FIXTURE TRAP

A fixture trap used in plumbing fixture is a device scientifically designed to prevent

the back flow of gases into the outlet of the fixture. The only separation between the
unhealthy gases in a sanitary drainage system and the air inside the room is the water
caught in the fixture trap after each discharge of the fixture. The column of water that is
retained between the overflow and the dip of the trap is called Trap Seal. It is sometimes
referred to as Water Seal.

The most practical form of trap ever developed is the P-Trap. Originally, this P-
Trap was called "Gooseneck” attributed to its form that is in the same manner as the neck
of a goose. The principle behind the use of P-Trap is to provide a mechanical barrier
against passage of noxious air from the septic tank or main sewer line into the outlet of
the fixtures.

Common Gases that are produced in a Sewage System:

1. Methane 2. Hydrogen Sulfide 3. Nitrogen 4. Carbon Monoxide

The Water Sealed P-Traps are Classified into Two Forms

1. The common seal 2. The deep seal

The Common Seal P-Trap has 5 centimeters (2”)

deep water seal between the overflow and the
dip. This type of trap is used on plumbing fixtures
that are subjected to normal conditions.

The Deep Seal P-Trap has from 7.5 to 10

centimeters column of liquid content between the
overflow and the dip. The deep seal trap may be
used under normal condition but it is purposely
designed for abnormal situations such as:

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a. Extreme heat condition in the area.

b. Increase and decrease of atmospheric condition

c. Circumstances where total ventilation cannot be obtained.

One advantage of the Deep Seal over the Common Seal is its greater re-sealing
quality. Re-seal is a term used to the scientific principle that water at rest tend to seek a
level and maintain it.

When the liquid content of a deep seal is disturbed, the water tends to level itself
sufficiently enough to seal the trap even partially. Meaning, because of the considerable
height of the water seal measured at 10 centimeters deep, even if disturbed by flushing
from the fixture discharge, by partial resealing up to 50%, the trap seal is still maintained.

The P-Trap is the most common and practical shape available in various sizes
from 32 mm to 150 mm diameter. These are suitable for fixtures that are suspended from
walls or supported on a pedestal such as:

1. Lavatories

2. Sinks

3. Urinals

4. Drinking fountain

5. Shower bath with less amount of water discharge

There is various form of water sealed traps which could be used to serve plumbing
fixtures. But among these various types. some are classified as Permissible Traps while
others are identified as Objectionable Traps.

The Permissible Type of Traps are:

1. P, Q and S-Trap

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 P, Q, and S traps are classified according to their shape. They essentially consist
of U – Tube which retains water acting as seal between the foul gas and atmosphere.
The only difference between the P trap and the S trap is that the P trap is used for an
outlet through the wall, whereas S-trap is used for an outlet through the floor. This trap is
used in a toilet under-water closet. It is almost similar to the S trap and is used in the
upper story other than the ground floor.

2. Drum Trap

Drum traps, which resemble metal drums, are an important part of a home
plumbing system because their large openings allow you to more easily locate and
remove objects you need either to
retrieve or to remove from the
plumbing system. A drum trap
consists of an enlarged 'vessle' that
holds a large volume of water. Most
drum traps have a removable
cover, but drum traps are usually
located right below the floor,
making the lid extremely difficult to
access without cutting out the floor.

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3. Floor Trap
Floor trap is provided in to the floor to collect waste water from
bathroom, wash area, washbasin, and kitchen sink area.
These are available in UPVC or cast-iron material and have
removable grating on the top of the trap.

4. Gully Trap
Gully Trap, also known as G.T. is provided outside the building
before connecting it to the external sewerage line. It also collects
wastewater from the kitchen sink, washbasins, bath, and wash area.

5. Intercepting Trap
Intercepting trap is provided in to the Interceptor Manhole
(Interceptor Chamber). An Interceptor manhole is provided at the
interception of building sewer and Public sewer. Intercepting trap is
provided to prevent the foul gases from public sewers entering in to
the building sewer by providing water seal.

6. Bottle Trap
A bottle trap is provided to receive waste from washbasin,
kitchen sinks and other appliances where the appliances do not have
a built-in trap. In this type of trap, the waste pipe is fitted horizontally,
and you need to unscrew the bottom to clean it. Ideal to be installed
in limited spaces.

7. Grease Type
Grease trap is installed in the waste pipe from one or more fixtures for the purpose
of separating grease from the liquid and retaining the grease. Since these traps are used

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 to reduce the amount of fats and oils entering the main sewer, these traps can be
found at commercial cooking facilities.

Aforementioned types of traps are widely used in plumbing work but an ideal plumbing
traps have following features or benefits:

• Resistance to the impact damage and house hold chemical

• Prevent entry of foul air, insects and parasites from the sewers
• Anti-rodent and self-cleaning
• Long service life
• Easier and quick installation
• Economical

Objectionable Traps that are Found Defective are:

1. The full-size S and the ¾ S Traps

2. The bag traps
3. Mechanically sealed traps
4. Light metal partition traps

Loss of Trap Seals

1. Siphonage- The withdrawal of a liquid from a trap due to a suction caused by liquid
flow in a pipe.

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2. Back Pressure- pressure developed in opposition to the flow of liquid in a pipe due to
friction, gravity or some other restriction to flow of the conveyed fluid. Excessive pressure
at the lowest branch causing trap seal to look for opening.
3. Evaporation- Occurs when a fixture is not used for a long time. A Deep seal is the best
solution but clogs the pipe due to accumulated solid wastes.
4. Capillary Attraction- foreign objects in the traps absorbing trap seal.
5. Wind Effects- strong winds through the vent system forcing water out of the trap.

The National Plumbing Code on Traps provided that: "Every trap shall be self-
cleaning. Traps for bathtubs, lavatories, sinks and other similar fixtures shall be made of
either lead, brass, cast iron, or of malleable iron galvanized, porcelain enameled inside
or plastic pipes”.

All traps are subject to stoppage. Hence, must be provided with a cleanout, or so
designed that they can be disassembled with little effort.

Fixtures to be Installed are Classified into Three:

1. Class 1 – For Private Use like fixtures in residential houses, apartment and private
bathroom of hotels and similar installations.
2. Class 2 – For Semi-Public Use applied to fixtures in office buildings, factories,
dormitories and the like, for occupant’s use only.
3. Class 3 – For Public Use such as schools, gymnasium, hotels, railroad and bus
terminals, public comfort rooms and other installation where several fixtures are installed
for unrestricted use.

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 The nominal size (inside diameter) of trap and waste branch for a given fixture
shall not be less than that given in Table of Minimum Size of Fixture Trap given below.

KIND OF FIXTURE TRAP AND BRANCHES SIZE

Bath tub 38 mm 1 ½”
Bath shower stall 50 2
Bath sitz 38 1½
Bath foot 38 1½
Bidets 38 1½
Combination fixture 38 1½
Drinking fountain 32 1¼
Foundation cupsidors 32 1¼
Floor drains 50 2
Laundry trays 38 1½
Sinks, (kitchen of residence) 38 1½
Sinks, (hotel or public) 50 2
Sinks, (large hotel or public) 50 2
Sinks, (small pantry or bar) 32 1¼
Sinks, (dishwasher) 38 1¼
Sinks, Slop, with combined trap 75 3
Sinks, Slop, ordinary 50 2
Urinals Lip 38 1½
Urinals, through 50 2
Urinals, pedestal 75 3
Urinals, stall 50 2
Wash basin 32 1¼
Water closets 75 3

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