Drains and traps: clogs, smells and upkeep

Every sink, tub, shower and floor drain empties through a trap, the curved pipe that holds a little water to block sewer gas. The usual trouble is a clogged drain from hair, soap or grease, or a drain smell when a trap dries out or a drain builds up. If several drains are slow or smelly at once, the problem is in the main line, and that's a plumber's job.

Common problems
How long it should last

Typical lifespan: varies with the pipe material and how it's used; a well-kept drain can last for decades

Signs it is near the end:

  • Drains clog again soon after being cleared.
  • Several drains slow down or gurgle together.
  • A smell returns after you've cleaned the drain and refilled the trap.
  • Damp spots or stains show up around a trap or pipe joint.
Basic upkeep
  • Use a hair catcher in tubs and showers, and clear it as it fills.
  • Never pour grease down a kitchen drain.
  • Run water in rarely used sinks, tubs and floor drains so their traps stay full.
  • Clean the stopper or pop-up in bathroom sinks and tubs when drains slow down.
  • Look under sinks for damp spots or a loose trap connection.
Common fixes

  • Furnace won't heat?

    FurnaceFall

    The furnace runs but the house stays cold, which is usually a clogged filter, a thermostat setting, or an ignition fault.

  • Heat pump not heating?

    Heat pumpFall

    The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.

  • Washer won't drain?

    Washer

    Water is left in the drum after the cycle, which is usually a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose.

  • Fridge not cooling?

    Fridge

    The fridge section is warm or warming. The cause depends on whether the freezer is still cold, and the first fix is often free.

  • Washer won't spin?

    Washer

    The drum fills and washes but won't spin, which is usually an unbalanced load, the lid switch, or a drain problem.

Sharpen the read

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Snap one of these:

  • the drain and any standing water
  • the trap under the sink
  • other drains nearby if they're also slow

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Fixology helps you understand your home — it isn't a substitute for a licensed pro on serious gas, electrical, or structural work.