Oct 31 2025
Mr. Rooter Plumbing® shares helpful information on how to ensure your trap primer is working as it should to prevent dry drains and associated bad smells!
- Trap Primer Purpose and Location: A trap primer keeps drain traps filled with water to prevent sewer gases from entering buildings through dry drains. They’re common in rarely used drains (e.g., garages, basements, vacation homes), and are often required by code for commercial or industrial floor drains.
- Signs of a Failing Primer: Several signs indicate a failing primer, with sewer smells being the most common, followed by a dry trap, a leaking primer, gurgling drains, and inconsistent, limited, or no water flow.
- DIY Maintenance Tips: Check for proper installation, test by activating connected fixtures, inspect for leaks, and clean debris from the outlet every 3–6 months.
- Primer Types: Options include continuous flow, pressure-activated, flush valve-operated, electronic, and manual trap primers.
- Why Drains Smell: Dry P-traps allow sewer gases (like hydrogen sulfide) to escape. Flush them with hot water or clean them with baking soda and vinegar to eliminate odors.
