Have you ever noticed a foul odor coming from your sink or shower drain? Chances are, your P-trap has dried out.
P-traps are U-shaped pipes that hold water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. However, if the water in the trap evaporates, those unpleasant smells can seep through.
Luckily, there are several easy ways to keep your P-trap from drying out and avoid this stinky situation.
In this article, we’ll explore some effective methods for preventing dry P-traps and keeping your drains flowing smoothly.
So, let’s dive in!
How To Keep P-trap From Drying Out
Method 1: Regularly Run Water Through Your Pipes
One of the simplest ways to prevent your P-trap from drying out is to regularly run water through your pipes. This will keep the water flowing and prevent evaporation.
For regularly used sinks and toilets, this won’t be a problem. However, for those guest bathrooms or other areas that aren’t used as frequently, be sure to run water through them at least once every few weeks.
Method 2: Pour Water Down The Drain
Another effective method for preventing dry P-traps is to pour water down the drain. This will refill the trap and prevent any sewer gases from escaping.
It’s recommended to pour several gallons of water down the drains at least twice a year to keep your P-traps from drying out.
Method 3: Use Cooking Oil
If you have a drain that’s rarely used, such as a floor drain or a shower that’s been abandoned, you can use cooking oil to prevent evaporation.
First, fill the P-trap with water. Then, pour a thin layer of cooking oil onto the water. The oil will float on top of the water and create a seal that prevents evaporation.
This method is especially useful for drains that aren’t used frequently and may not be refilled with water often enough.
Method 4: Use A Trap Primer
Investing in a trap primer can also help prevent dry P-traps. A trap primer automatically refills the trap when the water gets low, ensuring that it always contains enough water to prevent evaporation.
While this device does not prevent evaporation from your drain traps, it automatically refills the trap when the water gets low. Therefore, investing in a trap primer can protect you from dry drain traps without the hassle of consistently running water down the pipes.
What Is A P-trap And How Does It Work?
A P-trap is a plumbing fixture that is designed to prevent sewer gases and odors from entering your home or business. It is made up of two 90° joints and a horizontal overflow pipe that creates a “P” shape, hence the name P-trap. Most P-traps are made of PVC pipes or steel, with steel being used for exposed fixtures such as under kitchen sinks or behind toilets due to its more attractive appearance.
The P-trap’s design of 90° angles helps keep noxious odors out of your pipes. These angles also allow water to flow into an overflow pipe, but not back into the sink. Within the P-trap, the barrier of water protects your home and plumbing from foul odors while providing a way to prevent clogs from occurring.
The P-trap is employed in any plumbing system that uses a drain and accepts sanitary waste from tubs, showers, and sinks. It is designed to trap debris drained from the sink and prevent clogging that can happen deep in your plumbing system. Additionally, it prevents sewer gases from escaping the pipes and going into your home.
One of the top issues for dry, smelly P-traps is insufficient ventilation. Plumbing systems have ventilation pipes to refresh the air in the system, leading smelly gases out and drawing fresh air in. If these vent pipes are clogged with debris or do not exist in older homes, it can prevent proper ventilation and lead to dry P-traps.
To prevent your P-trap from drying out, run the sink or shower for a minute or two once a week to keep water flowing and your P-traps from drying out. If you’re dealing with dry drain traps in your home or business, there are some steps you can take to try to solve the problem before contacting a professional for repairs. Regularly running water through your pipes, pouring water down the drain, using cooking oil, or investing in a trap primer are all effective methods for preventing dry P-traps.
Signs Of A Dry P-trap
A dry P-trap can cause a variety of unpleasant odors and other issues. Here are some signs that your P-trap may have dried out:
1. Foul Odors: One of the most common signs of a dry P-trap is a foul odor coming from your drain. This odor is usually caused by sewer gases escaping through the dry trap.
2. Slow Draining: If your sink or shower is draining slowly, it could be a sign that your P-trap is dry. The lack of water in the trap can cause debris to build up and slow down the draining process.
3. Insects: A dry P-trap can also attract insects, such as cockroaches and drain flies. These pests are attracted to the organic matter that accumulates in the trap when it’s dry.
4. Corrosion: If your P-trap is made of metal, a lack of water can cause it to corrode over time. This can lead to leaks and other plumbing issues.
5. Unusual Sounds: A dry P-trap can also cause gurgling or bubbling sounds when water is running through the drain. This is caused by air passing through the dry trap.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to prevent further issues with your plumbing system. Regularly running water through your pipes, pouring water down the drain, using cooking oil, or investing in a trap primer can all help prevent your P-trap from drying out and causing problems in the future.
Common Causes Of P-trap Drying Out
There are several common causes of P-trap drying out that you should be aware of. One of the most common reasons is evaporation. If the air in your home is excessively dry, it can cause the water in your P-trap to evaporate, leaving it empty and ineffective.
Another cause of P-trap drying out is capillary action. This occurs when an object is stuck inside the pipes, which can suck out water from the P-trap, leaving it dry.
Oscillation is another factor that can cause P-trap to dry out. This happens when too much air outside enters the pipe, displacing the water out of the bowl.
S-traps are also known to siphon water from the P-trap. Some older homes still make use of S-traps, which are not recommended and have been banned in the US. It’s best to replace all S-traps with P-traps to prevent your P-trap from drying out.
Leakage is another common cause of P-trap drying out. If there is a leak somewhere, it could cause the P-trap to dry out even more. Clogs can also be a culprit, leading to a dry P-trap and causing unpleasant smells to back up inside your home.
It’s important to be aware of these common causes of P-trap drying out so you can take preventative measures and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. By regularly running water through your pipes, pouring water down the drain, using cooking oil, or investing in a trap primer, you can prevent your P-trap from drying out and avoid any unpleasant odors or potential hazards.
DIY P-trap Maintenance Tips
In addition to the methods listed above, there are some DIY P-trap maintenance tips you can follow to keep your P-traps functioning properly.
First, if you notice any leaks or odors coming from your P-trap, try pouring a couple of cups of water into the trap to create a water seal. However, keep in mind that this method may only be a temporary fix and you may need to repeat the process regularly.
If you need to clean the P-trap, make sure to put a bucket under the trap before removing it to catch any water and debris that may spill out.
To prevent your P-trap from running dry due to inactivity, flush unused toilets and pour water down infrequently used drains regularly. This will help restore the P-trap’s water barrier and prevent it from drying out in the future.
If you’ve tried all of these methods and still have issues with your P-trap, it’s possible that an old or leaky P-trap may be the problem. In this case, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue. They can help repair or replace a faulty P-trap and ensure that your plumbing system is functioning properly.
When To Call A Professional Plumber
While preventative measures can help keep your P-trap from drying out, there are times when it’s best to call a professional plumber. If you notice a foul odor coming from your drains or suspect that your P-trap is dried out, it’s time to call in the experts.
Additionally, if you have attempted the preventative measures above and still notice unpleasant odors or slow drainage, it could be a sign of a more serious issue. A professional plumber can diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.
It’s also important to call a plumber if you are experiencing any other plumbing issues such as leaks, frozen pipes, or drainage problems. Attempting to fix these issues on your own can lead to further damage and costly repairs down the line.
Finally, if you are unsure about how to properly maintain your plumbing system or have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber. They can provide valuable advice and ensure that your plumbing system is functioning properly.