Plumbing design (?)?

Question

We bought a modular home last year. The pipes that run under the house to the septic tank have a "u-shape" in the line not far from the bathroom. We were told by someone who says he was plumber that this "u-shape" is to keep the septic smell from coming thru the toilets/sinks into the house. I've been told by someone else (not a plumber, don't ask) that it's wrong and it will clog. Is there a professional plumber out there who can tell me what's right? We still have warranty left on the house and if it needs to be fixed, I want it fixed under the warranty.

Also, do we need to regularly put something like Ridex (spelling?) into the septic, and if yes, how often?

Thanks!

Answer 1

The U-shape is a house trap to prevent sewer gases from entering; However, some local regs do not permit them, since all of the other fixtures are already trapped and the house trap tends to clog easily. The ONLY answer is with the local inspector, who has jurisdiction over all plumbing design. Others have your septic answer.

Answer 2

Each plumbing fixture should have its own trap, and it should be located near the fixture, not down under the floor, except for the bathtub or shower. For example, if you look under the bathroom or kitchen sink, you'll see the trap right at the bottom of the drain pipe. By the way, it is called a "P-trap" because it resembles the letter P. You might also say it resembles the letter U, but if you include the horizontal leg, it looks like a P. Where this horizontal leg goes into the wall, you'll have a drain pipe going down to the sewer, and a vent pipe going up through the roof. The purpose of the vent pipe is to make sure that the water that gets trapped in the trap (naturally) doesn't get sucked out because of air pressure differences in the drain pipe. It is this water seal in the trap that keeps bad smells out of the house.

The toilet has a built-in trap at the rear of the toilet. With some toilets, you can even see the outline of the trap. You don't need a second trap under the floor, just a 90° bend (called a "closet bend") to connect up with the drain pipe.

As I mentioned earlier, only a bathtub or shower would have a trap under the floor, and that would be located right under the fixture. I fail to see the purpose of an extra trap in the line, and it actually would be ineffective if it was not properly vented because the water in the trap could get sucked out.

Answer 3

you have a trap that will keep sewer gases from coming up into your home. . very normal . . yes it can clog but it's better than smelling sewer smell all through your house. . only time they clog is when you flush tooooo much paper . . use a plunger and it will clear . . there are several different bacterial additives that you can add to your septic system (I use septic helper) for a family of 4 . .I put 1 cup down the drain once a month before we all leave the house for the day. We installed our system in 1995 and have yet to have to have it pumped out.

Answer 4

The U shape you are refering to is called a p-trap. It's sole purpose is to trap a small amount of water to prevent sewer gas from entering the house. All homes have this and it is necessary.

These are customarily installed immediately after a drain in a sink, tub or shower, never at a toilet. Toilets have them already built into them. If yours is downstream of a toilet it could be a clog hazard and should be removed.

Answer 5

Depends where the trap is located. Thats what u are saying is a u. Ridex works very well. Anymore ? e-me [e-mail]

Answer 6

To create the perfect bathroom, everything around you should be pleasant to your eyes and evoke an atmosphere of satisfaction in order to reach maximum comfort. Therefore, when you have decided to take on a bathroom renovation project you should think over everything up to the smallest details. Think over the purpose and functionality of every component in your loo. Select matching light fixtures and create harmony in your choice of bathroom tiles colors with other bathroom elements. Decorate with purpose, with the various accessories designed exactly to create the theme and style you want to produce.