P-traps prevent odors from seeping back into the living space.
A bathroom sink drain trap, typically referred to as a "p-trap" because of its shape, is a short section of plumbing pipe that is formed so that a small amount of draining water from the sink is trapped in such a way to seal the drain line. The trapped water prevents odors and gases that form in the sewer drain lines from being released back into the living space via the sink drain.
Instructions
1. Hold the p-trap fitting next to the sink drain downpipe to mark the length to cut the downpipe, aligning the top edge of the p-trap's vertical opening level with the bottom edge of the horizontal drain line extending from the wall. If you are using the style of p-trap with an in-line connection to the wall drain pipe, align the p-trap connection with the wall drain pipe to mark the sink's drain downpipe length. Be sure to mark the downpipe so that a minimum of 1 inch inserts into the p-trap's vertical connection.
2. Cut the sink's downpipe to the length marked in Step 1 using a hacksaw or pipe cutter, then scrap away any burrs or splinters from the inside diameter of the cut using the edge of a utility knife blade.
3. Slide the vertical p-trap connection nut onto the sink's downpipe, then insert the p-trap onto the downpipe and hand-tighten the connection nut to hold the fitting in place. Shift the p-trap fitting as necessary to point directly at the pipe.
4. Hold the straight extension aligned with with wall drain and p-trap connection and mark the length to cut the extension, then cut the extension to length using a hacksaw or pipe cutter. Make certain to allow 1/4 inch less in the cut measurement for the ABS coupling that connects the extension to the wall drain pipe.
5. Spread a layer of ABS cement on the end of the wall drain pipe, then attach the coupling provided.
6. Slide the p-trap's connection nut from the horizontal connecting end onto the extension pipe, with the treaded opening pointed toward the p-trap, then apply a layer of ABS cement to the inside of the coupling opening. Insert the extension into the coupling to connect the two pieces, making certain the end of the extension is directed correctly to connect to the p-trap. Note: ABS cement dries very quickly and does not allow more than a few seconds to adjust the pipe in the fitting.
7. Slide the p-trap connection nut to the end of the extension pipe, and connect the p-trap by threading the nut onto the end of the p-trap and hand-tightening the nut. The p-trap is now connected to the sink's downpipe and the wall drain line.
8. Tighten both of the p-trap fitting's end connection nuts 1/4 to 1/2 turn until snug to complete the p-trap drain installation.
Tags: wall drain, drain pipe, wall drain pipe, p-trap connection, sink drain