Do Shower Drains Have P-Traps?

Is your shower drain clogged or refusing to drain? Have you noticed a foul odor in your bathroom or shower? King's Services can help! Call 431-813-5843 now!

Do shower drains have P-traps? Unless you're a professional plumber, you might not know what a P-trap is or what purpose it serves. The truth is, the P-trap is an integral part of your shower's drain. 

If you need drain cleaning service in Winnipeg, MB, we can help. Unsure about the role your shower's p-trap plays in its ability to drain? Keep reading to learn more about shower drains and P-traps.

What Is a P-Trap?

A P-trap attaches to your shower's drain. P-traps are used to prevent sewer gases from entering the shower through the drain pipe. A P-trap forms an airtight seal that uses water as a barrier, and plumbers can access it from the outside.

In addition to blocking sewer gases and odors, P-traps prevent bugs and flies from entering your home. They also catch items that mistakenly fall into the shower's drain. 

P-traps have been in use for over 200 years and the name comes from their distinct "P" shape. Modern P-traps have several different parts, including:

• A tailpiece or inlet where the water enters from the drain.
• A J-bend, where the water collects and seals the drain.
• A cleanout that allows access to the J-bend.
• A wall tube that runs towards the main drain line.

If you accidentally drop something down your shower's drain, you may be able to retrieve it. Thanks to the cleanout, dropped items usually collect at the bottom of the trap.

Do Shower Drains Have P-Traps?

Plumbing systems in the United States and most parts of Canada typically have P-traps, as these parts are required by law. In other parts of the world, this requirement varies.

You can check by inserting a snake into the shower's drain. If you hit water soon after entering the drain, you most likely have a P-trap. It may also be visible with a flashlight, depending on the shower's design.

If you do not have one, you'll want to leave the installation to a qualified plumber. Depending on your shower, it may be necessary to go through the floor or surrounding wall in order to access the pipes. 

How Do I Know if My Shower’s P-Trap Needs Cleaning?

Other than draining slowly or not at all, the smell in your shower will let you know if the P-trap needs cleaning. If your shower smells like sewage or has a foul odor, your P-trap is most likely not functioning properly. 

When shower P-traps are having issues forming a proper seal, they will not be able to block sewer gases. These gases will then find their way back into your shower. 

Should I Clean My Shower’s P-Trap?

Your shower's P-trap can become clogged and lead to slow draining or standing water in the shower. In this case, you can potentially clear the clog with some household tools. 

• Baking soda and vinegar. Using a third of a cup of baking soda and vinegar, you can clean your drain naturally. Pour both ingredients down the shower drain and wait 30 minutes before flushing with hot water. 
• Cleanout. Some shower drains will have a way to access the P-trap, called a "cleanout." A cleanout allows you to drain or snake the P-trap without having to remove parts of your shower.
• Liquid drain cleaner. While this should be your last resort, commercial drain cleaner may help. If you choose to use this solution, read the instructions carefully. Remember these chemicals can be dangerous and cause damage to plumbing if you use them incorrectly.

If you're having issues with your shower's P-trap, consider contacting a professional plumber. They can diagnose and repair the issue quickly without causing further harm to your drain.

How Do I Know if There’s an Issue With My P-Trap? 

Your shower's P-trap can effectively stop odors coming from your shower drain. If you notice a foul odor in your bathroom or shower, it may need an inspection or cleaning.

Can I Replace My Shower’s P-Trap?

If you have a basement or easy access to your plumbing system, you may be able to replace your shower's P-trap yourself. If not, the process will be much more complicated and requires the assistance of a professional.

Without easy access to the P-trap, a plumber will have to go through the shower floor to perform the repairs. This process can become even more complicated due to factors such as the slope of the plumbing and the home. 

It's always best to leave complicated repairs to a professional plumber.

Are There Alternatives to a P-Trap?

Several alternatives to P-traps exist around the world. These are not always legal in the United States or Canada though. These alternatives include:

• Shallow P-trap. Although it works much the same as a traditional P-trap, a shallow P-trap is smaller. This means it works well in areas with limited space.
• Bottle trap. Bottle traps are another alternative to P-traps that work in a similar fashion. They are not intended for shower use, however. 

A P-trap is your shower's best defense against sewer gases or other intrusions lurking in your drains. While alternatives exist, it can be tricky to tell what's accepted in your area and what isn't. Contact a plumber before making any changes to the existing plumbing in your home to guarantee you stay up to code. 

Schedule Professional P-Trap Cleaning Today

If your drain is clogged with dirt or smells like sewage, it's time to call for help. King's Services can diagnose the problem and resolve it quickly. Don't wait; get your shower's P-trap repaired by Winnipeg's best drain cleaning service today. Call (431) 813-5843 to speak to a member of our team now.

Do you have questions other than "do shower drains have p-traps"? Call now to speak with our team. We can answer any question you may have about your drain or plumbing system.