A trap primer adds water to a plumbing trap to prevent the backflow of sewer gases. They are important for fixtures without automatic filling, and can work in different ways. It’s important to periodically inspect drains and traps for blockages or leaks. Older homes may not have them installed, so residents should check their plumbing and discuss with a plumber if needed.
A trap primer is a plumbing device that adds water to a trap, which is a section of plumbing that prevents the backflow of sewer gases. The design of the trap is relatively simple, and the trap primers keep the plumbing in good working condition so people don’t have to check it. In some cases building codes require them and in others they may be a great idea. Most plumbing supply stores carry these along with other plumbing accessories for people who need fixtures repaired or replaced.
In the trap, a layer of water suppresses sewer gases, keeping them out of a building. The water will evaporate over time, making it necessary to refill the trap periodically. With something like a toilet, each flush automatically fills the bend in the toilet designed to keep sewer gas from escaping. Floor drains and similar fixtures lack this feature, making it necessary to refill the trap periodically. A primer trap automates this process.
The trap primer can work in several ways. One draft routes a small amount of cold water from the sink each time it’s run, keeping the trap full, but not overflowing. Others respond to pressure changes in the system. A plumber may have advice on the best option for a given setting, depending on how often a particular drain is used.
It is important to periodically inspect drains and traps to make sure they are working properly. Any blockages should be removed and the trap primed to confirm that it is adding water periodically to keep the trap properly filled. If a strong or unpleasant smell starts coming from a drain, this could be a sign of sewer gas leaks or another problem, such as a clog. To fix this, you need to remove any coating and pour some water to see how it behaves; if it drains very slowly, for example, that’s a sign of a blockage and the drain may need to be soaked or meandered to get cleared.
In older homes, plumbers may not have installed trap primers by the time they put the plumbing in. People should be aware of this when buying or moving into an older home and may want to check the plumbing to determine if it needs repairs. If building code mandates the use of trap primer for certain settings, residents can discuss the situation with a plumber and get advice on when and how to overhaul the plumbing system to bring it up to standard.
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