P-trap Installation & Repair - Plumbing Antioch CA

P-trap Installation & Repair

P Traps – Their Importance and Different Varieties

Traps are available in many shapes like J, U or S, but P shaped ones are the most common ones in households. These traps are also known as a sink traps, as they can be found under sinks in most houses. It is important to equip sinks, toilets, bathrooms and all plumbing fixtures with such traps either externally or internally.

The need to equip all plumbing fixtures with P-traps

A P-trap refers to the ninety degree fitting found on a U-bend’s outlet side. Once a plumbing fixture equipped with P-trap has been used, a small quantity of water is retained in the trap as a result of its shape. This retained water acts like a seal and prevents harmful sewer gases from traveling up the pipes and entering houses. Thus the trap plays a very important role in keeping your house free from foul odors. Because of this, these traps are also known as stink traps.

Sewage gases also include methane and other inflammable gases, which can have adverse effect on health. So keeping sewage gases out of your house is not only important to avoid bad odor, but also to protect everyone in the house against the adverse effects of these gases. As the trap is located below fixtures, it often captures objects like sand, hair or jewelry dropped in the sink by mistake. Thus it traps heavy objects and avoids the clogging of the rest of the drainage system. Most traps can be conveniently disassembled and cleaned.

Different varieties of P-traps

P-traps are available in various materials and thicknesses. You will find P-traps made from copper, PVC, steel and most commonly brass. Some places even offer traps made from rubber. The thickness of a trap determines its durability and ability to keep sewage gases at bay. The selection of a trap should be based on the plumbing fixture where it is to be installed. It is very important to choose the appropriate style and type of traps to avoid plumbing problems in future. The local plumbing code should also be considered while choosing a suitable trap for your fixtures.

It is best to take the help of an expert to select and install appropriate P-trap. For people living in East Bay, California, In Demand Plumbing is the best option. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including the clean-up of clogged drains, maintenance and repair of water heaters and installation of pressure reducing valves, toilets, tub/shower valves and P-traps.