One of the many overlooked but critical parts of a properly functioning plumbing system is the humble p-trap. This fixture is typically found just below the drain of a sink or inside the base of a toilet. It’s essentially a bend in a pipe that connects the vertical section of the pipe with the horizontal section, forming the shape of what looks like the letter “P”.
P-traps are very important since they are designed to prevent sewer gas from traveling up into your home through a sink drain. Of course, no one wants to smell that kind of thing, but these gasses can also be hazardous to your family’s health. P-traps also help you out in the opposite direction. They gather a small amount of debris as it makes its way from your drain to the septic system, which can help prevent bigger clogs further down the line. This can also be handy if you accidentally drop something in your sink!
