P-Traps: Yes, They Need to be Cleaned

[Bailey Guns]

I've been on vacation for the past week. I'm looking forward to going back to work tomorrow just so I can get some rest.

Today, it was P-Traps and sink drains pipes. The house we bought is 10 years old. I don't think the previous (original) owners ever cleaned the gutters (which I've already discussed) or the p-traps under any of the sinks. I've spent the bulk of the day doing that. Nasty, nasty, nasty. I don't know what that black, semi-solid, gelatinous, hairy sludge that forms in sink drains is called, but it's somewhat disgusting.

On the other hand, all sinks drain much better now and my wife is in awe of my manly prowess and home improvement skills. I could tell by the way she said, "You're making a mess."

So, the tip of the day is: clean those p-traps annually!

[kwando]

That stuff is nasty, but it sure does smell good don't you think? :P

[JohnnyDrama]

Easy money for plumbers/handyman types. If it was really that bad, you may want to check the drop you pipes have - make sure everything flows the way it is supposed to.

[Irving]

I like the way it splatters around under the sink, then spreads itself impossibly thin when you try to wipe it up. If paint spread like that painting would take half the time.

[68Charger]

That stuff for septic tanks helps keep it under control (Rid-X?)... there are other brands

Contains bacteria and enzymes that like to eat it for dinner

[SideShow Bob]

That stuff for septic tanks helps keep it under control (Rid-X?)... there are other brands

Contains bacteria and enzymes that like to eat it for dinner

Speaking of dinner,
DO NOT put left over rice down your garbage disposal.... Ask my wife what happens when you do...... I ended up cleaning out about 18" of under sink piping, From the hoizontal output of the disposal to the "tee" to join the other sink, through the "J" trap into the wall to the drop to the main drain.....
I like rice, but it mixed with the black sludge and all the fabricating tools to clean the piping and the splashing & dripping of the mixed gunk kind of turned me off to rice for a little while.

[Bailey Guns]

I like the way it splatters around under the sink, then spreads itself impossibly thin when you try to wipe it up. If paint spread like that painting would take half the time.

No kidding. I noticed that when my wife was bitching about cleaning up the mess under the sink.

[gnihcraes]

Drano in each P trap a couple of times a year. Pour some in the disposer while it spins. Let them all sit overnight with it in there. It's worth the $10.

Also, cascade and ice cubes to clean out the disposer. yuck.

[Bailey Guns]

Easy money for plumbers/handyman types. If it was really that bad, you may want to check the drop you pipes have - make sure everything flows the way it is supposed to.

Yeah...all that was checked in the inspection. They were just dirty from neglect...but good point anyway.

[brutal]

I've been on vacation for the past week. I'm looking forward to going back to work tomorrow just so I can get some rest.

Today, it was P-Traps and sink drains pipes. The house we bought is 10 years old. I don't think the previous (original) owners ever cleaned the gutters (which I've already discussed) or the p-traps under any of the sinks. I've spent the bulk of the day doing that. Nasty, nasty, nasty. I don't know what that black, semi-solid, gelatinous, hairy sludge that forms in sink drains is called, but it's somewhat disgusting.

On the other hand, all sinks drain much better now and my wife is in awe of my manly prowess and home improvement skills. I could tell by the way she said, "You're making a mess."

So, the tip of the day is: clean those p-traps annually!

That stuff is nasty, but it sure does smell good don't you think? :P

I think it's called Kimchi