The U-shaped bend in your drain pipe is called the p-trap. This pipe is also referred to as a trap.

What is the U pipe called?

trap In plumbing, a trap is a U-shaped portion of pipe designed to trap liquid or gas to prevent unwanted flow; most notably sewer gases from entering buildings while allowing waste materials to pass through.

How do you replace a sink U-bend?

0:061:52How to Replace a Sink Trap | Plumbing | The Home DepotYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can replace it fairly easily. Heres what youll need to begin remove the old drain assemblyMoreYou can replace it fairly easily. Heres what youll need to begin remove the old drain assembly from the top down. Use your pliers to unscrew any stubborn slip nuts.

Why do kitchen sinks have u bends?

Newcomers to bathroom plumbing sometimes ask, why do I need a U bend? The simple answer is that the water trapped in the U bend acts as a barrier to the foul smells that otherwise rise from the sewer or other drainage pipework. This is why it is an absolute requirement in the building regulations.

Which is better p-trap or S trap?

P-traps are generally considered by most to be more effective and consistent in maintaining water trap compared to S-traps. Their design makes them less vulnerable to drying out and losing seal: a properly installed P-trap will never lose its water seal.

How do you unblock you bend?

Look under your sink and find the U-bend, its the first bend in the pipe immediately below the plughole. Put your bucket/dish under the U-bend and carefully unscrew the section of pipe. The U-bend has two sets of threads, one at either end. As you loosen them any backed up water will drain out, so take your time.

Do showers have u bends?

Bathroom and kitchen waste traps or u bends remain a mystery to some people but the principle of the trap, be it a P trap, U bend, Gully trap, S trap, bottle trap, pedestal trap, shower or bath trap is exactly the same. The water sits in the U bend where it forms a blockage for gas trying to get back into the room.

Why do you need a trap under your sink?

The p-trap under sink plumbing pipe serves the function of capturing a small amount of water inside your drainpipes after the sink is used. This plug prevents sewer gases from coming up the wastewater line and out the sink.

Why is it called a P-trap?

A P-trap gets its name because it combines two 90 degree joints with a horizontal overflow pipe and gives the entire unit the shape of the letter “P.” One of the 90 degree joints exits the drain of the sink and then is joined to another which contains a water seal system that allows for water to flow into the overflow

How do you unblock a sink full of sick?

Just pour a small amount of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. As the baking soda and vinegar start to work, you will hear a fizzing noise. Leave for a few minutes, and use hot water to wash the mixture down the drain. Another method is to use soda crystals to unblock the sink.

What does a J bend or P-trap do?

J-traps and P-traps serve the important function of preventing sewer gas from rising from the sewer system and into your home. The concept is amazingly simple. The U-trap in the P-trap or J-trap captures a small amount of water that serves as a barrier to the sewer gas that wants to come back up the drain pipe.

Does trap have to be directly below drain?

The P trap SHOULD be directly under the drain, but no more than a few inches off center of it, if conditions require it. NO trap, TWO traps, and/or a 9 foot offset are NOT allowed and if he suggests any of them get a different installer who is a REAL plumber.

Are plastic P-traps good?

The most common is plastic, which is made of either PVC or ABS. They are easy to install and maintenance is easy to perform. The plastic P-Traps are the least expensive of the two but is not as attractive as the metal traps. This makes drum traps more prone to getting clogged.