What is this called

[Paul Johnston]

Anyone seen one of these? It looks to be a mechanical trap of some kind.

[Rick Hurst]

Never seen one of those myself. Not an approved trap for sure I'd say. That flex type drain is not approved either as it is not a smooth type interior.

rick

[Ron Bibler]

Yep its a trap. no good.

Best

Ron

[Richard Pultar]

the trap may be acceptable IF it can flush,you have to open it up to see the guts .
The connector is not a approved method or material though.It's to bad cause it's nice to have some flex in spots like that.
I am seeing expensive metal imported traps like that plastic one ,some are listed some are not.

[Jerry Peck]

Have never seen one either, and if it is a mechanical trap it is not allowed ... whether you can flush it or not.

When a trap and drain are installed and connected *PROPERLY*, not flex is needed, nor wanted.

That flexible drain line is just a breeding ground for bacteria.

The only thing holding that trap thingy (technical term) on is the slip nut, especially with that flexible line ... too much weight or water pressure and ... poof! ... that falls to the bottom of the cabinet. :eek:

[Richard Pultar]

If it is self scouring it's ok per national standard plumbing code 2006 , if it,s listed

[Michael Thomas]

Looks like a European style "bottle" trap:

http://www.mcalpineplumbing.com/graphics/bottletraps.jpg

McAlpine Plumbing Supplies | Plastic Traps Pipes Wastes Connectors and Fittings (http://www.mcalpineplumbing.com/wastetrapsandpipes.asp)

I've never seen one in the US.

[Tony Mount]

Paul, It looks like a barber hair trap with the clean out on the bottom instead of the side. Google it and you can see how much they look alike. I don't know how to add sites to this post. I still can't find spell check on this web site. I don't think I got the full package when the site was change.

[Billy Stephens]

Paul, It looks like a barber hair trap with the clean out on the bottom instead of the side. Google it and you can see how much they look alike. I don't know how to add sites to this post. I still can't find spell check on this web site. I don't think I got the full package when the site was change.
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[Jim Luttrall]

Paul, It looks like a barber hair trap with the clean out on the bottom instead of the side. Google it and you can see how much they look alike. I don't know how to add sites to this post. I still can't find spell check on this web site. I don't think I got the full package when the site was change.

Tony, go to the "user CP" tab at the top of the page, then "edit options" and at the bottom of the page at "miscellaneous options" section choose "Enhanced interface.." Then save changes.

[Markus Keller]

I have seen those come packaged with some of the Euro sinks. Also seen them installed with the open front, minimal vanity, glass bowl type designer setups. White pvc and in chrome metal, common enough around here. Typically non-big box purchase.

[Jerry Peck]

Many AHJ do not allow the bottle traps (or the other trap shown) as they do not meet *all* of the requirements set forth in the code - I have yet to be in a jurisdiction which does allow them.

I guess there there may be some AHJ which do allow them, or, maybe it is that those are installed by DIY after the fact with no permits and no inspections.

I would write it up, let the plumber get a letter from the AHJ - on the letterhead of the AHJ, then recommend to my client that they keep a copy of that letter taped to the bottom of the sink or trap in a zip-lock type bag as they may need it when they sell, and, by the way, could I have a copy of it.

Then I would take that copy down the AHJ and ask them about that trap and the code and explain to me why it is okay, so I can learn and understand why for the next time I see one.

[Randy Aldering]

It appears to be a hair trap. If this was plumbed to a sink where hair is washed, that might explain it. It would be interesting to know if there were any markings on it.

[Paul Johnston]

Thanks for all the inputs. There are no markings at all on the item.

[Jerry McCarthy]

I've seen bottle traps all over Europe yet never heard they're problematic; however most, if not all jurisdictions in the US don't allow them. For years the folks on the left coast have been denied wet venting, but it's beginning to sneak in and if done correctly is another system all over Europe.

[Steve Lowery]

Home D has those out here, in shiny attractive chrome.

[Jerry Peck]

I've seen bottle traps all over Europe yet never heard they're problematic; however most, if not all jurisdictions in the US don't allow them.


Many AHJ do not allow the bottle traps (or the other trap shown) as they do not meet *all* of the requirements set forth in the code - I have yet to be in a jurisdiction which does allow them.

It does not matter how pretty they are, or what their purpose is, unless they meet the requirements of the code and unless the AHJ allows them ... those traps are not allowed to be installed.

[Mike Schulz]

That flexible drain line is just a breeding ground for bacteria. :confused:

Any part of the waste pipes is breeding grounds............ Bacteria grows on slick surfaces also. ;)

[Jerry Peck]

:confused:

Any part of the waste pipes is breeding grounds............ Bacteria grows on slick surfaces also. ;)

But nothing like providing a corrugated pipe like that to collect waste and debris in for them to breed on. :eek:

[Paul Johnston]

Well after a lot of talking they agreed to remove the corrugated pipe but want to leave the bottle traps. 50% is better than nothing here.