I’m new to this and trying to finish the essay/photo completion at the end of the course. I took this picture of my own sink, and I’m trying to identify what language exactly would appear in a report.
This loos like an S trap to me, although I see from other forums that the horizontal leg is just over 3 inches (that’s 2 times the distance from the weir to the vertical drain). Is that enough of a horizontal distance to call this a P trap? Or does this call for a longer horizontal leg and/or an AAV? This setup is also found under the two bathroom lavatory drains.
For an actual S trap my report says they are no longer permitted and may siphon dry under certain drainage conditions allowing sewage gasses to enter the home.
Having grown up in an old farm house with S traps, the reality is, that that is unlikely. Mention it anyway.
Also be on the lookout for galvanized drain pipes which often accompanied older plumbing. These will permanently clog on the inside from rust and will need replacement to correct.
Thank y’all for all the input. Your thoughts confirm my own sense that this setup, while not simply an S trap, is unconventional and should be vented, even if I don’t spring for a redo of my undersink plumbing. Does anybody have advice on a sample narrative that you would be comfortable writing in your report for this sort of setup? I’m curious to see actual language that would note the irregularity without sounding like somebody’s home purchase is a bad idea.
I believe that could still be considered an s-trap, because of the missing vent.
It is not allowed to fall before the vent, and then fall again… I would have to look that up
Maybe @mwilles would know
That would still function as a S-trap.
Here is 2 comments you may want to use. Change them as you would like to.
There is at least one or more “unvented S-Trap(s)” present. Although common in older homes like this one, they have not been an approved use in plumbing systems for over 20 years. Sometimes they will gurgle when draining water (they’re struggling for air). They can also dry up and allow sewer gas or odors back into the building. Common methods of repair are properly venting them outside, or if that is not possible - changing any of them to a “P-trap” with an AAV (auto-vent) if your jurisdiction allows it. **We recommend you consider changing these.
There is at least one or more “unvented S-Trap(s)” present. Although common in older homes, this home is newer and in our opinion this indicates a handyman installation VERSUS performed by a competent plumber. These traps have not been an approved use in plumbing systems for at least 30+ years. Sometimes they will gurgle when draining water (they’re struggling for air). They can also dry up and allow sewer gas or odors back into the building. Common methods of repair are properly venting them outside, or if that is not possible - changing any of them to a “P-trap” with an AAV (auto-vent) if your jurisdiction allows it. We recommend having any of these replaced to conform to current plumbing standards."
Thanks, Roy. That’s exactly the kind of language I’m looking for. I really like the “although common in older homes” phrase, as it gives the buyer a sense that these kinds of defects aren’t game-changers for a homeowner, but need to be factored into the purchase decision for an older home.
I like your statement! I took the liberty to modify it a bit for word economy.
One or more “unvented S-Trap(s)” are present. These are prone to gurgle when draining water, as they are struggling for air. They can also dry up and allow sewer gas or odors back into the building. S- traps have not been approved for use in plumbing systems for at least 30+ years. We recommend replacement as needed to conform to current plumbing standards.
