What Is a P-Trap?

You have probably noticed that all sinks in your home have a bend on the pipe underneath it.

This is called a P-Trap, and even though it is a very simple design, it fulfills multiple purposes.

It keeps hair, food, dirt and other debris from clogging up your plumbing system. Any heavier items will sink to the bottom of the trap, which can be cleaned out easier than other parts of your plumbing system.

It also stops sewer gases from leaking into your home. Since there always is water standing inside of the P-Trap, it blocks these gases. Sewer gases are composed of several different gases, and even though the smell might be the first thing on your mind, long term exposure to these gases can actually be harmful to your health.

As an added bonus, the P-Trap also gives you an insurance against lost jewelry. If you lose a ring or necklace down the drain, there is a good chance that taking apart the P-Trap will let you retrieve it.