Answer: | FALSE - Overwhelmingly this question was answered correctly (only one incorrect answer), but the true intent of the drain trap remains undefined. If the trap is not designed to catch jewelry, then what is its purpose? If your under the impression that the purpose is to catch hair or prevent clogs - your mistaken. The main purpose of a plumbing drain trap is to prevent sewer gas from entering the home. Gross right? Well, it would be a lot more gross, if the trap didn't function properly. Drain traps work by holding water in the "U" (called the "weir") which blocks gas from coming up the pipe and into the residence. Traps fail when the water in the "U" evaporates or gets siphoned out, which opens an air gap and allows gas to re-enter the home. During periods of plumbing inactivity (vacant house), the water can evaporate and allow gas to bypass the weir, to prevent traps from drying out, you can add a mineral oil to the trap. The oil floats on top of the water and prevents the water from evaporating. During regular use, if you have a plumbing fixture that periodically smells of sewer odors, the trap could be improperly plumbed and allow water to be siphoned out, and gas to enter the home. In this case, you should contact a plumber to correct the condition. |
