🧱 Different Types of Traps Used in Plumbing

Plumbing is one of the most essential aspects of any building — ensuring hygiene, comfort, and functionality. Among its many components, traps play a vital role in maintaining sanitation and preventing foul gases from entering living spaces. In this article, we’ll explore the Different Types of Traps Used in Plumbing, their functions, applications, and how SSES Engineers ensures the best SITC (Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning) services for plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. 🚰

💧 What is a Trap in Plumbing?

A trap is a bent or U-shaped pipe installed under a sink, toilet, floor drain, or any other fixture. Its main purpose is to retain a small quantity of water, which acts as a seal against sewer gases.

Without traps, bad odors, insects, and harmful gases from the drainage system could easily enter the building. Traps are therefore an essential part of every plumbing system — both in internal and external drainage lines.

🔍 Importance of Traps in Plumbing Systems

Here’s why traps are indispensable in plumbing systems:
✅ Prevent entry of sewer gases into occupied spaces
✅ Stop insects and rodents from entering through drain lines
✅ Help in maintaining hygiene and odor-free environments
✅ Allow easy cleaning and maintenance in case of blockage
✅ Maintain the water seal to ensure proper functionality

🚿 Different Types of Traps Used in Plumbing

Let’s look at the Different Types of Traps Used in Plumbing, their applications, and where each is typically installed. 👇

🌀 1. P-Trap

The P-Trap is one of the most common plumbing traps, usually installed under sinks and wash basins. It gets its name from its shape, which resembles the letter “P” when viewed from the side.

• Retains a small water seal to prevent odors

• Easy to remove and clean

• Commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries

💡 Fun Fact: Modern P-traps are often made from PVC, which resists corrosion and is lightweight compared to old cast iron models.

🔄 2. S-Trap

The S-Trap is similar to the P-Trap but designed for floor-mounted toilets. It forms an “S” shape and directly connects the fixture to the floor waste line.

• Ideal for floor-outlet WC pans

• Maintains a strong water seal

• Commonly used in older building designs

🚫 However, many modern plumbing codes now prefer P-traps over S-traps due to better air sealing and easier maintenance.

💨 3. Floor Trap (Nahani Trap)

The Floor Trap, also known as the Nahani Trap, is installed in bathroom or kitchen floors to collect wastewater from sinks, showers, and floors before discharging it into the drainage line.

• Prevents foul smell from entering bathrooms

• Has a removable grating for cleaning

• Often includes a deep water seal for efficiency

🏡 Commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility areas.

🕳️ 4. Gully Trap

A Gully Trap is installed outside the building, usually at the junction where wastewater from bathrooms and kitchens meets the main sewer line.

• Acts as a barrier for sewer gases

• Collects domestic wastewater before connecting to the main drainage

• Constructed using brick masonry with a cast iron grating

🌳 It’s an important component of external drainage systems, ensuring sanitary separation between internal and external waste lines.

💧 5. Bottle Trap

The Bottle Trap is used under washbasins where aesthetics matter — such as in modern bathrooms or hotel wash areas.

• Compact, cylindrical design

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Common in designer washrooms and public restrooms

✨ This trap not only maintains hygiene but also enhances the look of the plumbing installation.

🚽 6. Intercepting Trap

The Intercepting Trap (or Interception Trap) is fitted at the point where the building’s drainage system meets the municipal sewer line.

• Provides a final barrier to prevent gases from the public sewer

• Usually fitted with an inspection cover

• Maintains an effective water seal

🏗️ Commonly found in large residential or commercial drainage systems.

🧰 7. Drum Trap

A Drum Trap is a cylindrical-shaped trap used to collect debris and maintain a water seal. Though not common in modern systems, it was widely used in older installations.

• Stores sediment and dirt

• Reduces frequent clogging of drainage lines

• Typically used in bathtubs and old-style sinks

⚙️ SSES Engineers – Your Trusted SITC Partner for Plumbing Systems

At SSES Engineers, we don’t just supply plumbing materials — we specialize in SITC (Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning) of complete plumbing and fire fighting systems. 💪

Here’s why clients trust us across India:
✅ 25+ years of experience in plumbing and fire fighting projects
✅ Expertise in multi-story residential, commercial, and industrial installations
✅ Skilled technical team ensuring compliance with IS codes and NBC guidelines
✅ Timely delivery and execution with full safety standards
✅ Transparent communication and professional project management

While we are not manufacturers, we partner with reputed brands and ensure installation excellence, making us the preferred plumbing and fire fighting contractor for projects by DLF, M3M, Adani, and Silverglade.

🏗️ Conclusion

Understanding the Different Types of Traps Used in Plumbing helps in designing efficient, hygienic, and long-lasting systems. Whether it’s a P-trap under your washbasin or a gully trap outside your home, each plays a crucial role in maintaining sanitary conditions.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner for Supply, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning (SITC) of plumbing systems — SSES Engineers stands out for its commitment, expertise, and excellence.

📞 Get in touch with us today and experience precision plumbing solutions that last.