Do all sinks need a bottle trap?

Author: Jacquelyn Bradtke  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Traps Are Required by Code All sink drains need to have traps. The traps catch water, and that water holds back dangerous and smelly sewer gasses. As water runs down the drain, it collects in the bottom of the trap, successfully blocking any gasses from passing through.

Do you need a bottle trap on a sink?

The trap is a necessary component in every sanitation system, but it can also visually enhance your bathroom. While traps for kitchen sinks, showers or bath tubs are usually tucked away, those on wash basins sometimes protrude into the room.

Is a bottle trap better than an AP trap?

Not at all, you can use a bottle trap if you wish. They are more restricted to flow through than an S or P trap and as such can catch more gunk and clog up more quickly but if you're happy knowing that you may need to clear it more regularly, then no reason not to use them.

What are the disadvantages of bottle traps?

Bottle Trap: They are generally more difficult to clean and maintain. Due to their sealed container design, they may require disassembly for proper cleaning, and reassembling them correctly can be a bit more challenging.

What is the alternative to a bottle trap?

4 Alternatives of Bottle Traps That Can Be Effective
  • RANDOM Brass Contemporary Round Bottle P Trap.
  • Chrome Bathroom Basin Sink Bottle Trap.
  • BESTILL Bottle P Trap Drain.
  • Brass Round Bottle P Trap:
  • ROVATE Round Bottle Trap:
  • Nicmondo 1 1/4 Round Bottle P-Trap.

Understanding Bottle Traps | Ask This Old House

Are bottle traps up to code?

Bottle Traps Aren't Code-Compliant

Bottle traps don't allow a mechanical device to pass through, so they don't meet that aspect of the code, either. Finally, traps need to be self-scouring, meaning that they clean themselves as water passes through.

What is the best trap for a kitchen sink?

Bottle traps can be used under any basin, even kitchen basins! You don't have to be limited to bathroom basins and in fact they can be even more useful in the kitchen as they will allow you to easily remove food waste and other debris from the piping.

Do I need a trap under my kitchen sink?

The Purpose of a Trap Under a Kitchen Sink

This otherwise minor tweak in the piping design plays a very important role in your home's plumbing system. Without it, your house would immediately be filled with the pungent odors of everything washed down the drain.

Do bottle traps stop smells?

One of the primary purposes of a bottle trap create a water seal that acts as a barrier, preventing foul odours and gases from the sewer system from entering the living or bathroom space.

Do bathroom sinks need an AP trap?

A specialized fitting called a p-trap creates a powerful barrier that stops sewer gas and odor from entering your home. The trap is employed in any plumbing system that uses a drain and accepts sanitary waste from tubs, showers and sinks.

Do bottle traps clog?

Bottle traps usually get blocked with debris that goes down the sink, such as food waste. Fortunately, they're easy to unblock and you can get your sink back to its usual state in no time.

What trap to use for a bathroom sink?

A bottle trap is recognisable by its cylindrical shape and vertical waste attachment. Compared to other sink trap types, they're compact and take up much less space making them ideal for ensuite bathrooms and cloakrooms. If your sink has exposed pipework, plastic traps can look a little unsightly.

What is the point of a bottle trap?

A bottle trap is a bathroom allied fitting which is affixed with your wash basin pipes. Like the basin coupling helps filter the waste that goes down the waste pipe, the bottle trap helps prevent odour or insects that tend to escape from the basin coupling.

Why use a bottle trap instead of AP trap?

Bottle traps often involve a simpler installation process, easily attaching to the waste pipe and sink drain. P traps, while not overly complicated, may require a bit more maneuvering, especially in tight spaces or when aligning with existing plumbing.

Do all drains require P traps?

The Uniform Plumbing Code states that P-traps are required for every drain line that carries wastewater into the plumbing vent-waste drain system.

Can you use a bottle trap on a shower?

Replace the washers and place the bottle trap underneath the shower tray and screw the upper piece of the bottle trap into place and wipe away any sealant that may be left over. The inner section of the shower waste should slot easily into place and you can then fit the shower trap into place.

Why do P-traps stink?

One of the most common issues for the p-trap, and one of the most common causes of a smelly pipe, is a dry p-trap. If a sink sits long enough without being used, the water in the p-trap can evaporate allowing the smelly sewer gases to enter through the drain. This happens faster in dry climates.

What is a silent trap?

75mm Water Seal Anti-Syphon (Silentrap) Adjustable Inlet Bottle Trap with Silicone Non-Return Valve and Multifit Outlet. 75mm Water Seal. Silicone Valve prevents foul odour or sewer gas entering the building if the water seal has evaporated which may occur due to lack of use through under occupancy.

What type of trap for kitchen sink?

Traps are made from polypropylene (white or black), ABS (black), PVC (white) or brass (either chrome-plated or natural colored). Traps come in 1-1/4 inch (standard bathroom sink) or 1-1/2 inch (standard kitchen sink) inside diameter sizes. Be sure to check so you get the right size replacement at your local store.

Why is it called a pee trap?

If you take a look inside the cabinet under your kitchen sink, you should see a piece of PVC pipe with a U-shaped bend at the bottom. This is the P-trap, which gets its name from the fact that it somewhat resembles the letter P flipped on its side. The trap has threaded fittings on both ends.

Do all plumbing fixtures need a trap?

Every sink, bathroom fixture, and drain line in a home is equipped with a P-trap, making them a universal and essential component of the modern plumbing infrastructure.

How to unblock a bottle trap sink?

Alternatively, most sinks have a removable bottle trap that forms part of the U-bend, below the plug outlet. Place a container beneath the U-bend to catch the water in the trap. Unscrew the bottom half and probe inside and around the inner pipe where waste collects to free any blockage. Clean and replace the trap.

Can bottle traps fail?

Water traps are a popular choice due to their low cost and familiarity among plumbers, however, they do have some disadvantages, especially in certain applications. Water traps can fall into disrepair and become ineffective without regular maintenance, which can result in unhygienic environments.

Why does my bottle trap smell?

Sewer gases

If the drainage system is not properly vented, it can lead to high pressure in the drains. This can result in: Drains forcing sewer gases out of the traps and into the home. Gurgling and bubbling in the fixtures.

What is the difference between a bottle trap and a waste pipe?

While both are essential, they serve different purposes. The bottle trap prevents odours and catches debris, while the waste pipe is responsible for the final transportation of waste water to the sewage system.

Previous article
Can you waterproof a damp wall?
Next article
Should you soak stain rags in water?