Plumbing Trap Types: A Des Moines Guide

2026-09-06

Plumbing Guide

The plumbing traps hold the water seal that keeps the sewer gas out. The P, the S, and the drum traps serve the different fixtures.

Plumbing Trap Types: A Des Moines Guide

The P trap

The P trap curves under the sink and holds the water seal. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Des Moines, the P is the standard.

The S trap

The S trap curves twice and can siphon without the vent. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Des Moines, the S is the older style.

The drum trap

The drum trap holds the seal in the canister below the floor. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Des Moines, the drum is the old tub trap.

The bottle trap

The bottle trap fits the tight spaces with the compact curve. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Des Moines, the bottle is the space saver.

The seal

The trap's water seal blocks the sewer gas. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Des Moines, the seal is the function.

The clean

The trap's cleanout opens for the clog removal. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Des Moines, the cleanout is the access.

The call

Choose the right trap. Call 888-217-3585 and Des Moines Plumbing Pros will match you with a Des Moines pro for the install.

Plumbing in Des Moines: what to know

In Des Moines, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.

Across Polk County — from Pleasant Hill, Windsor Heights and Norwalk to ZIP codes like 50309, 50319, 50315 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.

Need a hand in Des Moines?

If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Des Moines Plumbing Pros will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Des Moines.

Plumbing emergency or urgent repair? Call now.

Call 888-217-3585 and we'll match you with a vetted plumbing pro in Des Moines — usually within minutes.

Emergency? Call Now888-217-3585
Emergency? Call Now888-217-3585