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ewalk · Jun 1, 2008, 09:30 PM

I recently had a house inspection. The inspector reported "S" traps as being a defect. The house is 100 yr old. I live in an un-zoned area. Do I need to spend a bench of money to convert to p traps?

I have heard the S traps are illegal... why can I still buy the parts to make/repair one?

Is there code out their that says that an existing s trap must be replaced with a p trap to make a house saleable, legal to sell?

Thanks,

ewalk

speedball1 · Jun 2, 2008, 05:19 AM

Yes, "S" traps are outlawed. But that doesn't mean that they don't work. Years back, when I first started plumbing, that's all there was.

the inspector reported "S" traps as being a defect. The house is 100 yr old

He informed you that you had "S" traps. If he didn't "red tag" the house and order you to install vents and "P" traps t6hen I think your house is grandfathered in.

I have heard the S traps are illegal... why can I still buy the parts to make/repair one?

It's the grandfather thingy. You may use them for repair or replacement but you can not use them on remodels or new construction.

Is there code out their that says that an existing s trap must be replaced with a p trap to make a house saleable, legal to sell?

Not that I know of and if the inspector didn't tell you the house was "unsaleable" I think you'll be just fine. Good luck in your new place. Tom

Code Brown · Jun 18, 2009, 06:20 PM

I have a new home (2 years old), bought it new. I am finishing off the basement and found out that there is an S trap on my main floor tub. Since they are illegal to instal, who has to fix it. Appearantly there also isn't any venting from it either. To repair it, we will have to tear open the wall in the master bedroom. SO who has to fix that? With them being illegal and the house getting passed by the building inspector, now what?

massplumber2008 · Jun 19, 2009, 05:45 AM

Hi Code...

Yeah... s traps are not allowed anywhere and if it is a new house then you should probably call your local plumbing inspector and get him to drop by and take a look at the work.

He should have caught this during the ROUGH-in inspection.

In terms of the vent, could be that the lavatory vent is acting as a wet vent for the tub. If the lavatory vent is 2", most likely the tub will be vented as mentioned. However, still need to discuss this with the local plumbing inspector.

In terms of who pays for repairs... well, see what the inspector has to say and then you can better determine course of action!

Good luck!

MARK

speedball1 · Jun 19, 2009, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by Code Brown

I have a new home (2 years old), bought it new. I am finishing off the basement and found out that there is an S trap on my main floor tub. Since they are illegal to instal, who has to fix it. Appearantly there also isn't any venting from it either. To repair it, we will have to tear open the wall in the master bedroom. SO who has to fix that? With them being illegal and the house getting passed by the building inspector, now what?

I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it. Back in my younger days they plumbed unvented bathtubs to a drum trap and let it vent through the tub waste and overflow. Glug! Glug! Glug!
Unless the drain smells , which would indicate a lowered trap seal, I'd see if it could be left alone. Good luck, Tom