Have you ever noticed a foul smell coming from your sink or shower drain? Or maybe you’ve experienced slow draining water or even a complete blockage.
These are all signs that your P-trap may not be holding water properly. But what exactly is a P-trap and why is it so important?
In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why P-traps lose their water seal and how to prevent it from happening.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about this essential component of your plumbing system.
Why Does My P-trap Not Hold Water
P-traps, also known as plumbing traps, are an essential part of your home’s plumbing system. They are designed to hold water in the drain to prevent sewer gases from escaping into your home. These gases can be toxic and even explosive, making it crucial to ensure that your P-trap is functioning correctly.
However, there are several reasons why a P-trap may not hold water. 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 dry and ineffective.
Another reason for a dry P-trap is oscillation. This occurs when too much outside air enters the pipe, displacing the water out of the bowl. Additionally, capillary action can cause a P-trap to empty if something is stuck inside the pipe and absorbs water from the toilet bowl.
An S-trap can also be the culprit of an empty trap. These are illegal in nearly every state, and the long leg of pipe attached to the trap could be pulling the water right out of the trap due to too much velocity in the water as it moves through the pipes.
Clogs and leaks are other common P-trap problems that can cause smells to back up inside your bathroom. If a washing machine drains a toilet, it could be because the system is not vented properly and air is being pulled in through the toilet.
What Is A P-trap And How Does It Work?
A P-trap is a specialized fitting that creates a barrier to prevent sewer gas and odor from entering your home. It is a u-shaped bend in the waste pipe that connects a sink’s drain to a home septic tank or to a municipal sewer system. The trap holds just enough water to create an airtight seal that prevents sewer gas from backing up into your home.
When you run water down a drain, you’re continuously refilling the trap. This plumbing masterpiece has been in use for about 250 years and is employed in any plumbing system that uses a drain and accepts sanitary waste from tubs, showers, and sinks.
The P-trap’s design is simple yet effective. The bend in the pipe contains a pocket of water, which blocks toxic, foul-smelling sewer gases like methane from traveling through the pipe into your home. Additionally, if you accidentally drop something down the drain, like a wedding ring, you can usually retrieve it from the nearest P-trap. You can think of P-traps as useful barriers that block bad smells from “coming up” and prevent objects that shouldn’t be in your plumbing from “going down.”
Common Reasons Why P-traps Lose Their Water Seal
There are several common reasons why P-traps lose their water seal, which can lead to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. One of the most common reasons is lack of use. If a P-trap has not been used for an extended period, such as three to five months, it can dry out and lose its water seal.
Another reason for a dry P-trap is leakage. If the P-trap is damaged or not installed correctly, it can leak and cause the water to drain out. Waste materials such as hair and fibers can also break the water seal in P-traps.
Insufficient ventilation is another factor that can cause a P-trap to lose its water seal. Plumbing systems have ventilation pipes to refresh the air in the system, leading smelly gases out and drawing fresh air in. If these pipes are clogged or not installed correctly, it can prevent proper ventilation and cause the water to drain out of the P-trap.
Finally, an S-trap can also be the culprit of an empty trap. These are illegal in nearly every state, and the long leg of pipe attached to the trap could be pulling the water right out of the trap due to too much velocity in the water as it moves through the pipes.
Lack Of Use Or Dry Weather
Another reason why your P-trap may not hold water is due to lack of use or dry weather. If a plumbing fixture connected to the P-trap is not used frequently, the water in the trap can evaporate over time. This is especially common in homes with dry climates or during periods of drought.
When the water in the P-trap evaporates, it creates an opening for sewer gases to enter your home, causing unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to run water through infrequently used fixtures regularly. Turning on a tap and running it for a minute can refill the P-trap and prevent it from drying out.
If you’re experiencing problems with dry P-traps frequently, it could be a sign of leaks or other issues within your plumbing system. It’s important to have a professional plumber inspect your system to identify and address any underlying problems that may be causing your P-traps to dry out. By taking proactive steps to maintain your plumbing system, you can ensure that your home is protected from harmful sewer gases and other plumbing issues.
Clogs Or Blockages In The Drain
Clogs or blockages in the drain are a common cause of P-traps not holding water. Hair, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate and cause the drain to become clogged at the curve. A blocked P-trap can cause water backflow to occur, leading to slow-draining sinks or even sewage backups.
One of the first signs that your P-trap is clogged is when the water in your sink takes longer than usual to flow down the drain. In this case, it is best to place a small bucket under the trap with the water shut off. Using a large wrench, the nut on the base of the trap should be loosened in order to disassemble the P-trap. Once the P-trap has been removed, the scum and dirt inside can be cleaned and/or removed.
It’s important to note that objects such as jewelry, children’s toys, condoms, dental floss, and food should never be flushed down the drain. These items can easily get stuck in the P-trap or further down the drain line and cause a blockage.
If the issue lies within your sink’s P-trap or beyond it, you may need to approach the clog from below the sink. Place a bucket underneath the pipework and use a pipe wrench to unscrew the P-trap section of your sink’s plumbing. Check to see if the P-trap itself is clogged with debris and clean it out if necessary. If the issue is further down the line, you can try using a drain snake, also called an auger, to try and reach the clog from under the sink.
Incorrect Installation Or Damage To The P-trap
One of the most significant reasons why a P-trap may not hold water is due to incorrect installation or damage. Installing a P-trap may seem like a simple task, but it can be more complicated than anticipated. If the P-trap is not installed correctly, it can lead to leaks and other issues.
For instance, if internal washers are not used during installation, it can cause leakage. These washers must be installed with the beveled edge facing the correct direction, and the pipes must be measured to fit correctly. If an important piece of the P-trap puzzle is missing or installed facing the wrong direction, it is likely to keep leaking.
Another issue that can arise from incorrect installation is loose slip nuts. It is crucial to secure plastic or metal slip nuts by hand, and if they cannot be tightened by hand, pliers should be used to create secure connections. After installation, it is essential to turn on the sink to confirm that the slip nuts are tight. If a slip nut is loose, it will cause a water leak by the P-trap pipe, leading to potential water damage.
Lastly, damage to the P-trap can also cause it not to hold water. Overloading the P-trap with wastewater from more than two to three sinks or plumbing fixtures can lead to it leaking sewage odors and bubbling water coming up through the pipes. It is crucial to ensure that your P-trap can handle the amount of wastewater coming through your plumbing system.
How To Prevent P-traps From Losing Their Water Seal
Preventing P-traps from losing their water seal is essential to ensure that your plumbing system is functioning correctly. Here are some tips on how to prevent P-traps from losing their water seal:
1. Pour several gallons of water down the drains at least twice a year. This will go a long way in preventing dry P-traps and clogged drains.
2. Run the sink or shower for a minute or two once a week to keep water flowing and prevent P-traps from drying out. This is especially important during the winter months when P-traps can dry out as quickly as a month.
3. Regularly run water through the pipes to prevent evaporation. For regularly used sinks and toilets, this won’t be hard, but make sure to run water in those guest bathrooms once every few weeks to keep the P-trap wet and properly functioning.
4. Keep water seal in your floor drains from drying out with a thin layer of cooking oil. It’ll keep foul odors out of your house.
By following these simple tips, you can prevent your P-trap from losing its water seal and ensure that your plumbing system is functioning correctly, keeping your home safe and odor-free.