House Drain Traps Explained - Single Vent House Trap

[@nicholasstabile445]

Have a small apartment building in NYC. Double vent trap is on the street of the building & single on back yard side which picks up storm water from gutter & back yard floor drains. Both traps are on the same sewer main just one is on the front of the building the other is in the back. Need to replace the single vent trap as it’s seems to be broken (under ground). Thinking about putting in a straight length to get rid of the trap completely. Don’t see why I need it as it’s not preventing any sewer gases from getting in the building as any gases will escape from either back yard floor drains or vent stacks. Ive seen some convincing reasons why you should get rid of it. Any advice would be great. Thanks

[@balkanplumbing]

The rear trap serves the purpose of stopping debris from entering your drain pipes. It does also prevent sewer gases/smells from fouling your rear yard.

[@nicholasstabile445]

@@balkanplumbing thank you. Yeah I think the debris is why Im having problems in the first place. Going to install a new one regardless. Great channel btw.

[@DavidBalkan]

@@nicholasstabile445 Thank you! Use a single vent trap for an area drain BTW. And make sure the sump the trap sits in is deep enough to catch dirt and debris as well.

[@nicholasstabile445]

@@DavidBalkan just an update. Couldn’t get a 5” single vent trap. Went with a double vent instead. Ultimately had to cut out the old single vent which was completely rotted out. When I peeked inside the pipe I had hardened grease as the back of the building handles the 6 kitchens (3 on either side). Paid for a sewer auger service who flushed out the pipe as well. All connections are made. Now just going to leave the hole open until the next rain storm to see how we do. Thanks again for the professional knowledge.

[@DavidBalkan]

@@nicholasstabile445 You're welcome, I'm glad to have helped in some way.

[@benkostrzewski7586]

I live in minnesota. I work for a plumbing company and we take house traps out alot. We never replace them because the city doesnt want them anymore and theyre not fun to snake through. Is there a reason in NY that you guys keep them in ?

[@balkanplumbing]

Their water barrier prevents sewer gases from entering the building. How is that accomplished without a trap in Minnesota?

[@benkostrzewski7586]

we have traps on every fixture ensuring no sewer gas. maybe a house trap is just extra protection from it?@@balkanplumbing

[@jimdarhower4945]

I don’t understand how a big load of 💩 makes it up and around those things.