What Is A P Trap For The Sink

Slide the short side of the p trap onto the tailpiece that drops down from the sink drain.

What is a p trap for the sink.

A p trap gets its name because it combines two 90 degree joints with a horizontal overflow pipe and gives the entire unit the shape of the letter p one of the 90 degree joints exits the drain of the sink and then is joined to another which contains a water seal system that allows for water to flow into the overflow pipe but not to flow. It is also referred to as a sink trap because it is installed under most sinks. The name is derived from its shape a looping configuration that looks like a sideways p the bend in the trap holds a small amount of standing water that s left behind in the drain each time the sink is used. Follow these steps to install the p trap.

The trap that is there now has waste from the commode floating. 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. The p trap is an important component of sink plumbing that prevents toxic sewer gases from leaking into the home. Unfortunately the trap s water trapping ability extends to hair grease debris and soap scum.

In some instances however the drain pipe rises up from under the sink and it used to be the practice to connect the fixture to the drain with an s trap. Traps come in 1 1 4 inch standard bathroom sink or 1 1 2 inch standard kitchen sink inside diameter sizes. Because of its shape the trap retains some water after the fixture s use. When replacing a p trap you should use the same type of trap you remove.

This makes a p trap the number one location of clogs in the sewer system. If the p trap doesn t align with the drain that comes out of the wall you may have to cut the tailpiece that protrudes from the pop up assembly to install the p trap. It is the addition of a 90 degree fitting on the outlet side of a u bend thereby creating a p like shape oriented horizontally. How a p trap works.

The p trap is that curved pipe that you see beneath any sink in your home. A drain trap is often known as a p trap. If the p trap becomes only slightly clogged then you experience slow drainage in the. The maximum distance between the sink drain and the p trap is 24.

Like a p trap an s trap has an inverted. For example as the water empties from a sink it goes through the p trap on to the. As the name implies the drain waste vent system removes solid liquid or gas waste from the home through drains and vents. In the united states traps are commonly referred to as p traps.