What is a P-Trap?
The P-trap is the small length of curved, U-shaped tubing beneath the drain. The P-trap serves two important functions. First, it catches and holds any dense items that are accidentally dropped down the drain, such as a screw or wedding ring. Second, a volume of water always sits in the bottom of the trap, creating a seal between your home and the sewer system. This prevents foul odors from permeating your home.
Almost any household equipment that drains water has a p-trap. Sinks, bathtubs, washing machines, all have p-traps to drain the waste water. A p-trap is comprised of a tailpiece, the curved trap piece, and a drain elbow. The drain elbow for a p-trap fits into the drain pipe which goes directly into the wall. Codes require a p-trap (or an s-trap) any place there is an open drain line that flows into the drain-waste-vent system. As the name implies, the drain-waste-vent system removes solid, liquid or gas waste from the home through drains and vents. For example, as the water empties from a sink, it goes through the p-trap, on to the drain line, and ends up in the sewage system. The important thing about the p-trap is that it is has a water seal along the curve of the trap. The seal prevents noxious air or gases to backflow from the sewer line, but the original waste can still exit into the sewage system. If the gases were allowed back into the home, not only would they smell, but they c
All fixtures that have drains come with a P-trap, a device shaped in the form of a “U” that is installed below tubs and sinks. By trapping water in the bend, the P-trap blocks the septic gases that are flowing inside the drainage system from seeping into the residence. Preferably, traps should be smaller than the fixture drains. Plumbing Supplies Homeowners may purchase residential plumbing parts and supplies online and from their local hardware or home & garden store.
