At first, we should know what exactly are “S” traps are and what did they use for?
The trap rule in a plumping system, whereas “P” trap or “S” traps, is meant to keep sewer gases and other dangerous fumes to come into your house while allowing waste material to pass through. All houses produce wastes and these wastes can bring gases like methane or ammonia which both are really toxic and flammable. So they can be really dangerous to our body and also our house!
The mechanical purpose of the trap is to hold water to prevent these sewer gases containing viruses and bacteria from entering the home through the drain.
Do you know the difference between these Drain Traps? S-trap is that kind of trap that is easily siphoned dry with each use and the water barrier no longer exists.
An S-shaped trap is also known as an S-bend. It is also referred to as a sink trap because it is installed under most sinks. Because of its shape, the trap retains some water after the fixture’s use. This water creates an air barrier that prevents sewer gas from passing from the drain pipes back into your house.
So what is the difference between an “S” trap and a “P” trap?
Every trap has a few trap components: tailpiece, trap, trap arm. An s-trap is so-called because of its general shape, which looks like an “S”. Likewise, a p-trap resembles a sideways “P”. Both types of traps are intended to do the same thing, which is to provide a water barrier between the inside of your home and the sewer. But the problem with p-trap was that they tend to siphon away too much wastewater, leaving the drain dry which allows unwanted gases to enter the home.
Depending on particular forms, an s-trap drain shape can work just fine. though, sometimes too much water flows through an s-trap which leaves the trap nearly empty. An air gap is left, allowing gases to escape through the trap.
When a trap is dry, gas and odors can travel through the drain pipe and enter your home. Gases like methane and ammonia are present in sewers. Because these gases can be both smelly and dangerous, a barrier just like a drain trap is necessary.
In “P” traps though there is no such problem. A p-trap has two main features that stop siphoning. These traps use to call vented traps which are vented usually inside a wall and through the roof to the outside air. When air pressures are balanced inside the drain, the sucking action needed for siphoning doesn’t happen.
furthermore, an extension is added to the drain side of the trap. The lengthened pipe reduces the possibility of gravity pulling water within the pipe.
Because of the dangers of dry traps, s-traps became illegal several decades ago. Although The water inside a p-trap can still evaporate. So, there is still no ideal configuration that can totally eliminate the possibility of a dry trap but we see that a p-trap can reduce the danger.
If you have any problem or you think your bathroom or sink are smelly maybe it’s time to have some changes in your home!
Call us whenever you want. Concord team will be happy to help with your problem.
