How do you fix a smelly P-trap?

How do you fix a smelly P-trap?

If you smell a funny stench or odor coming from your floor drain, it’s very likely your P-trap is dry. Simply pour a few gallons of water to re-establish the proper water barrier. You can add a small amount of vinegar to help remove any persistent odors.

Do you need AP trap for washing machine?

When hooking up a new washing machine, some people look for a convenient drain line and simply install a pipe that extends to the washer. The lack of a P-trap exposes the area to sewer fumes and the lack of venting will cause the drain to run sluggishly and overflow. Washers, like all fixtures, need a trap.

Where is the P-trap location for washing machine?

Your washing machine P-trap must be 6–18 inches above floor level. This distance is measured from the floor to the centerline of the trap arm. The trap arm is the straight pipe that runs from the U-bend of the P-trap to the drain pipe. This P-trap height conforms to the standard building code.

Do all sink drains need a vent?

Whether you’re putting in a tub, toilet, sink, or floor drain, they all need a plumbing vent on the drain to make it work properly. The drain will likely make gurgling noises. The water in the trap could siphon out, resulting in a potent sewer smell.

How do I know if my P-trap is bad?

Bad smells – If your vent line is clogged, water may not flow properly through your drain system. As a result, the p-traps under your sinks or toilets may become dry and sewer gas may accumulate, causing a foul odor throughout your home.

Why does my P-trap stink?

A P-trap is the curved portion of pipe under the sink. It’s supposed to create a seal by holding water, which prevents sewer gases from getting into the bathroom. If the P-trap isn’t working properly, sewer gasses can make their way into the bathroom and cause your sink to stink.

Do washing machine drains have traps?

Your washing machine needs a trap on the drain line because the drainpipe connects to the sewer or septic system. This means the pipe can be a conduit for sewer gas to drift up into your home. Every time your washer drains, some of the water that flows into the pipe is caught in the trap.

How far can P-trap be from washer drain?

Code Requirements To meet standard building codes, install the trap on the drainpipe for the washing machine between 6 and 18 inches from the floor; 18 inches is the maximum height level for a P-trap on a washing machine.

Where should vent be for washing machine?

Venting the Washing Machine Every plumbing fixture, including your washing machine, needs proper venting to the outside. Poorly vented drains can be noisy, sluggish, and emit dangerous fumes.

How close should vent be to P trap?

30 inches
trap, the distance from the weir of the trap to the vent pipe opening “shall not” exceed 30 inches.

Does the vent go before or after the P trap?

Plain and simple, the vent comes AFTER the trap. A vent before the trap does absolutely nothing. The open drain inlet at the bottom of the sink is the vent before the trap. It is why fixtures do not need ANY vent to drain, they need a proper drain to not siphon the trap.

Why is my P-trap backing up?

Dry p-traps occur when the trap or interceptor has lost its water seal, allowing sewer gases to build back up through the drain and into your home. The leak can lead to a clogged drain and cause smells to back up inside your home. Smelly p-traps happen when sewer gases have backed up into your house through the drain.

How does a vent line for a kitchen sink work?

How a Traditional Vent Line Works. In most houses, the drain line for each sink extends horizontally back into a wall, where it fits into a sanitary tee. One outlet on the tee extends downward into a vertical drain line, and the other extends upward into a vent system that is open to outside air.

Do you need a mechanical vent for under the sink P trap?

If all that sounds like too much, get a mechanical vent such as jberger suggested. They are not accepted by many codes, but they do work. Just be sure it’s attached to a long enough pipe so that the valve is above the flood level of the sink.

Can a washing machine drain pipe be vented?

NEVER install a washing machine drain pipe and vent like this. Look at MY drawing below. Kevin, the answer is NO.

How does an air admittance valve on a bathroom sink work?

Auto vents or air admittance valves work by letting air into the drainage system when the fixture is used while keeping any of the sewer gas smell from coming back into the house through the valve. It is common for mobile homes to have auto vents installed under bathroom sinks.