P-Trap or S-Trap, What's the Difference?

Firstly, a trap is the bend in a pipe designed to prevent sewer gases from entering buildings.

"Because of its shape, the trap retains a small amount of water after the fixture's use. This water in the trap creates a seal that prevents sewer gas from passing from the drain pipes back into the occupied space of the building." - Source: Wikipedia

A toilet will always have one of the following two types of traps integrated into the pan.

•  P-Trap
•  S-Trap

The position of the main stack or sewage outlet in the building determines whether the required shape trap, and thus the style of toilet needed.

A P-Trap exits at the back of the toilet and is designed to outlet through a wall, or into a 90 degree bend through the floor or off to the side.

An S-Trap is designed to outlet directly through the floor, and thus the poistion of the stack or sewage pipe in the building must be checked piror to selecting a toilet.

Examples:

P-Trap:	S-Trap:

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