The ABC's of Plumbing - Traps

Plumbing traps, or P-Traps, are designed to perform two duties. First, they prevent sewer gases and odors from entering the home. Second, they are designed to trap debris from the sinks to prevent clogs from forming further down the plumbing system. In addition, if you have ever dropped something down the sink drain, you'll appreciate that the trap can also help you recover the item by simply removing the clean-out section of the trap and emptying the contents into a bucket.

Why Is It called a P-Trap?

The P-trap combines two 90 degree joints with a horizontal overflow pipe, giving it the shape of the letter “P.” One of the 90 degree joints exits the drain and then is joined to another which contains standing water that seals the pipe to allow water to flow down the overflow pipe, but not backward toward the sink. This prevents the backflow of water odors.

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