Is a bottle trap OK for kitchen sink?

Author: Mr. Marquis Purdy  |  Last update: Saturday, May 24, 2025

It is the most frequent and often recommended option for kitchen sinks because of its dependability and ease of maintenance.

Can you use a bottle trap for a kitchen sink?

Hi, Sounds like you have a few faults with the way your sink waste has been fitted! Firstly bottle traps shouldn't ever be used on kitchen sinks, they're not designed for it as they get blocked up with food debris etc. It also sounds as though there isn't enough fall on the waste pipe (minimum 20mm.

Which trap is better for a kitchen sink?

The classic shape of trap is the p-trap. Here, the water seal remains standing in a U-shaped bent pipe under the drain. It is suitable for standard to large wash basins thanks to its excellent “elbow”.

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.

Why use a bottle trap instead of AP trap?

The main difference is that bottle traps can be made more attractive and so are often used when the plumbing will be visible, such as with open vanities or pedestal sinks. Like p-traps, bottle traps need to be periodically cleaned to eliminate the ``gunk'' that tends to accumulate.

Understanding Bottle Traps | Ask This Old House

Are bottle traps OK?

Every trap has arguments for why it is the best, but overall, yes Bottle Traps are the most convenient. A Bottle Trap takes up considerably less space than the alternative P-Traps and S-Traps, however Bottle Traps and S-Traps fulfill different needs.

What kind 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.

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 is the code for bottle traps?

Bottle traps, also known as partition traps, are plumbing traps that utilize an internal partition to separate the house from the sewer side. According to the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) Section P3201. 5, traps with internal partitions, such as bottle traps, are prohibited.

What are the benefits of a bottle trap?

It eliminates odour and promotes a healthy environment. Bottle traps for bathroom sinks aid in the prevention of poor bathroom air quality. These traps are required for every sink or basin in your home because they keep nasty sewage gases from backing up and leaking into your home's interiors.

Do you need an AP trap for a kitchen sink?

The P-trap holds solids that can clog the sewer line or the drain. The P-trap prevents sewer gases from returning into your home through the drain line. Plumbing codes need a P-trap to be fixed anywhere an open drain line removes wastewater into a drain-waste-vent system.

Does a bottle trap stop smelling?

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.

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.

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.

Which is better PVC or stainless steel bottle traps?

In terms of mechanical strength, maximum-minimum operation temperatures, and pressure tolerance, stainless steel has the upper hand. However, PVC excels in terms of insulation to hot cold influences, its resistance to electrical conduction and its ease of installation.

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.

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

The classic shape of trap is the p-trap. Here, the water seal remains standing in a U-shaped bent pipe under the drain. It is suitable for standard to large wash basins thanks to its excellent “elbow”. In the case of the bottle trap, the (straight) waste pipe flows into a cup-shaped vessel where the water is collected.

Where does a bottle trap go?

A bathroom basin bottle trap is a vital part of your basin's plumbing system. It is connected to the waste plug under your sink and plays a crucial role in maintaining hygiene and safety.

What is the difference between p-trap and S trap?

P-traps are known for their reliability and efficiency in maintaining a water seal, which helps to prevent sewer gases from entering buildings. Additionally, P-traps are less prone to syphoning and drainage issues compared to S-traps, making them a preferred choice for both residential and commercial plumbing systems.

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.

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 does my pee trap smell?

If a P-trap has become empty of water or dried out for any reason, it will allow the sewer gas air inside the waste pipes to come pouring into where we live and work. Every P-trap on every drain needs to have a vent that protects it; that's what all those pipes are that we see sticking out of our roofs.

What trap to use for kitchen sink?

Because of its shape, a trap retains a small amount of water after the fixtures use. This water creates an air seal which helps stop smells making their way from the drain back into your house. Wash hand basin (bathroom sink) wastes use a 32mm / 1-1/4 inch trap. Kitchen sinks and baths use a 40mm / 1-1/2 inch trap.

Do you need two traps under kitchen sink?

Plumbing codes expressly prohibit the use of double traps.

How to unclog a kitchen sink?

Plunge the Kitchen Sink

Small clogs can often be dislodged with a cup plunger. A simple plunger with a flat rim, it creates a seal over the sink hole to apply the pressure needed to dislodge the clog. Make sure the sink contains enough water to submerge the head of the plunger and place the cup over the drain opening.

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