When you discover that puddle of water under your sink, it can come as a big surprise. Some of your cleaning supplies are wet, and you don't really know how or why. Perhaps it is before you notice your sink drain gurgling after water is poured down it, or you have a strange smell coming from the bathtub. These can be the first signs of P-trap leaking.
Mississauga homeowners shouldn't wait to diagnose the issue; instead, they should call a professional plumber for P-trap repair. Mississauga plumbers from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga will shed some light on what a P-trap is and what it means when it leaks.
Whether you experience increased water bills or leaks underneath your plumbing fixtures, we have the answers. Keep reading for more information on what a P-trap is, how it starts leaking, and some things you should do should your P-trap start leaking.
What is a P-Trap, and What Does It Do?
The P-trap is a key component of your home plumbing fixture. It gets its name because it looks like a letter "P" laying on its side. It is typically found under sinks, toilets, showers and bathtubs. They are typically made from either PVC, ABS, Polypropylene, or brass.
The way it works is pretty neat, using some seriously simple but clever science to make it function. The P-trap combines two 90-degree joints with a horizontal overflow pipe; this creates that "P" shape.
When water passes through the trap, some of it remains in that little bend (typically an inch or two of water), which creates a crucial seal in your plumbing system. That seal prevents smelly sewer odours from permeating throughout your home. It also stops any debris, hair, or food waste from travelling further down your drain system, causing a clogged drain to form in your home's plumbing fixture. The system uses simple physics to stop your home from smelling like sewage.
What Causes a P-Trap Leak in Mississauga?
P-trap leaking? Mississauga plumbers know it is a pretty common occurrence and repair. There are a myriad of reasons why your P-trap could be leaking. It sees a lot of use in a day, from wastewater from your kitchen sink to hair going down your shower drain; it collects it all to stop major clogs from happening further down the system.
It is important to understand what causes your P-trap to leak. Mississauga plumbers will be able to accurately diagnose the issues and provide reliable P-trap repair. Mississauga homeowners can expect their leaking P-trap to be attributed to one of these common causes:
- Improper installation: Misaligned pipes and incorrect fitting can cause gaps in the system and may need to be adjusted to stop the P-trap leaking. Mississauga plumbers can help properly install your P-trap.
- Loose connections: Over time, your rushing water supply can jostle your plumbing system, causing nuts to loosen, and resulting in misalignment and P-trap leaking. Mississauga homeowners should only tighten them with their fingers to avoid overtightening.
- Worn or damaged rubber seals: These wear down over time due to the flow of water from the washer to O-rings; these can be a common cause of a P-trap leaking. Mississauga plumbers can help replace worn-out seals.
- Corrosion: Common in thinly-walled pipes or improperly fitted nuts. In these situations, you might require P-trap repair. Mississauga plumbers can help with quality plumbing repair services.
- Temperature cycling: Sometimes, the rapid change in water temperature can cause cracks in certain P-trap materials, causing a leak.
- Physical damage: A serious bump in your P-trap can cause it to misalign and allow leaks, and if bad enough, it can even require the replacement of the P-trap.
How Do I Know My P-Trap is Leaking?
To determine the cause of a P-trap leaking, Mississauga plumbers might ask a few questions before arriving to see where the leak is happening. You can inspect your P-trap to check to see if it is leaking and from what section of the pipe.
However, there are some signs that you should look out for that might suggest a need for P-trap repair. Mississauga plumbers suggest that you check for these signs to avoid further damage to your leaky P-trap. Some signs include:
- Water puddles or spots of discolouration under the sink where the P-trap is located.
- Persistent sewer or musty odours emanating from your drain are a sign your P-trap is not properly sealing out sewer gasses.
- Signs of visible corrosion on metal P-traps can lead to leaks.
- Warped appearance of the P-trap can be caused by heat or age, leading to the drain pipe no longer aligning with the P-trap.
- Small cracks in the P-trap, common on plastic P-traps, can cause water damage to your home.
- Gurgling sounds coming from your drain suggest an issue with the P-trap.
P-Trap Leaking? Mississauga Residents — Here is What to Do Next
If it turns out that the puddle of water is caused by a P-trap leak, Mississauga homeowners should start by turning off the water supply and closing the shutoff valves under the sink. You're going to be happy you did, as it will stop the flow of water and is the best way to reduce the chance of more water damage. From there, you might want to place a bucket under the sink to catch any drips. Then check to see the state of your P-trap.
Important note: is it out of alignment? Are there signs of cracks or corrosion? Is there a puddle of water?
Now, at first glance, you're probably wondering if there is an easy DIY way of fixing that P-trap leaking. Mississauga plumbers only recommend a few simple things to try: mainly tighten any of the connections with your fingers, and avoid using a wrench or pliers, as this can lead to overtightening and further damage to the P-trap. You can also loosen and realign the nuts very carefully. For everything else, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga for P-trap repair.
Mississauga plumbers on our team will accurately assess the situation. Whether your pipe is crooked, slip joint damaged, or the pipe going to your wastewater system is corroded, when it comes to dealing with a P-trap leaking, Mississauga experts have you covered.
Big Puddle Under the Sink? Mr. Rooter Plumbing is Here for P-Trap Repair: Mississauga Homeowners Can Call Today
If you think you have a P-trap leaking, Mississauga plumbers from Mr. Rooter Plumbing will be there in a hurry. We have years of experience and are the go-to experts to fix a leaking P trap.
We offer reliable P-trap repair in Mississauga and the surrounding areas of Clarkson, Cooksville, Erin Mills, Erindale, Hurontario, Fairview, Malton, Dixie, and Lakeview.
Whether we need to thread the nuts back together, put in new pipe sealant, reassemble the system, or provide a full replacement, our pros are here to help with reliable solutions to prevent leaks and clean your drains.
When it comes to P-trap repair, Mississauga homeowners can count on Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga for quality solutions, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. Give us a call today, and let's get your plumbing system running smoothly.
