What does the P in P-trap stand for?

Author: Anibal Dare  |  Last update: Friday, April 18, 2025

A P-trap gets its name because it combines two 90 degree joints with a horizontal overflow pipe and gives the entire unit the shape of the letter “P.” One of the 90 degree joints exits the drain of the sink and then is joined to another which contains a water seal system that allows for water to flow into the overflow ...

What is P-trap short for?

In the United States, traps are commonly referred to as P-traps. It is the addition of a 90 degree fitting on the outlet side of a U-bend, thereby creating a P-like shape (oriented horizontally). It is also referred to as a sink trap because it is installed under most sinks.

What is the difference between P-trap and J trap?

The primary difference between a J trap and a P trap lies in their shape and configuration. While both traps serve the same purpose of preventing sewer gasses from entering your living space, they have distinct designs that are suitable for different plumbing scenarios.

Why P-trap and not 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.

Why is a drain called AP trap?

How does P-trap work? A P-trap got its name because it joins two 90-degree joints with a horizontal overspill pipe and allows the whole unit to be in the shape of the letter “P.” One of the joints (90 degrees) is fixed to the exits of the sink's drain and then connects to another, which contains a water sealant system.

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What is a Q trap?

The Q Trap system is a hybrid Triple Quadrupole/Linear Ion Trap mass spectrometer. Different from conventional quadrupole, the Q3 of the Q Trap MS can work as either a standard quadrupole mass filter or a linear ion trap (LIT) with higher sensitivity than traditional 3D ion trap.

Should an AP trap be full of water?

They are designed to constantly hold water in the drain to prevent sewer gas from escaping into the house. While sewer gases may contain noxious odors and smell terrible, they can also be explosive and poisonous. Ensuring that your P-trap has enough water will keep things running smoothly.

Why is S-trap illegal?

The “S” trap is prohibited under the Uniform Plumbing Code throughout the United States. This is because the “S” trap will siphon or suck water out from the trap which will end up releasing methane (sewer) gases into the home. So, it is a code violation and if you are doing remodeling, you will have to replace it.

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.

Do toilets need an AP trap?

Most modern plumbing codes require P-trap toilets for residential installations.

When were S traps banned in the USA?

Code Compliance

S traps are prohibited throughout the United States by the International Plumbing Code. They have been banned since 2006 because of the siphonage hazard. It could cause the water seal to escape the conduit.

How to clean a P-trap without removing it?

Pour some baking soda down your drain and then pour boiling water down after. Sometimes this will clear the clog. Use a plunger on your sink drain to try to force the clog out of the trap.

Why are pipes U-shaped?

The “U Bend,” as it was initially called, was developed in 1880. Whether it is in the shape of a U, a J, or even a P does not matter. These kinds of pipes are known as traps in the plumbing industry, and they are designed to prevent sewer gases from entering a bathroom or restroom.

How fast do p-traps dry out?

This can happen for a number of different reasons, but the most common cause is due to evaporation. If you don't run any water down the drain for a long time, the water inside the P-trap will eventually evaporate. It usually takes a month or more before the trap will fully dry out.

Why are toilet pipes curved?

One of the critical jobs it does is stop the escape of sewer gas from deeper down the plumbing system. Sewer gas tends to rise, and that means it will try to rise back up drainpipes and into the house.

Who invented the S-bend?

In 1775, Cumming patented his most influential invention: the S-bend. The S-bend is a remarkably simple concept but one that transformed the toilet. By placing a bend in the pipe, gravity would cause water to rest at the lowest point in the middle of the pipe.

Why does my mouth smell like pee?

Certain foods react in the body to produce ammonia and its byproducts, which have odors resembling that of urine. This is common in people who consume a high-protein or ketogenic diet. A high intake of specific foods such as onions and garlic can also lead to bad breath.

Why does my toilet smell like sewer but no leak?

A sewer gas smell in the bathroom can be caused by:

evaporation of water in the P-trap piping. broken seal around the toilet in the wax ring or the caulk. A burst pipe. tree's roots have grown into or have caused damage to your sewer pipes.

How to tell if a P-trap is bad?

Signs your P-trap may be blocked
  1. Your drain isn't clearing after you've done everything to clear the clogged drain. ...
  2. You smell a foul odor throughout your home. ...
  3. You hear a gurgling noise from the sink or tub.
  4. The water in your toilet seems weak, and the bowl isn't refilling quickly enough after a flush.

Are double P-traps illegal?

Plumbing codes expressly prohibit the use of double traps.

Why are crown vents illegal?

A "Crown Vent" is a vent that is located within 2 pipe diameters of the trap it is serving. The issue is if the vent is that close it is more likely to be subjected to fouling of hair, soap oils, grease, and other debris.

Are p-traps still used?

This isn't just to make it fit better but is a specific design to prevent sewer gas from being released back into your home. Without it, you could be exposed to a harmful pollutant. Today, we use a p-trap, named for its shape. But the standard used to be a different shape called an s-trap.

Do toilets need p-traps?

If you were to crawl under your home, and look at your bathtub and shower, you will find that they have a p-trap under them as well. In fact, the only fixture that does not have a p-trap in your home is the toilet. That is because toilets have a trap built into them that is meant to function a little differently.

What is a gully trap?

A Gully Trap is a drainage pipe extension in the form of a basin that allows waste water to safely enter the sewage system with a seal that traps dangerous gases and prevents the gases from escaping.

Is water supposed to sit in a shower drain?

For example a toilet pan has water in its bowl always this is to prevent foul smells entering the building. Other examples could be the J trap or shower drain these are also designed to hold water during normal operation.

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