What are sink traps

What are sink traps and how do they work? Why are they important?

Asked by Tushar on 7th Apr 2022
Expert Trade Answers
"Sink traps are designed to create an Air gap in order to stop foul smells from coming back up through the drain or and back syphoning of wastewater.

They are very important."
Answered on 11th Apr 2022 - Member since Nov 2021 - report
"Sink traps are fitted under the sink as an outlet for waste water from the sink & washing machine & dishwashers."
Answered on 7th Apr 2022 - Member since May 2021 - report
"They are smaller than bath taps only 15 mm bath taps are 22mm"
Answered on 7th Apr 2022 - Member since Feb 2022 - report
"The sink trap is what's under your kitchen sink and what takes away all the water out through the wall and into the drain .if you didnt have a trap the water would just fall on the floor"
Answered on 1st Jul 2022 - Member since Sep 2021 - report
"A sink trap stops the smell from coming into the house, it traps the smell from the gully and it could be in an S shape or be P"
Answered on 7th Apr 2022 - Member since Apr 2016 - report
"Sink traps are basically U-bends that provide a water seal between the inside of your property and the outside drain. Without a sink trap, foul smells from the drain would make their way into the property. Sink traps vary in design including bottle traps, S-traps, P-traps etc. The name is derived from the shape of the trap. Today you can even get waterless traps that rely on a kind of rubber device that allows water to flow through it in one direction, but prevents odours coming back into the property."
Answered on 19th May 2022 - Member since May 2022 - report
"The trap doesn’t allow the bad smell to come back up the sink and stink the room"
Answered on 7th Apr 2022 - Member since Mar 2021 - report
"basically, traps allow water to flow out but don't let bad smells come back"
Answered on 7th Apr 2022 - Member since Jan 2019 - report
"Sink traps are essential, to all plumbing fixtures, because they stop the smell of open drains coming into the property. Toilets have exactly the same trap system, only larger."
Answered on 7th Apr 2022 - Member since Nov 2013 - report
Find Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!
It's FREE and there are no obligations
Ask a Trade
Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.
Ask your question
Ask a Trade

Are you looking for advice on a DIY project or have a question for our tradespeople?

We'll email your question to tradespeople who are skilled in your chosen category.

Your question will be made public - please do not include any personal details.

{{ first(ask.errors)[0] }}

By continuing you agree to the Community Guidelines.

Report Content

{{ first(reportForm.errors) }}

Thank you

Your report has been created and will be investigated shortly.

Ready to get a price for your home improvement project?
Get started

Over 1 million homeowners and over 50,000 tradespeople
use MyJobQuote nationwide each year