Drain Trap Diagram

Drain Trap Diagram

Have you ever been under that sink and you saw that crooked bit of pipe? Such a small curve is called a drain trap and this is very important in ensuring that your plumbing is well functioning. Although it is a minor component, still it can protect your house against smelly, vermin, and even poisonous gases.

We will guide you through all you have to know about the drain trap in this article. We will define what it is, the importance of it, as well as how it works and what happens when it is damaged and/or missing. You will also learn what to look out for when you suspect that you have a problem.

You will come to know by the end why plumbers keep on saying that you should never remove your drain trap!

What Is a P-Trap?

A P-trap is a sideways-lacking “P” shaped part of a drainpipe. It is typically manufactured either of plastic (PVC) or metal (chromed brass). In your house, you can find a P-trap at each sink, shower, bathtub and floor drain.

It consists of two constituent parts:

• The U shape of the bend, which contains water.
• The vacuum pipe connecting to your drain on the wall.

Its name, by the way, is a trap, because when you use your sink, it captures some amount of water. It is that water that forms a seal to prevent the sewer gases from coming up through your home.

Why Does the P-Trap Matter?

You may assume there is nothing important taking place by the P-trap, a mere piece of a pipe, but actually it performs a number of many essential duties daily:

Blocking Sewer Gas

The chief responsibility of the P-trap is to prevent sewer gases that emit up the drains. These gases are not only bad-smelling, they are also potentially dangerous to your health. The bend is used as a sealant to keep them locked in by the use of the water.

Catching Debris

The pipe also has a curve that facilitates trapping hair, soap, food particles, or other small items that fall into the drain. This eliminates the possibility of the clog to travel deeper into your plumbing system.

Stopping Bugs and Pests

In the absence of a water seal, bugs and even rodents could make their way up your drainpipes into your sink or bathtub. The P-trap prevents them from reaching.

Slowing Drain Flow

The pipe bend reduces the flow of water, but not enough to allow suction to empty the trap of water.

These are four advantages that make the P-trap a critical component of modern plumbing.

How the Drain Trap Works

So here is the basic step-by-step explanation of how you P-trap works:

You run the water

Whether it is time to wash your hands or rinse dishes, water goes down the drainpipe.

Water fills the bend

The initial portion of water allows filling up the bottom of the curved U-shaped bend. This is the so-called trap water and it will remain there even when you no longer run the tap.

Water continues to drain

Each additional inbound water moves out via the other terminal and through the downward pipe and into your primary drainage pipe.

A water seal remains

There always remains a little water in the bend, even though it is a few inches of water when the sink is clear. This forms an air tight seal, closing off the sewer gases.

The same happens each time you open the sink. If the trap water does evaporate (such as in an unused guest bathroom), such a seal is lost. This is why you may detect foul smells coming out of a sink which you have not used in days.

What Does a  Drain Trap Look Like?

Go take a peek at what you have under the sink in your cabinet, and you see this basic set-up:

• Tailpiece: The downward vertical pipe that goes down to the sink drain.
• P-trap bend: The U-shape.
• Trap arm: a horizontal pipe that goes into the wall drain.
• Cleanout plug: A screw off bottom cap to clean out clogs.

All these components collaborate and work to make sure your drains are safe and effective.

Common Problems with Drain Traps

Although the drain traps remain dependable, issues may nevertheless occur. The most widespread problems and their reasons are as follows:

Dry Trap

Issue: The water in the bend is evaporated, which ruptures the seal.

Cause: Often occurs in long unused drains.

Fix: Just rinse water down the drain for a few seconds, and it will fill the trap.

Leaks

Issue: Water is leaking in the joints of the trap.

Cause: For loose connections, worn washers or cracks on the pipe.

Fix: Screw down slip nuts by hand. Cut, remove end caps. Otherwise, washers or the entire trap should be replaced.

Clogs

Issue: Slow or no drainage of water.

Cause: Bolt stuck in a hair, grease, soap or debris in the bend.

Fix: Position a bucket beneath the trap and then unscrew the cleanout plug or stem nuts and clear the blockage.

Sewer Odors

Issue: You smell a terrible odor that appears to be emitting from the drain.

Cause: A dry trap, leaky tees and connections or a wrongly-installed new vent.

Fix: Re-fill trap, tighten or seal leaks and make a plumber call in case the odor persists.

How to Maintain Your  Drain Trap

Fortunately, it is not that hard to take care of your P-trap. Some simple maintenance tricks are listed here:

• Running water once a week: In case you have sinks that you do not use frequently, run some water in it to ensure the trap is filled.
• Check leaks: Inspect back-up signs of drying each month, look into your sink.
• Flush out accumulation: Slow draining may cause accumulation of trouble; clear the trap before it is too late.
• Avoid abrasive chemicals: Plastic traps must be avoided since harsh drain cleaning chemicals can eat through it.

What Happens if You Remove a P-Trap?

When conducting repairs or the replacement of pipes, some DIYers become tempted to get rid of the P-trap. And this is why that is a bad idea:

• Sewer gases may become entered to your home.
• Other pests can enter such as drain flies.
• There is a chance that your plumbing is not up to code.
• Your health can be at risk because of the inhaling fumes of sewers.

Should a time come when you are forced to get a P-trap off, then replace it as soon as possible.

How to Tell if Your Drain Trap Needs Replacing

How long does a drain trap last? A drain trap can last several years, but you ought to replace your one in case:

• It shows bare spots with chipping or rusting.
• It dribbles after getting connections tight.
• The traps are stinky even when the water is there in the trap.
• You are replacing outdated plumbing with the modern.

A drain trap replacement is cheap and will give you the assurance that there is no problem with your drain.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

In some cases, problems with your drain trap are included in a larger plumbing issue. In case you observe:

• Reoccurring clogs that rear their ugly heads again and again
• Stench in sewers that cannot be gotten rid of
• Gurgling of the drains and blockage of the drains
• Leaks that you cannot prevent

…it’s time to call a plumber. A professional plumber can diagnose and fix the problem before it turns into expensive damage.

 Call Lifetime Plumbing Today!

At Lifetime Plumbing, we know that even small plumbing issues can become big headaches if ignored. Whether you need help fixing a leaking P-trap, replacing old pipes, or solving persistent drain odors, our experienced plumbers are ready to help.

Let Lifetime Plumbing keep your home safe, clean, and comfortable—one drain at a time!