If you are planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation – or you smell a noxious odor emanating from your plumbing pipes – you will quickly become very familiar with a P-trap. P-traps can be made of either PVC or metal. This essential plumbing fixture is usually installed under bathroom and kitchen sinks to trap debris that has drained there and keep it from being able to clog your plumbing system. It can also trap gases and keep them from flowing back up into your home or business. This is particularly important because some types of sewer gases not only smell highly unpleasant but can be explosive or poisonous as well.
Because P-traps are inexpensive and relatively easy to install, many homeowners are tempted to make them a DIY project. The fixtures combine two 90-degree joints with a horizontal overflow pipe that forms a device in the shape of a “P”. One joint exits the sink’s drain and connects to the other, which has a water seal system allowing water to drain into the overflow pipe and not back toward the sink.
When choosing the type of P-trap you would like to install, make sure that it meets the standard of the building code of the state/city where your home or business is located. The code will also specify what type of P-trap is allowed on each plumbing section you would like to install one on.
Most codes usually don’t allow you to install more than three utility appliances onto one P-trap. They also typically require a tap primer to be applied to any P-trap that won’t be used frequently. This helps keep the P-trap’s seal in place which will prevent the flow of sewer gas. All P-traps should be tightly sealed when installed.
FloHawks Can Help
We can help you make certain that the P-traps you are using are compliant with the codes for your area and are installed properly keeping you and your plumbing safe. Give us a call anytime at (800) 356-4295 or use our convenient online tool, which allows you to schedule an appointment that fits your schedule.
