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Entrapment

By
Home Inspector with Complete Home Inspections, Inc. TN Lic#050

    Remember when you were a kid and sang songs like:
        Here we go loopty loo
        Here we go loopty li
        Here we go loopty loo
        All on a Sunday morning.
    Not that I am against happy songs and a happy plumbers as we all need more happiness in this spinning orb. However, it seems as if some folks have the propensity to get a little too carried away and start drifting . . .
    The S-shaped trap AKA the S-bend was invented by Alexander Cummings in 1775 and was replaced by the introduction of the U-shaped trap by Thomas Crapper in 1880. FYI, Crapper did not invent the toilet, he just popularized it.
    Lest I digress, the S-trap is now banned in the United States and Canada. The purpose of the trap is to form a water seal and prevent sewer gasses from entering the home. The disadvantage of the s-trap is that it is not vented which allows water to be siphoned out of the trap, hence allowing sewer gas to flow back to the drain and into the house. Adding a another S-trap does not make the situation any better.
    The solution? Change the trap to a P-Trap and add an air admittance valve. EZ-PZ.

TeamCHI ~ The Complete Home Inspections Team

chi-tn.com

Posted by

Complete Home Inspections, Brentwood TN 615.661.0297
 

Comments(13)

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Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Michael. Just a few challenges with this setup, but all fixable. No real tradesman at work here.

Jan 23, 2016 07:13 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Michael-I learned something new. Didn't know S-traps were banned and never heard of a U-trap but then again I am not a plumber. That is an unusual connection.

Jan 23, 2016 07:54 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Good morning, Ronald Gombach . It is on a Saturday night. Seeing as it is Sunday morning, I took the creative license to change the words a tad . . .

Jan 23, 2016 08:13 PM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Michael.  Say it isn't so.  Crapper didn't invent the crapper.  Bummers.

Jan 23, 2016 08:18 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Good morning Michael.  I've seen my fair share of plumbing under a sink but nothing like your photo today.

Jan 23, 2016 08:26 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

That looks more like someone trying to get over to the corner. It is possible that it vented through a common vent with something on the other side of the wall.

Jan 23, 2016 09:17 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Michael. Never seen that before! Too many extra parts and an ambitious plumber! Enjoy your day!

Jan 23, 2016 09:44 PM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Top of the morning Michael.  I was wondering where in the world is this lyric leading?!   One glance at the picture explains all.  Good post and lead in.  Mark

Jan 23, 2016 10:02 PM
Fred Hernden, CMI
Superior Home Inspections - Greater Albuquerque Area - Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque area Master Inspector

I think maybe just a few more of them and it would be good!

Jan 23, 2016 11:46 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

 I'm getting seasick just looking at this piping Michael Of TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc. 

Jan 24, 2016 12:36 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Michael the trap system is "loopty loo" "loopty li" and every other kind of "loopty" there is ...... LOL

Jan 24, 2016 09:20 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

The sheer majesty and symmetry of that wonderful installation sells me!

You wanting to put it in the Crapper (wasn't it Krapper?) is a bit harsh.

Jan 24, 2016 06:40 PM