Jump to content

Double Traps


msteger

Recommended Posts

I know the plumbing code forbids double traps, but why exactly? Does having two traps in series allow for easier siphoning or what? I am drawing a blank.

This morning, the dual kitchen sink had a trap in the drain line that both sinks drained to, but under one sink was also a garbage disposal. The drain line coming out of the disposal immediately went into a trap, then ran laterally to meet the other sink's drain, and then they went into the common trap.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know the plumbing code forbids double traps, but why exactly? Does having two traps in series allow for easier siphoning or what? I am drawing a blank.

This morning, the dual kitchen sink had a trap in the drain line that both sinks drained to, but under one sink was also a garbage disposal. The drain line coming out of the disposal immediately went into a trap, then ran laterally to meet the other sink's drain, and then they went into the common trap.

The idea is to allow the waste products to drain, not to make them play a round of miniature golf.

Two traps in series makes for an unnecessarily tortuous drain path.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you don't install a vent between two traps then the air cannot get behind the first trap.

In AC, I sometimes put a 3/4" trap on the condensate line near the evaporator (cooling coil) to keep air from navigating the condensate drain line. If a plumber's trap is also installed on the house's plumbing for the AC condensate line then it's necessary to open the condensate line with a 'T' and a short vertical section of pipe between the two traps, otherwise you won't get the effect you wanted. It may also result in problems and a service call later on.

Marc

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Well, for the first time in a long time I saw a sink drain with 2 traps. This sink was on the 2nd floor bath.

Click to Enlarge
tn_20102710850_MineHill%20028.jpg

38.04 KB

Lo and behold, I went to the first floor sink and no trap at all.

Click to Enlarge
tn_20102710932_MineHill%20030.jpg

40.55 KB

My question is which sink did he install first?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...