What is a P-trap? 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.

What does a sink trap do?

The p-trap under sink plumbing pipe serves the function of capturing a small amount of water inside your drainpipes after the sink is used. This plug prevents sewer gases from coming up the wastewater line and out the sink.

Does a sink need a p-trap?

Beneath a kitchen or bathroom sink drain is a pipe with a sharp bend in it. 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.

What are the two main purposes of a sink drain p-trap?

What Is the Purpose of a P-Trap?Plumbing codes require a P-trap be installed anywhere there is an open drain line that expels wastewater into a drain waste-vent system.The P-trap traps solids that can clog the drain or sewer line.The P-trap stops sewer gases from backing into your home through the drain line.

What connects the p-trap to the sink?

The p-trap is connected with the pipe that leaves the sink and the other to the wall drain pipe.

Whats the difference between an S trap and P-trap?

With an S-trap, the drainpipe drops down from the sink and into a conventional trap. It then loops over and exits downward. In a P-trap configuration, the drain also comes down from the sink and into the trap, but instead of looping over and back down, the drain enters a horizontal run before exiting downward.

What is the purpose of P-traps and J bends?

J-traps and P-traps serve the important function of preventing sewer gas from rising from the sewer system and into your home. The concept is amazingly simple. The U-trap in the P-trap or J-trap captures a small amount of water that serves as a barrier to the sewer gas that wants to come back up the drain pipe.

Why are S traps not allowed?

Back to S traps - The reason S traps arent allowed is because they have the potential to suck, or siphon, water out of the trap as the water flows down the drain. Believe it or not, enough water to break the water seal at the trap and let sewer gases come in to the house.

What can I use instead of p-trap?

Recently I discovered the amazing HepvO Waterless Valve. Its a new solution to this old problem. Using a flexible silicon tube inside that seals out air but allows water to flow in one direction, it performs the same task without using any water and without being large and bulky like a p-trap.

How do you clear a P-trap?

0:281:19How To Clear a blockage in your p-trap - YouTubeYouTube