Where is the P-trap located, and why do you need it? These questions and more answers from your friends at Mac Plumbing
The P-trap is U-shaped and is located underneath your bathroom and kitchen sink. It’s a waste pipe that connects the sink’s drain to a septic tank or municipal sewer system.
What’s it good for?
- The main function of the P-Trap is to keep noxious gases out of your home.
- Noxious gases include methane which can cause respiratory distress.
- As a secondary function, it can be useful if you drop something valuable down the drain, and it can be caught in the P-Trap before being washed out to infinity.
Problems with the P-Trap
- The most common issue with the P-Trap is the accumulation of debris in the bend.
- Things like hair, food, grease, and mineral deposits build up and will eventually clog the drain.
Cleaning the P-Trap
- A slow draining sink indicates a clogged drain.
- There are three solutions to this problem:
- Pour a drain cleaner down the pipe, which will attack and destroy grease or mineral deposits on the walls of the pipe, or
- Use a “Snake” to dislodge obstructions.
- A “snake” is a flexible cable with a handle that allows the users to rotate the cable to grind off deposits.
- If a chemical cleaner or snake doesn’t clear the clogged pipe, you can physically remove the p-trap and clean it by hand.
- Care must be taken when reinstalling the trap to guarantee that no seals or PVC welds leak.
Sewer gases
- As mentioned before, one of the main functions of the p-trap is to keep noxious gases from entering the home.
- There is usually water in the p-trap that prevents the backflow of gases from entering the home.
- But, sometimes, the water could lessen if a sink is not consistently used because of condensation.
- Make sure you run water to seldom-used sinks to keep the water in the p-trap.
If you develop a clogged or slow-running drain, please call us! Mac Plumbing is here for any of your plumbing needs.Be prepared with a check-up from Mac and if you find yourself with plumbing problems, be sure to contact Mac Plumbing here or call us at (931) 552-5555.