need replacement.

MitchellMc

Hi @basildill,

I'd use the drain cleaning chemicals and a plunger. If water is not drained quickly, then the chemicals and plunger have a good chance of moving a blockage. We also have these Kinetic 40cm Sink Drain Unblockers that might reach the blockage.

However, it sounds more like you have a failed seal on the trap rather than a blockage, or it could be both. Even if the trap became entirely blocked, it still wouldn't leak out into your cabinetry below. That's due to a faulty seal.

Mitchell

basildill

Ah - do you know if replacing the washer is usually enough to fix the seal (or does that mean replacing the trap altogether, as well as the washer)? If just replacing the washer is enough, can I just use any 50mm washer for p-traps (is it very specific to the type or brand of trap)?

EricL

Hello @basildill

The only reason the trap will leak after replacing the washers is that there is a crack in the body of the trap itself. If you are looking for replacement washers, I suggest using Kinetic 50mm Assorted Trap Washers - 3 Pack. These will fit any standard 50mm S or P trap. If leaks still occur odds are there is a fault in the trap itself, and the entire trap will need to be replaced.

Eric

basildill

Thanks everyone for the advice! I have another question - in the top right of the first picture is dishwasher waste hose. I've since gotten rid of the dishwasher, and was wondering if I should remove the hose and replace it with a cap. If that's necessary, then should I put a cap on the other outlet on the trap (the one below the dishwasher waste hose that doesn't have anything connected to it)?

basildill

^Never mind! Just realised that there isn't a hole in there, so no need to cap off.

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