How to Remove Buildup in a Sink Pipe
- 1). Become familiar with the parts of the plumbing under the sink. Directly under the drain hole of the sink is a straight piece of pipe called the tailpipe. The tailpipe attaches to the trap which is sometimes called the p-trap. The p-trap is the curved piece of pipe and is normally where the blockage occurs. The p-trap then attaches to a straight piece of pipe that goes into the wall.
- 2). Place a bucket under the p-trap to catch any water and remove the nut which attaches the p-trap to the tailpipe. A pair of channel lock pliers should be used to remove the nut.
- 3). Remove the p-trap from the tailpipe.
- 4). Empty the contents of the p-trap into the bucket. Run a rag through the p-trap using it like a pipe cleaner to remove any debris stuck to the inside of the p-trap.
- 5). Reinstall the p-trap.
- 6). Flush the plumbing by filling up the sink with water and releasing the stopper. Repeat this process several times so the pipes get a good flushing.