A waste trap in your waste pipe is essential, as it helps prevent solid waste from blocking the drain.
It is usually fitted in kitchens, bathrooms, and basins and installed in a U formation – this forms a trap that holds water, which acts as a barrier between the drain pipe and sink or basin.
Two types of waste traps are commonly used- p traps (or P-traps) and bottle traps. The main differences between bottle and P traps are size, flow, and suitability for specific areas.
What is a bottle trap?
A bottle trap in a waste pipe is a fitting that prevents sewer gases from entering homes. It also prevents objects from going down the drain, such as hair, soaps, and other things in the drains.
This waste trap is a U-shaped pipe containing water inside it to keep out the smells and debris.
To prevent possible blockage of waste materials by clogging up this U-pipe, most waste traps are designed with a ‘P’ or an ‘S’ curve shape on their side walls.
This enables water to stay longer in the trap allowing it more time to cleanse any odors by drowning them in the trap with fresh water before being drained via gravity through the main pipe.
Moreover, bottle traps separate large objects from the water flow. For example, if you want to clean your aquarium, you need a bottle trap so that any fish or other objects (shells, pebbles) won’t get washed out of the tank.
Bottle traps can also be used for purposes other than cleaning tanks and drains. For example, they’re often used in laboratories.
This is because they make it easier to handle chemicals without spilling or contaminating anything else due to their unique structure.
In addition, bottle traps are excellent at removing dirt from water and gas lines with minimal effort.
The trick is to place a bottle trap on top of the pipe with an opening that faces downwards and another opening that points upwards towards the section of the pipe you want to clean.
Then, add water and let it sit for a few hours before removing and cleaning it from any sediment collected at the bottom.
A potential disadvantage of a bottle trap is that the water may not drain as quickly as in a conventional trap.
This can be especially problematic in toilets where, if water is left standing for too long, there is a risk that an unpleasant odor could result from bacterial growth.
What is a P trap?
A P trap is a plumbing fitting used to prevent sewer gasses flow back into a home through a drain system.
It can also be found in other locations, such as waste pipes, wastewater systems, and septic tank lines.
This waste trap is simply a short length of curved pipe connected to the drain pipe or outlet pipe in two places and has an opening on one end.
This opening aims to prevent sewer gasses from flowing back into your home when there isn’t water in the section of the pipe where it connects to the trap itself.
It works like this: water fills up part of the trap and seals off the opening when you flush the toilet or run water down any other drain.
This traps the sewer gas inside the drain. This is why it’s essential to always have enough water in your basin, shower, or tub to fill up this section of pipe.
Otherwise, any time you run water down a drain that doesn’t have enough water, you could be drawing bad odors from your sewage system into your home.
In addition to preventing sewer gases from entering your home through drains, P traps also work like an airlock against liquids and solids that can enter pipes other than drains due to gravity or pressure.
The installation of a P trap is relatively easy, requiring only basic hand tools and the ability to measure carefully to ensure that it sits flat on the edge of the drain hole.
There are two types of P traps – S-traps and J-traps. S-traps have an S-shaped curve, and J-traps have a J-shaped trap.
A potential downside of a P trap is that it tends to collect debris, particularly hair and other items. This can lead to a clogged drain and may need to be disassembled to clean the trap and remove any foreign objects.
What are the differences between a bottle trap and a P trap?
Some crucial differences between these two plumbing fittings could help you make the right choice for your household.
1. Size
The first noticeable difference between a P trap and a bottle trap is that a P trap is not suitable for smaller spaces, whereas bottle traps are.
Since P traps tend to be quite big, so they’re not the best for a small bathroom or kitchen. However, they are ideal for basements and other places that don’t require short pipes.
Bottle traps, however, can be adjusted to fit into smaller spaces easily. And because of their significantly smaller size, bottle traps are more efficient at reducing unpleasant odors and bad smells.
2. Water flow
Another difference between a P trap and a bottle trap is how water flows through them. P traps have external bends rather than internal ones, as bottle traps do.
This is because bottle traps position their bends inside the pipe instead of outside it. The different flow patterns of each type lead to unique plumbing benefits for both P traps and bottle traps.
P traps tend to be a more practical option for large-scale plumbing projects, whereas bottle traps are the better choice for smaller residential setups.
3. Cost
P traps and bottle traps also differ in terms of cost. Bottle traps, as they tend to be smaller and require less material than their larger counterparts, generally cost less to make and install.
Although both types of traps have their benefits and drawbacks, it’s essential to consider all the factors that determine which trap best suits you before deciding.
And with this information in mind, you’ll find yourself much better equipped when selecting one of these handy plumbing tools.
4. Maintenance
Another important piece of information when choosing between a bottle trap and a P trap is that a bottle trap can be cleaned by simply removing the cap and reaching inside. A P trap, on the other hand, must be removed for cleaning.
When cleaning these traps, there are a few things to consider. First, bottle traps are easier to clean because they do not have bends in the pipe like P traps do, making it difficult to get anything stuck and hard to reach.
Second, if you choose a P trap over a bottle trap, you will most likely need professional assistance at some point.
Not only can cleaning a P trap be difficult and messy due to its shape, but it is also prone to clogging if not correctly maintained.
5. Suitability for certain areas
While bottle traps may be easier to install and maintain, keep in mind that they’re not allowed in certain areas, so it is necessary to find the regulations for your area.
Even though the bottle trap may seem like the best choice in your case, the regulations in your area/building may forbid it.
Bottle trap vs P trap: Are they the same?
We could conclude that both of these traps have a similar role in your household, but there are essential differences between them that you should consider.
A bottle trap is suitable for smaller areas, as it is generally smaller and easier to fit. It is also usually more affordable than a P trap. However, it may not be allowed in all areas, so it is necessary to check your local regulations.
On the other hand, a P trap is more suitable for larger areas, and it can be harder to maintain as it needs to be removed for cleaning.
A P trap offers better water flow and is a better choice for commercial projects or more extensive water systems.
Related Article: J-Bend VS P-Trap
David Kessler is a CSLB licensed contractor with over 25 years of experience. He is specialized in home building, construction, and electrical works; he also has a keen eye for interior design and, over the years, has collaborated with various architects.
