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What are Traps in Plumbing? | The Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Traps: 14 Types to Keep Your Home Safe and Sanitary

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Traps in plumbing systems are devices that are designed to prevent sewer gases from entering buildings or houses.

Generally, these traps are installed in the waste lines of plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and shower drains, and are designed to maintain a water seal that prevents the release of sewer gases.

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What Does a Trap Do?

A trap in plumbing is a type of construction tool that works by retaining a small amount of water in the bottom of the trap, creating a barrier that blocks sewer gases from entering the building.

The water in the trap acts as a seal that prevents the release of sewer gases, ensuring that the air in the building remains fresh and safe to breathe.

Types of Traps in Plumbing

There are many different types of traps that can be used in plumbing systems, each with its own specific purpose and design. Some of the most common types of traps in plumbing include:

1. Floor Trap

A floor trap is a type of trap that is installed in the waste line of a floor drain. This type of trap is designed to prevent sewer gases from entering the building and to allow waste water to flow freely out of the building.

2. Gully Trap

A gully trap is a type of trap that is installed in the waste line of a floor drain. This type of trap is designed to prevent sewer gases from entering the building and to allow waste water to flow freely out of the building.

3. P Trap

A P-trap is a type of trap that is shaped like the letter “P”. This type of trap is commonly used in residential and commercial buildings and is installed in the waste line of sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures.

4. S Trap

An S-trap is a type of trap that is shaped like the letter “S”. This type of trap is commonly used in residential and commercial buildings and is installed in the waste line of sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures.

5. Q Trap

A Q-trap is a type of trap that is shaped like the letter “Q”. This type of trap is commonly used in residential and commercial buildings and is installed in the waste line of sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures.

6. Intercepting Trap

An intercepting trap is a type of trap that is installed in the main sewer line of a building. This type of trap is designed to prevent sewer gases from entering the building and to allow waste to flow freely out of the building.

7. Bottle Trap

A bottle trap is a type of trap that is shaped like a bottle and is used in plumbing systems to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. This type of trap is commonly used in floor drains and is designed to trap debris and prevent it from entering the sewer system.

8. Grease Trap

A grease trap is a type of trap that is used in plumbing systems to prevent grease from entering the sewer system. This type of trap is commonly used in commercial kitchens and is designed to capture grease and oil before it can enter the sewer system.

9. Drum Trap

A drum trap is a type of trap that is shaped like a drum and is used in plumbing systems to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. This type of trap is commonly used in floor drains and is designed to trap debris and prevent it from entering the sewer system.

10. Running Trap

A running trap is a type of trap that is used in plumbing systems to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. This type of trap is installed directly in the waste line and does not have a bend. The running trap is often used in low-level floor drains and is typically connected to a ventilation pipe that runs above the sewer line to help dispel any unwanted odors. The running trap is easy to install and does not require a separate ventilation pipe, which makes it an economical choice for many plumbing systems.

11. Straight-Through Trap

A straight-through trap is a type of trap that is used to prevent sewer gases from entering the building, but it is installed differently than a running trap. Instead of being installed directly in the waste line, a straight-through trap is installed in the horizontal waste line. This trap is also connected to a ventilation pipe and helps to dispel unwanted odors.

12. Low-Level Bath Trap

The low-level bath trap is a type of trap that is designed specifically for use in bathrooms and other areas where the waste line is located at a low level. This trap is designed to prevent sewer gases from entering the building and is installed directly in the waste line. The low-level bath trap is often used in bathrooms with a shower or bathtub, as the water from these fixtures helps to keep the trap sealed and prevent unwanted odors.

13. Bell Trap

The bell trap is a type of trap that is used in plumbing systems to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. This trap is installed directly in the waste line and features a bell-shaped design that helps to prevent unwanted odors. The bell trap is often used in areas where the waste line is located at a low level, as the shape of the trap helps to keep it sealed and prevent the release of unwanted odors.

14. Building Trap

The building trap is a type of trap that is used to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. This trap is installed at the main sewer line for the building and helps to prevent unwanted odors from entering the building through the plumbing system. The building trap is typically installed by a professional plumber and is designed to be easy to access for cleaning and maintenance.

Table: Types of Traps in Plumbing

Type of TrapDescription
Floor TrapA floor trap is used to trap waste water in a floor drain and prevent it from flowing into the sewer system.
Gully TrapA gully trap is a type of trap that is used in outdoor drain systems. It is often installed in driveways, courtyards, and other outdoor areas.
P TrapA P trap is a commonly used trap that is shaped like the letter “P”. It is often used in sinks, bathtubs, and shower stalls.
S TrapAn S trap is a type of trap that is shaped like the letter “S”. It is commonly used in low-level floor drains and is installed directly in the waste line.
Q TrapA Q trap is a type of trap that is shaped like the letter “Q”. It is commonly used in basement floor drains and is installed directly in the waste line.
Intercepting TrapAn intercepting trap is a type of trap that is installed between two separate drain systems to prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
Bottle TrapA bottle trap is a type of trap that is shaped like a bottle and is often used in basin and sink drains.
Grease TrapA grease trap is a device that is used to trap grease, oil, and other fatty substances from entering the sewer system.
Drum TrapA drum trap is a type of trap that is used in large commercial and industrial drain systems. It is designed to trap large debris, such as food waste and other solids.
Running TrapA running trap is a type of trap that is used in plumbing systems to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. This type of trap is installed directly in the waste line and does not have a bend.
Straight-Through TrapA straight-through trap is a type of trap that is installed in waste lines to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. It is often used in low-level floor drains and does not have a bend.
Low-Level Bath TrapA low-level bath trap is a type of trap that is installed in the waste line of a bathtub or shower stall. It is designed to prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
Bell TrapA bell trap is a type of trap that is shaped like a bell and is often used in basin and sink drains.
Building TrapA building trap is a type of trap that is installed in the sewer line of a building. It is designed to prevent sewer gases from entering the building and to provide an effective water seal.

Types of Traps in Plumbing: A Comprehensive Guide

Traps in plumbing are essential components that prevent unpleasant and potentially dangerous sewer gases from entering the building. These traps create a water seal between the sewer line and the fixtures in the building, such as sinks, bathtubs, and shower stalls.

Different types of traps in plumbing are designed to meet the specific needs of each building, and there are several factors that should be considered when choosing the right trap for your needs, such as the type of fixture, the location of the fixture, and the size of the sewer line.

Here are the 14 different types of traps in plumbing, including a brief description of each:

  1. Floor Trap: A floor trap is used to trap waste water in a floor drain and prevent it from flowing into the sewer system.
  2. Gully Trap: A gully trap is a type of trap that is used in outdoor drain systems. It is installed in the ground and is used to collect waste water and prevent sewer gases from entering the building. Gully traps are commonly found in areas such as patios, driveways, and garages. They are designed to be sturdy and able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
  3. P Trap: The P trap is one of the most common types of traps in plumbing. It is a U-shaped pipe that is installed under the sink, basin or wash basin. The P trap acts as a barrier to prevent sewer gases from entering the building and also retains a small amount of water in the U-bend to form a water seal. The P trap is usually connected to the waste pipe and the sink's outlet pipe.
  4. S Trap: An S trap is a type of trap that is similar to the P trap, but instead of having a U-shape, it has an S-shape. This type of trap is commonly used in older plumbing systems and is gradually being replaced by the P trap. The S trap works in the same way as the P trap, preventing sewer gases from entering the building and retaining a water seal.
  5. Running Trap: A running trap is a type of trap that is used in plumbing systems to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. This type of trap is installed directly in the waste line and does not have a bend. The running trap is often used in low-level floor drains and is useful in situations where there is not enough space for a P or S trap.
  6. Building Trap: The building trap is a type of trap that is used in plumbing systems to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. This type of trap is installed in the main sewer line and acts as a barrier to prevent sewer gases from entering the building through the main sewer line. Building traps are usually located near the building's foundation and are often used in larger buildings.

In conclusion, traps in plumbing play a crucial role in preventing sewer gases from entering buildings. There are various types of traps, each with its own unique design and purpose. The P trap, S trap, gully trap, running trap, and building trap are just a few examples of the types of traps used in plumbing. It is important to understand the different types of traps and their functions in order to ensure proper installation and maintenance of plumbing systems.

The Civil Experiences always keeps updating our Articles/posts with the latest civil engineering news, Structural Engineering Career tips, exam papers, Answer links Jobs & Information. So, Don’t forget to bookmark the Civil Experiences website and Please share this link with your friends to help them.

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Author Aakash Dudhat

It is my pleasure to welcome you to civilexperiences.com, a website created and managed by Dudhat Aakash. In addition to having a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

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