P-trap ?

[tow653]

We are empty nesters,with a finished basement that has a full and a half bath. How long before the water in the P-traps evaporates,and sewer gas smell occurs? Thanks,just want to know how often I should run water in fixtures that don't get used very often.

 

[BWSSR]

i would run HOT water thru about once a month...helps keep all the drain lines lower than these clear....easy and fast....

 

[LD1]

I would second the once a month thing. But how long it takes to evap cannot be pinpointed exactly. Smaller 1-1/4" traps hold less water than 1-1/2 ones and will evap quicker. Is your basement damp/wet or do you run a dehumidifier? etc etc.

Is the trap plated brass? or plastic?

IF the plastic kind, you can usually shine a bright flashlight through it from the back side and can see the water level. Kinda like when filling a plastic gas can and its hard to see and you shine a light on it...

 

[jlgurr]

I'd simply wait until you smell the gas then fill them back up.

 

[randy41]

plug the drains.

 

[bigtiller]

We have a whirlpool tub that never gets used anymore. 2 or maybe 3 times a year it starts to smell so I put a quart of water down it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you are never going to use it, fill the P trap with RV antifreeze and it will stay full almost forever.

 

[bigtiller]

If you are never going to use it, fill the P trap with RV antifreeze and it will stay full almost forever.

Thats a good idea, maybe Mrs bigtiller can borrow a cup of antifreeze from one of here church-lady friends that camp. We quit camping years ago because our closest neighbor is 1/2 mile away.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Some plumbers use veg oil for that.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Some plumbers use veg oil for that.

Problem with that is that veg oil will get stale and smell after a while and likely attract roaches who love the grease.