When water disappears down your drain, it goes through a plumbing system. Just as water flows out, there’s always the potential for odours — or worse — to try and sneak back in. That’s why every fixture in your home, from basins to tubs and toilets, includes a trap.
However, not all trap designs are created the same. In this article we’ll look at a common type found in Australian homes: the P trap.
The P trap gets its name from its P-like shape. When water flows down the drain, it passes through the curved section of the pipe, and some of it gets trapped in the bend. The trapped water creates a seal that prevents bad-smelling sewer gases from travelling back up the pipe and into your home.
Thanks to its shape, a P trap can also catch small items that accidentally fall down the drain, like rings or earrings. It prevents them from being lost deeper in the plumbing system.
You’ll probably find P traps underneath sinks in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. They’re also built into many modern toilets, though you won’t usually see them.
If your sink drains slowly or gives off a smell, it might be time to give your P trap some attention. Here are a few simple tricks for minor clogs and regular upkeep.
Run the hottest water from your tap down the drain for several minutes. Avoid pouring boiling water into plastic (PVC) pipes — it could cause damage. Hot tap water should do the trick.
A classic for a reason. A plunger creates pressure that can dislodge small clogs caught in the trap. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger’s cup, then pump it a few times.
A small hand-held drain snake or flexible brush can break up whatever’s causing the problem in stubborn clogs. Remove the basin waste or pop-up, feed it into the drain and clean as needed.
What other traps are there, and what makes them different to P traps?
The S trap is a trap found in older Aussie homes. It resembles a stretched-out “S” lying on its side. The issue with S traps is that they’re prone to siphoning. Water rushing through can create a vacuum that sucks the water seal right out of the trap and dangerous gases can seep in.
P traps are the standard and code-approved choice for modern plumbing in toilets. However, they are sometimes replaced by bottle traps under sinks and basins for aesthetics and their compact size.
Instead of a curved shape, bottle traps have a cylindrical body that unscrews for easy cleaning. Inside, a water chamber functions like a P trap by creating a barrier that blocks sewer smells.
Our bottle traps aren’t just practical — they add a sleek touch to your bathroom. Made from premium materials and built to last, you can choose from a beautiful range of hard-wearing finishes like Antique Brass, Brushed Brass, Warm Brushed Nickel, Gunmetal, Matte Black and Chrome. Each finish has a quality coating that resists water spots, fingerprints and grime — so your basin looks brilliant with minimal effort.
Explore our basin waste collection to find your perfect match.
