There are different parts of a building’s plumbing system. But they can be primarily categorized into supply and drainage systems. The drainage system is used to convey wastewater from your building and into your municipal’s plumbing for treatment.
One of the crucial components of a drainage system is a trap. The trap is a device that prevents sewer gases including nitrogen, methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide from wafting into your interiors. There are different types of traps used by plumbing companies in Salt Lake City. All the traps are self-cleaning and will maintain an effective seal regardless of the conditions of wastewater flow.
Here are some of the wastewater system traps that might form part of your plumbing.
‘P’ Traps
These are used in Indian water closets and are made of UPV or cast iron sheets. The trap typically comprises a screw joint halfway along its length. This allows the adjustment of the trap through a 270-degree angle in a horizontal plane to accommodate a horizontal waste pipe. A “P” trap is easy to remove in case of repairs of blockages with minimal disturbance to your plumbing system. The trap, however, needs considerable room around your wastewater’s outlet.
‘S’ Traps
These closely resemble the “P” trap with their primary difference being in their installation. The “S” trap is used for wastewater outlets located through your floor while the “P” trap suffices for outlets through walls. It is used for water closets in toilets. A “Q” trap resembles the “S” trap but unlike the latter is used on the upper rather than the lower floors.
Gully Traps
These are installed outside your building at the point of connection to your external sewerage line. Their primary purpose is the prevention of foul gases into your interiors from the main sewerage line. The gully trap has a minimum depth of 50mm and prevents the backflow of insect and bugs from the wastewater pipes.
Shallow Traps
These are fitted to showers and baths where there is minimal space. When used in a bath, the shallow trap is typically used with a banjo connector to prevent your bath’s overflow. Shallow traps, however, might contravene the water regulations in a few states since their water seals are less than in other traps. As such, most plumbers might insert another trap further down your pipes if there is enough space.
Intercepting Traps
These are installed at the final utility hole of your building’s sewerage. It prevents the flow of foul smell and vermin from public sewers. Intercepting traps have a tight seal and are deeper than other options with a depth of 100mm.
The location of your drainage system traps is paramount to their efficiency. When installed in areas exposed to considerable heat or cold, your plumbing traps will lose their seal secondary to evaporation or condensation. If there is no alternative but to install the trap in these locations, your plumber will recommend periodic renewal of the seal or connection of the trap to a back-flow prevention device.
