How to Remove & Clean Out a Rusted Drain
- 1). Apply rust remover to the drain collar at the bottom of the sink. This will help break it up before removal. Allow the drain collar to soak for the appropriate time according to the manufacturer.
- 2). Position yourself underneath the sink. Place a bucket under the P-trap, the P-shaped length of piping leading into the wall. Unscrew the couplings at either side of the P-trap with the pliers. Remove the P-trap from the adjacent plumbing. Empty the contents into the bucket.
- 3). Unscrew the jamb nut, the large nut located just beneath the drain, with the pair of pliers. Pull off the jamb nut and the rubber washer located above. Unscrew the straight tail piece from the drain above by turning it counterclockwise.
- 4). Tap on the bottom of the drain flange with the rubber mallet until it pops out. If you don't have a mallet, place a block of wood on the underside of the drain and tap this with a hammer until the drain pops out.
- 5). Clean off the drain flange with the rust remover and a stiff wire brush. Turn the drain over and remove any traces of putty or caulk from the bottom of the flange.
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