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Thread: Sink drain line

  1. #1
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    Default Sink drain line

    Looks like a hand crafted "s" type old school drain. Your thoughts are welcome.....


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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Sink drain line

    Someone has a shelf where a shelf should not be ... so they did a loop-dee-loop instead of either cutting a slot in the shelf or cutting the shelf out.

    You are correct that they ended up with an 'S-trap'.

    Now someone else gets to try their idea out (maybe they will actually think of cutting the shelf? ).

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Sink drain line

    Yes, S trap.
    My thought is that most of the S traps we report are acknowledged for a few minutes and then left to their own devices.
    My second thought is that brushing teeth and splashing water on faces never generates enough flow thru the 1 1/4" drain to siphon out the 1 1/2" trap. JMO. because I haven't tried it myself.

    My last house had the trap mounted on its side in one of the bathrooms. The removable nut was at the bottom of the trap loop. When we sold after 8 years I had never needed to fix it, so it lives on.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Sink drain line

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    My last house had the trap mounted on its side in one of the bathrooms.
    That means it was not a trap, it was just a circuitous route the water had to follow - it may have been made using a trap, but using 'clothesline' to hang a bucket from a beam does not make it a "clothesline".

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  5. #5
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    High Springs, Florida
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    Default Re: Sink drain line

    My narratives for S-traps..................

    1) There is at least one or more "unvented S-Trap(s)" present. Although common in older homes like this one, they have not been an approved use in plumbing systems for over 20 years. Sometimes they will gurgle when draining water (they're struggling for air). They can also dry up and allow sewer gas or odors back into the building. Common methods of repair are properly venting them outside, or if that is not possible - changing any of them to a "P-trap" with an AAV (auto-vent) if your jurisdiction allows it. We recommend you consider changing these.



    2) There is at least one or more "unvented S-Trap(s)" present. Although common in older homes, this home is newer and in our opinion this indicates a handyman installation VERSUS performed by a competent plumber. These traps have not been an approved use in plumbing systems for at least 20+ years. Sometimes they will gurgle when draining water (they're struggling for air). They can also dry up and allow sewer gas or odors back into the building. Common methods of repair are properly venting them outside, or if that is not possible - changing any of them to a "P-trap" with an AAV (auto-vent) if your jurisdiction allows it. We recommend having any of these replaced to conform to current plumbing standards.


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  6. #6
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    Default Re: Sink drain line

    Roy,

    "
    they have not been an approved use in plumbing systems for over 20 years
    "

    I would change that to 'for at least the last 40-50 years '.

    I doubt 'S' traps have been allowed since the 1960s, but the 40-50 puts the middle of that range at 1970ish ... and I really doubt they were allowed then.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  7. #7
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    Oct 2010
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    Default Re: Sink drain line

    The shape may be S but U do not see any measurements.

    - - - Updated - - -

    1: If it with withing 5' of the wet stack it is compliant.
    2: At least 2 x Pipe Dia from the trap wier (bottom of elbow going back) to the vent/stack (even if the vent is an AAV).

    Robert Young's Montreal Home Inspection Services Inc.
    Call (514) 489-1887 or (514) 441-3732
    Our Motto; Putting information where you need it most, "In your hands.”

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Sink drain line

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    Roy,

    "
    they have not been an approved use in plumbing systems for over 20 years
    "

    I would change that to 'for at least the last 40-50 years '.

    I doubt 'S' traps have been allowed since the 1960s, but the 40-50 puts the middle of that range at 1970ish ... and I really doubt they were allowed then.
    That goes to show how old I am. I've used that or something similar for over 20 plus years..
    I need to update it..Thanks


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  9. #9
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    Default Re: Sink drain line

    Quote Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG View Post
    The shape may be S but U do not see any measurements.

    - - - Updated - - -

    1: If it with withing 5' of the wet stack it is compliant.
    2: At least 2 x Pipe Dia from the trap wier (bottom of elbow going back) to the vent/stack (even if the vent is an AAV).
    Robert,

    That is not compliant in any way, shape, or form - regardless how close to or how far from the vent it is.

    You are intermingling dimensions and requirements for different things, none of which apply to that artistry (artistic license may apply to some things to make them acceptable ... but not to traps.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Sink drain line

    Jerry, just posting information.

    You must admit though, it is fun to look at.
    Not quite an optical illusion like some that get posted, but close now that I look a little closer. That said, Methinks he/she was a rollercoaster architect in a previous life.

    Robert Young's Montreal Home Inspection Services Inc.
    Call (514) 489-1887 or (514) 441-3732
    Our Motto; Putting information where you need it most, "In your hands.”

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
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    High Springs, Florida
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    Default Re: Sink drain line

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    Robert,

    That is not compliant in any way, shape, or form - regardless how close to or how far from the vent it is.

    You are intermingling dimensions and requirements for different things, none of which apply to that artistry (artistic license may apply to some things to make them acceptable ... but not to traps.
    Yep!
    I didn't want to say it,but yep!


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