What is AP trap?

In a nutshell, a p-trap is a u-shaped bend in the waste pipe that connects a sink's drain to a home septic tank or to a municipal sewer system. Under normal circumstances, p-traps always contain some water.

What is the use of P-trap?

A P-trap is a bend in a drain and waste pipe with a specific purpose. That bend in the pipe contains a pocket of water, which blocks toxic, foul-smelling sewer gases (like methane) from traveling through the pipe into your home.

What is the difference between S-trap and P-trap?

The only difference between a P-trap and an S-trap is the horizontal length of pipe on the outflow side which allows you to connect the vent. You can turn an S-trap into a P-trap by adding this pipe -- it should be at least 4 inches long -- and connecting a vent to it.

What is the P-trap under the sink?

A P-trap is a plumbing fixture that has several purposes. It traps debris that has drained from the sink and prevents it from forming a clog deep within the plumbing system, and to stops sewer gases from passing into the home.

Is P-trap necessary?

A P-trap is required to be installed in most sink, shower, and bathtub drain lines by law. The reason P-traps are so essential is because they retain clean water in the drain line. This water seal stops horrible-smelling sewer gas from coming back up the drain line and into your home.

How Do P-Traps Work? 5 Drain Issues to Watch Out For

Do all sinks have P traps?

You must have a p-trap installed under your sink if you want your home to pass inspection in many places, where the building code requires them. Even if they are not required, you should understand the practical purpose for installing a p-trap.

Why is S-trap not allowed?

The “S” trap is prohibited under the Uniform Plumbing Code throughout the United States. This is because the “S” trap will siphon or suck water out from the trap which will end up releasing methane (sewer) gases into the home. So, it is a code violation and if you are doing remodeling, you will have to replace it.

Why does my P-trap smell?

If a sink sits long enough without being used, the water in the p-trap can evaporate allowing the smelly sewer gases to enter through the drain. This happens faster in dry climates. The fix is simple — just run some water in the drain once every few weeks and the smells should stay away.

How far can P-trap be from drain?

Maximum Distance

According to the International Residential Code, the maximum vertical distance between the sink drain and the entrance to the p-trap is 24 inches.

Does P-trap always have water in it?

In a nutshell, a p-trap is a u-shaped bend in the waste pipe that connects a sink's drain to a home septic tank or to a municipal sewer system. Under normal circumstances, p-traps always contain some water.

Do toilets have P-traps?

The water that sits in a trap is what prevents sewer gases from entering a building. The photo below shows a “P-trap”, which is the type of trap you'll find below most sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Toilets have their own built-in traps, and so do floor drains.

Does every P-trap need a vent?

P-traps need vents

1 – They give the sewer gases a place to vent, so they do not build pressure inside your sewer lines.

Why does my sink smell like sewer gas?

If your kitchen sink drain smells, especially if there is a sewer smell, you may have a dry P-trap. The P-trap is the curved portion of pipe under the sink. It is supposed to hold water, which creates a seal that prevents sewer gases from getting into your kitchen. There needs to be water in the P-trap at all times.

Why is there a sewer smell in my bathroom sink?

If you're smelling sewer gases through your drain, that might mean the ventilation system is clogged in some way. The alternative is that there is a problem with the p-trap. This is the U-shaped segment of pipe you see under the sink.

What are S and P type traps?

The mechanical purpose of the trap is to hold water to prevent sewer gases containing viruses and bacteria from entering the home through the drain. With an “S” trap drain, the trap is easily siphoned dry with each use and the water seal no longer exists. A properly installed “P” trap will always maintain a water seal.

Why does my bathroom smell like sewer after I shower?

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes in your bathroom walls or under the shower will allow sewer gases — also known as hydrogen sulfide — to escape, so you may notice the shower drain smells like rotten eggs or sewage.

How often should you clean your P-trap?

At ASI, our plumbers recommending cleaning your P-trap once every three months. This helps keep your line clear water freely flowing.

How do you tell if P-trap is clogged?

What can I use instead of S-trap?

P-traps replaced the use of s-traps, particularly under sinks, to eliminate the siphoning problem. A p-trap has two main features that stop siphoning. The first is a vented pipe. A p-trap is vented typically inside a wall and through the roof to the outside air.

Can P-trap go above Drainline?

You attach the p-trap directly to the drainage and manuever the p-traps exits into you existing drain. It is not ideal to have the p-trap below the the exit drain because water gravity has to force the water out instead of it flowing downwards naturally. They both work and have seen it many times.

Where in the house will you find a P-trap?

P-Traps. Immediately beneath a sink, bathtub, or other plumbing fixture, the fixture drain opening leads to a curved segment of pipe known as the P-trap, which is normally a 1 1/4 to 2-inch-diameter segment of pipe with a sharp curved bend in it, shaped like the letter "P."

Where is the P-trap in kitchen sink?

Also known as a “P-trap,” a sink trap is a curved length of pipe located below the drain. If you follow the drain pipe from the bottom of the drain to the wall, this bend should be relatively in the middle, underneath the sink.