Does every sink need a P-trap?
Every sink requires a P-trap to prevent sewer gases and odors from entering the home through the drain. Operating without one is a building code violation and leaves the plumbing system unsafe and incomplete.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Learning through YouTube videos
- 2Trying to identify damaged fittings like galled threads and bent pipes to determine what needs replacement.
- 3Using an accordion adapter
- 4Cutting down the drain pipe
- 5using a plunger
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I've lurked here for a while but never braved any sort of plumbing job before, but I'm ready to give this one a try if necessary. This bathroom sink has drained slower and slower over the last year or two.”source ↗
“I'm wanting to replace it with a utility sink, so how would I do that the right way?”source ↗
“Hello! I am trying, for the first time, to learn how to connect a sink.”source ↗
“I attached the accordion adapter but it leaks at the p-trap connection (or lack there-of....). I have a rubber gasket in there that does not seem well fitted.”source ↗
“About to install a new vanity but I just noticed that the drain to the sink doesn't have a P or S trap. Does every sink need one?”source ↗
“Had a sink that had to be reinstalled recently, and I figured with the plumbing already help might as well redo it correctly. What parts do I need and or need to change?”source ↗
“On the exposed end of the elbow, the threading is galled and bent out of shape.”source ↗
“I'm not the one who put this in. Looking for advice on how to replace it.”source ↗