According to regulations, all shower drains are required to have P-traps. This includes all fixtures connected to a buildings main plumbing system. P-traps are curved pipes installed under showers and drains of all kinds. This pipe really is an essential component in your homes plumbing system.

How far can P-trap be from shower drain?

Maximum Distance According to the International Residential Code, the maximum vertical distance between the sink drain and the entrance to the p-trap is 24 inches.

Where is the P-trap in a shower?

The P-trap is a U-shaped section of pipe that dips down below the rest of your shower drain line before it connects to your main stack.

Is P-trap necessary?

Even if you arent a plumber by trade, youve probably seen the u-shape piece of piping under your kitchen or bathroom sink. This is a specific piece of plumbing equipment called a P-trap, and it is a necessary part of your homes plumbing system.

How do I fix my shower P-trap?

If you havent used the shower in a while, its possible that the water in the P-trap has evaporated. This is an easy fix – just run water in the shower for a few minutes and the P-trap will refill and the smell should go away.

Why does my shower smell like sewer?

Smells in a shower drain can be caused by odor-causing bacteria that feed on debris in the pipe. Some of these anaerobic bacteria live in fetid water in the P-trap and produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like sewage. Other odors can also be caused by the debris itself, like hair or soap scum build-up.

What can I use instead of P trap?

Recently I discovered the amazing HepvO Waterless Valve. Its a new solution to this old problem. Using a flexible silicon tube inside that seals out air but allows water to flow in one direction, it performs the same task without using any water and without being large and bulky like a p-trap.

How do you clean an HVAC P trap?

1:363:56Fast and Easy Clean Out of Condensate Lines on an AirYouTube

Why does my shower drain smell like poop?

A regular sewer-gas smell is just a bad stink with a definite odor of feces and sometimes a rotten-egg (hydrogen sulfide) smell and/or a moldy mustiness too. because an empty or dried-out P-trap is by far the most common cause of all sewer-gas smells.

How do you fix a smelly P-trap?

To eliminate odors coming from a dry p-trap, pour half a gallon of water into the trap to restore the barrier. It will prevent the odors from seeping through the drain. Another helpful method is to add a cup of white vinegar bleach to get rid of larvae and slow down the evaporation.

Why do I still smell after a shower?

Shower at least once a day, and youll wash away sweat and get rid of some of the bacteria on your skin. Sweat by itself is basically odorless. But when the bacteria that live on your skin mix with sweat, they multiply quickly and raise quite a stink.

Does a shower drain have to have a vent?

Its easy to forget, but its a vital and required part of any plumbing fixture drain. The vent pipes remove sewer gases while allowing air into the system to help the water drain. Without a vent, your shower wont drain correctly.

Why do sinks have P-traps?

The p-trap under sink plumbing pipe serves the function of capturing a small amount of water inside your drainpipes after the sink is used. This plug prevents sewer gases from coming up the wastewater line and out the sink.