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View Full Version : "S" Traps ? / 11 Year Old Home


Andrew Kolar
06-13-2012, 05:34 PM
I had to travel almost 50 miles outside of my "normal" inspection area to do a home inspection for a relo company. The home was built in 2001. In my "Normal" area, the trap arms below sinks almost ALWAYS are installed through the wall below the sink (except in older homes with S traps). In this particular home (which was only 11 years old) all the sink drains were installed through the cabinet base / floor. I am aware that a vertical drain leg for waste fixtures can be acceptable when properly installed. However, I also know that the trap arm length generally needs to be at least 2 times the diameter of the pipe or sometimes a minimum of 8". Many of these traps appeared to have been installed as "S" traps, without any horizontal trap arm. The ones with a longer horizontal trap arm don't appear to fit the guidelines for vertical drain legs. What are your guys' opinions? For the most part, the rest of the home appeared to have been well built and in accordance with modern standards.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/KolarPhotos/A120613040.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/KolarPhotos/A120613038.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/KolarPhotos/A120613041.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/KolarPhotos/A120613037.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/KolarPhotos/A120613036.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/KolarPhotos/A120613032.jpg
Rick Cantrell
06-13-2012, 05:53 PM
Unless there is some sort of exception in your area, none of those are allowed.
Andrew Kolar
06-13-2012, 06:02 PM
Those were my thoughts as well. And no "exceptions" that I am aware of that would allow for it. Most appear to be "S" traps, and some improperly vented "P" traps, correct?
John Kogel
06-13-2012, 07:44 PM
Home owner did his own plumbing with parts from the local big box store.
There could be hidden defects.
Were there plumbing vents through the roof?
Andrew Kolar
06-14-2012, 04:20 AM
Yes. Two plumbing vents, came through the roof with 4" pipe. Supply plumbing was copper and appeared to have been installed by a licensed plumber, or at least someone who knew what there were doing, and did it well. That is what is puzzling with these drain traps....
Fred Weck
06-14-2012, 07:32 AM
The 3rd and 5th pictures are called siphon legs (at least around here), they are as wrong as S-traps.