A hi-tech toilet is likely to have a trap built into the lower cistern, so these toilets are often called p-traps. A low-level flush may result in a dry bowl when the trap is correctly installed and vented. Older plumbing typically had an L shaped bend followed by a horizontal pipe leading to another vertical pipe called a waste stack.
This means that of all the water taken up by the toilet bowl, only some of it gets discharged out through, not down, this waste pipe which is why they squat on emptying their bowls after flushing. Toilet designers and manufacturers recommend that both pipes be as straight as possible and joined together with two traps, one within each of those sections rather than just one just before it.
This is the general design for most toilets. It’s usually required by code to have it there. As far as toilet tank connection, you may find that some toilets have a p trap and many do not. This is up to the individual manufacturer.
What is a P Trap Toilet?
P traps are plumbing fixture that is used in many homes and other buildings. It consists of a curved section of pipe (the S-shaped “p” or u-bend) that fits into the drain line below the floor, with water running through it to prevent sewer gas from seeping up into the building.
The most important function of toilets with p traps is trapping water within its bend so that sewage gases cannot enter through the drain pipes leading out of the building. An easy way to think about this is how two rivers can flow parallel to each other with no place for water to flow between them.
That’s kind of what happens with your home’s drains when you have p traps in place. If there’s any gap in the traps pipes, or if the traps are too short for this bend of water to remain trapped in, then water finds its way through and bad smells can waft up into your home. Some people make a mistake and ask what is ap trap toilet is, thinking it’s the same trap style.
Ap trap is different to a p trap.
How does My P Trap Toilet Work?
The p trap toilet traps water within the U-bend formed by the pipe and allows wastewater and greywater to pass through freely without letting sewer gases escape from the trap. If there was no water within the S-shaped curve, sewer gases would still be able to seep up through drains with force, even after flowing down from high points such as a roof downspout.
This is because of an area called the “threshold of repose”. Basically, that means that anything can flow down the smooth curve of the trap toilet so long as there is enough pressure behind it to overcome gravity. You can tell if your p trap toilet needs repair or replacement by visualizing whether or not water remains within the S-shaped bend at all times when you check in with it.
If it’s empty, then that means that sewer gasses can escape through your drains because there is no longer any barrier against them doing so. Before buying a new one, measure the distance from the wall to the centre of the waste outlet.
How do I Know My P Trap Toilet Has Broken?
A visibly broken p trap toilet does happen occasionally but usually, you’ll notice minor problems before they become critical. A clear sign that something has gone wrong in this department is if you notice slow drainage coming from your showers and sinks over time rather than all at once.
This is because the p traps have failed to do the job of trapping water within its bend, allowing it to run away into the bathroom sewage plumbing system. If you notice soapy residue in your sink or tub this could also be a sign that there’s too much soap being used and it won’t go down entirely before fresh water fills the basin again.
You’ll probably want to call an expert if you see any signs of irregular drainage coming from your sinks or showers, or if you start noticing strange smells wafting up through your drains when everything seems otherwise fine in terms of regular everyday use.
Trap Waste Pipe Average Height
The average height of a trap p style in a toilet is around 30 to 40 centimetres above the floor. The taller the p-trap is, the more likely it may be to function properly because gravity may allow wastewater and greywater to flow through without needing outside help to push them along.
That’s why you’ll find that most sinks have their traps at or slightly above this recommended level. A sink with its drain pipe for example placed next to an appliance like your washing machine can create problems when they’re located at very different heights.
How do I Upgrade My P Trap Toilet?
Replacing a broken p trap toilet is relatively simple, it just takes some elbow grease and a little bit of know-how. You’ll probably need to clear the area in which you work before beginning this process, and ensure that everything with moving parts (such as your pop up plunger) is in working order and ready for use.
A p trap toilet replacement may include new p trap plumbing with U-shaped bends that provide all the required stopping power when it comes to preventing sewer gases from entering or leaking into your home. Most home improvement stores may stock these types of supplies, along with Shower/Tub drain assemblies that contain everything needed for installation without extra purchases.
P Trap Cleaners
Cleaning a p trap can be difficult, especially if it’s located within what might not otherwise be considered “easy access” areas. You’ll want to avoid using harsh chemicals on smooth surfaces that could scratch the finish on your new plumbing fixtures
You may also wish to use acid cleaner on rubber parts like gaskets because they may subtly eat away at the rubber over time, eventually working their way around all kinds of materials so you might as well start with something relatively soft for this job. You’ll also want to avoid scrubbing or scraping parts that are made from metal because they could scratch or chip, resulting in leakage problems.
Trap Styles on Modern Toilets
Trap designs vary widely on modern toilets. There are many shapes to fit into tight spaces or break up the lines of what would otherwise be a square looking toilet. The trap can also serve as an armrest, keeping your elbows out of urine-splashed water.
Wall Hung Bathroom Toilet
Wall hung toilets can also have their traps integrated into the base of the toilet, thus the wall hung option is serving as a pooling point for water that creates an inviting space for your toes to dip into at the end of a long day.
Close-coupled Traps
Close coupled or double trap p-style design is a more modern look for a bathroom toilet, and it doubles the chance of a leak occurring right before you or your guests reach for the flusher. Close-coupled traps on modern toilets vary widely, and they all serve their own purposes in creating a more aesthetically pleasing look for bathrooms both large and small.
Modern Drain Pipe Venting
The flow of air around the drain–pipe of your bathroom toilet is very important, no matter how old it is. That’s why you could always maintain an unobstructed opening near your p-trap or other drainage components. If you keep your ceiling clean and free of any kind of dusty vents or heating systems, then there shouldn’t be too much to worry about.
Types of Toilet Suites
There are many types of toilet suites, even though the standard fixture is still widely in use. Designers have put their unique stamp on this important fixture, especially in terms of how it flushes and cleans itself. The design doesn’t affect function much except when it comes to conservation. For example, waterless toilets create less wastewater in an eco-friendly way by using fewer gallons per flush.
Is There Any Toilet That is Particularly Water Saving?
Waterless toilets use less water per flush, which can help reduce your water bill. They have been tested and approved for homes in the US. In Australia however, they are not permitted for use in residential areas.
Smaller Water-saving Toilets?
Some designs have smaller footprints as well as less water usage per flush. They tend to be more expensive but can also be used in commercial settings such as public restrooms where there is a cheaper installation cost associated with them.
Types of Water Cisterns
A wall toilet cistern is essentially a tank that’s elevated over your toilet. It receives the clean water from your water main, then sends it into the bowl or onto the rim of your toilet for flushing purposes. The volume capacity of these fixtures varies widely with models. A wall toilet cistern can be problematic if it’s poorly installed, especially within homes that are located in areas with colder climates where the plumbing needs to receive a thaw from time to time.
Toilet Tank Connections
Toilet tanks are usually connected to low profile floor plumbing, which is typically made up of plastic ABS pipes rather than metal ones. When this occurs, you often have no choice but to install a p-trap that looks ugly or stands out in your bathroom space.
I have even seen these traps fitted below ground level inside homes where the waste outlet line drops down then goes straight back up again. With the waste line running through a finished basement, for example, this means that your basement floor can potentially be covered entirely with tile.
The problem seeing as you have no option but to install an ugly looking p-trap in your bathroom, with an inefficient water seal, the amount of water that may evaporate or keep seeping into your soil causes all sorts of damage. Some ABS traps connected using push fittings, which are leaking allow for contaminated water to escape unseen.
If you were to look at this setup without knowing what was behind the wall originally, you would think everything was fine since there are no leaky taps or toilets insight. This however is one of many installations similar to this and it only takes a bit of water to create a huge amount of damage.
