“Fresh” and “plumbing” usually aren’t words used in the same sentence – for obvious reasons – but there are components of your plumbing system that work hard to ensure your home stays healthy and sanitary. Without these, you could run into serious health risks, harder-to-maintain systems, and unpleasant odors that you can certainly live without.
Trap primers are one such part. These are found throughout homes and businesses and provide a variety of benefits. But what exactly is a trap primer? And what are these benefits? We’re taking a deep dive into all of that here!
What Are Trap Primers?
Trap primers are devices that are installed onto plumbing traps, which are U-shaped pipes that guide sewer gases in the right direction to ensure they don’t end up where they don’t belong. Primers don’t help with this function directly; instead, they are meant to keep the trap working at all times, even after periods of prolonged inactivity. A primer does this by automatically adding a small amount of water to the trap to strengthen the seal and ensure it won’t dry out. The trap primer itself is typically a small valve with a connection to the water supply which intermittently replenishes the water in the trap.
The Benefits of Trap Primers
While the trap primer itself is a small piece of equipment, it is essential for many plumbing systems and offers several benefits for modern homes and businesses.
Prevent Sewer Gas from Entering Living Spaces
As mentioned before, the trap primer ensures the trap is working well, which keeps sewer gases from releasing into your home or place of work. These sorts of odorous gases aren’t simply unpleasant; they can be very dangerous and pose health risks to anyone who is in the building.
Stay in Compliance with Local Codes
Local, state, and federal regulations are inescapable and must be followed by all homes and businesses throughout the country. There are many codes that require trap primers to be installed in plumbing systems, primarily for properties that will have infrequently used drains and fixtures.
Reduce Risk & Maintenance
Trap primers preserve the longevity of your water trap, and as such, having one will significantly reduce the amount of maintenance the trap needs. However, by extension, a trap primer also helps keep everything else in your plumbing system flowing smoothly, so you’re less likely to run into clogs or blockages.
Keep Fixtures & Appliances Operable
There are plenty of fixtures and appliances that hook into your plumbing system, and if some aren’t used often, they run the risk of drying out without a trap primer. By keeping water in the traps, your appliances and fixtures will be ready when you need them, and you won’t have to spend time manually filling the traps, fixtures, or appliances with water or repairing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trap primer cost?
Trap primers greatly vary in cost but typically range from around $50 to $200, depending on brand, style, size, and function.
Can I install a trap primer myself?
It is possible to install a trap primer yourself. However, we don’t recommend that you do so. Working with a qualified plumber will ensure that the primer is installed correctly with minimal hassle and headaches.
What should I do if my trap primer is broken?
If you’ve become aware that your trap primer isn’t working, you should call a plumber right away. They’ll be able to remove and replace the primer easily. After all, your plumbing system is important for your quality of life, and attempting plumbing work without the proper knowledge can result in a bigger problem than you started with.
Call Joe the Plumber Today!
We here at Joe the Plumber are proud to be the name that countless home and business owners in the greater Houston area choose for their plumbing projects. From small repairs to full plumbing system installations and more, we’re your best choice for a job done right. We pride ourselves on our quality workmanship and go above and beyond to give our customers the best customer service and solutions around. If you need help with your trap primer or any other part of your plumbing system, give us a call today. We’ll be happy to lend our expertise!
