Does every plumbing fixture need a trap?

Author: Niko Sanford  |  Last update: Thursday, July 24, 2025

Every single fixture in a plumbing system has some sort of P-trap. And even though there's a certain artistry to its curvy shape, it's not just an adornment. It performs a special function for the fixture it's connected to or 'serving'.

Does every plumbing fixture need a water trap?

The Uniform Plumbing Code states that P-traps are required for every drain line that carries wastewater into the plumbing vent-waste drain system. This means that every sink, shower and floor drain should have a P-trap that connects the drain to the drain line.

What types of exceptions must occur which would allow plumbing fixtures to not be trapped separately?

Exception: To the separate trapping requirements are as follows: i. Fixtures having integral traps. ii. A combination plumbing fixture may be installed on one trap provided one compartment is not more than six inches deeper than the other and the waste outlets are not more than 30 inches apart.

Is a drain trap necessary?

Besides the fact that sewer gasses smell downright awful, these gasses also contain a variety of noxious odors that could potentially be poisonous or even explosive. The drain trap is a barrier from allowing those gasses to seep into your home or business, thanks to standing water inside.

Does every house have a trap?

If your house was constructed prior to 1989, there's a strong likelihood that it contains a house trap or sewer trap, a plumbing device used to 'trap' gases in the sewer system so that they do not seep out into the home's interior. Today, these devices are obsolete.

The Basics of Venting in Plumbing in 4 Minutes

Does every fixture need a trap?

Every single fixture in a plumbing system has some sort of P-trap. And even though there's a certain artistry to its curvy shape, it's not just an adornment. It performs a special function for the fixture it's connected to or 'serving'.

Is a house trap required by code?

A building (house) trap shall be required for every building, structure or house with a building sewer connected to sanitary or combined sewer. A building (house) trap shall be located at the curb line of the building, structure or house that it is servicing.

Does a bathroom sink need a trap?

Sink traps are an essential part of basin plumbing, attached to the waste plug under the sink.

Do you need a trap on an AC drain?

If you are using an air handler where the drain is on the negative side, you must have a trap. I make it a practice to just follow the installation instructions and local code.” Another expert: “a positive pressure drainpipe is usually not an issue, just remove the trap.”

Is a house trap necessary?

While good in theory, the plumbing industry realized that house traps can cause more harm than good. The material of the pipe can corrode or the trap can get clogged by household waste (and be difficult to unclog since it's buried below ground).

Does every plumbing fixture need a vent?

Every plumbing fixture needs to have a vent to work properly. Bath tubs, toilets, washing machines and kitchen sinks need the biggest plumbing vents.

What is the only type of fixture trap permitted?

P-traps are required by building codes to maintain proper sanitation and safety standards in plumbing systems. In summary, a P-trap is the only type of fixture trap permitted because of its effectiveness in preventing odors and gases from entering buildings through plumbing fixtures.

Does every trap need a vent?

Before anything else, you should keep in mind that every drain needs to have a trap installed and every trap will need a vent associated with it.

Do you need a trap under a shower drain?

In short, yes, every shower drain in the United States must have a trap or P-trap. Here is everything that you need to know about your shower drain's P-trap and when you should schedule drain cleaning services in Mankato.

What can I use instead of a P-trap?

Waterless traps

Wavin Osma's HepvO waterless trap provides a hygienic alternative to the traditional trap because it cannot dry out. Its self-sealing membrane provides permanent, watertight protection.

What happens if you don't vent a shower drain?

Without enough fresh air, sewer gases can escape drain lines, filling your home with bad smells and potentially hazardous gases. The air is essential to create a vacuum effect to keep gas seepage low. Plumbing vents also help facilitate proper drainage for waste removal.

Does a laundry drain need a trap?

Install a P Trap

A P trap is a necessary part of the plumbing for a washer.

What is the difference between a running trap and a P-trap?

Our traps are manufactured using food-grade stainless steel, and are recommended for use with all FoodSafe Catch basins: P-Trap for any vertical/bottom outlet connections, and Running Trap for horizontal/side outlet connections.

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.

Do you need a trap under a toilet?

A toilet trap sounds like something you'd want to steer clear of, but it's actually a key component of a toilet drain that helps keep sewer gases out of your home. There are two types of toilet traps—P-traps and S-traps—that accomplish the same goal with different designs.

Why use a bottle trap instead of AP trap?

Bottle Trap

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.

Why are house traps obsolete?

The problem with house traps is that, at this point, most of them have become rusted and are creating more problems than they solve. As corrosion sets in on your old drains, the house trap becomes a stopping point that doesn't allow wastewater to properly pass.

Does a kitchen sink have to have a trap?

Even if you aren't into plumbing, you may have seen the U-shaped piece under your bathroom or kitchen sink. This plumbing tool, P-trap, is an essential part of your home's plumbing system. It can be made from PVC pipe or steel; the latter is always used for exposed plumbing as it is more attractive.

How far can a trap be from a fixture?

The vertical distance from the fixture outlet to the trap weir shall not exceed 24 inches (610 mm), and the horizontal distance shall not exceed 30 inches (610 mm) measured from the centerline of the fixture outlet to the centerline of the inlet of the trap.

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