Water traps

Why is the trap important?

The trap on the bathroom sink or floor drain is essential to prevent sewer odors and bacteria formation. You have probably experienced coming home after a long trip and an unpleasant smell meets you in the bathroom – this is typically due to the water standing still and the pipes needing cleaning. The trap on the sink also helps to ensure that you do not lose the wedding ring or other small things of value, should you be unlucky enough to drop it down the drain with the bottom valve open.

Water traps are available in several types 

In general, there are two types of water traps:

S-water traps, which, as the name indicates, are shaped like an S

P-water traps, also known as purse water locks - a perpendicular tube shaped like "purse"

Both aim to form a barrier to sewer odors in the home by creating a plug of water. The difference between the two can be seen, as mentioned, in the physical design, but each has its advantages and disadvantages:

S-traps ensure good water flow and effectively prevent clogging, where P-traps conversely take up less space, and will be suitable for the smaller bathroom. See, inter alia, Laufen's space-saving trap in our range. On the other hand, parking traps generally require cleaning every 4-6 weeks for optimal water flow. On certain necessary plumbing parts, it is difficult to accommodate both function and aesthetics. However, you can make your mark on the appearance of the traps, as they are available in both plastic and chrome. Since bathroom renovation is often a major investment, you will be able to save a little by choosing a trap in durable plastic. If you want to go all-in on quality equipment, a metal water trap is a safe and long-lasting choice. For example, choose the state-of-the-art design drains from Hans Grohe in matte black, bronze or gold look, which you will find here at the shop. If the washing machine is to be placed in the bathroom, you should choose a water trap with several connections, e.g. Geberit Recessed Water Lock.

Tips for maintaining your water trap

Quick fixes of the trap have a price

It can be tempting to resort to harsh cleaning agents like drain cleaner and caustic soda to get rid of the unpleasant odor from drains and traps quickly. 

However, be aware that in addition to being environmentally harmful, it also shortens the life of your water trap, as cleaning products like these are corrosive and risk damaging rubber rings and membranes. 

Water and all-purpose detergent can solve the problems

Over time, hair, grease and soap residues will accumulate in the trap – resulting in odour nuisances and bacteria formation. You can remove hair from the grate immediately after the bath, whereas grease and soap are harder to contain from accumulating around the trap. If odour nuisances have occurred, you should best clean with a regular – not chlorine-containing – detergent. If this is not enough, it may be necessary to disassemble the trap, put a bucket underneath and clean it thoroughly. THE MAIN TAP must be closed before! Dirt, dirt and hair should go into the waste bin, never into the toilet, which can cause more problems with clogging plumbing parts. Flushing with very hot water can also relieve odor and clogging – however, you should not use boiling water if your trap is made of plastic that can deform.