The two of the most common types of toilet trapways that are used across the world are the S-trap and P-trap. The prime difference between them is their shape and working mechanism. Most experts suggest using the P-trap toilets in their modern bathrooms as they have much more advantages and compatibility than the S-trap toilet. Let us explore parallel comparative differences between these two types of trapways.
What is a P-trap toilet?
A P-trap is that portion of the toilet used especially for sinks, lavatories, and tubs to evacuate waste and liquids to the septic tank. P-traps were architectured to reduce the main plumbing issues with s-traps: they tend to siphon away too much wastewater.
How does toilet P-trap work?
P-traps are used under toilets to counter acute siphoning problems. A p-trap incorporates two prime features that stop siphoning. The first is a vented pipe. It is mainly the outer pipe between the wall and through the roof. When air pressures seem well balanced inside the drain pipe, the abstract siphoning becomes more evident, but the actual siphon pressure gallops the waste materials inside it.
The water inside the p-trap can evaporate under any circumstances. So, there is still no effective configuration that can be used to destroy the possibility of a dry trap. A dry trap can occur due to evaporation if you do not use the toilet daily. Regular plumbing maintenance can be effective enough to prevent acute clogging inside the traps.
What is S-trap in a toilet?
It is an S-shaped trap that consists of a standard trap and another one installed upside-down against it. Sometimes, too much water flows through an s-trap, Which makes the web clear.
How the toilet S-trap works:
S-trap was a standard drain configuration and a popular invention in the past. An “S” shaped drain used to be implemented, which is typically used to escape the waste objects and the gasses exerted from the toilet. The S-trap is relatively similar to the P-trap. The only thing that differentiates them is the shape and size of their formation.
S trap vs. P trap toilet: What is the difference?
If the big pipe goes out the wall, it’s a p-trap. If it goes through the floor, you’ve got an s-trap. Let us have a comparison between the two compactly and shortly,
| Comparable Facts | S-trap toilets | P-trap toilets |
| Design and architecture | It has a down-to-earth design as the pipings are installed below the ground level. | The pipings are installed on the top of the floors, so the installation and design are very much interactive in this manner. |
| Shape and size | It has an S-shaped visual design | It has a P-shaped visual design |
| Compatibility | It was used in the older bathrooms | It has a counteractive design and is suitable for contemporary modern toilets. |
| Suitable for Using in | It is used mostly in toilets, sinks, bathtubs, floor drains, and so on. | It is common in toilets, sinks, bathtubs, floor drains, etc. |
| Efficiency measurement | S trap is prone to drying out and making a foul nuisance in the bathroom. | P traps can hold water in the bending section, so there is less chance of drying out and less prone to producing foul smells. |
Recommendation: My suggestion is to go with a P-trap as it has a modern design and keeps the bathroom odor-free.
Signature Hardware Ebler P-Trap Toilet:
Price: Check here
Shape: Elongated
Type: Two-piece
Flush: Dual
Water usage: 0.8/1.6 GPF
Material: Vitreous China
Height: ADA-compliant
Flush Option: Button press
Bowl Height: 15.5 inches
Toilet seat: Included
Hi, this is Robert Crossan, the owner of this website, has 17 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of toilets and plumbing systems. After completing the Level 2 Basic Plumbing course in 2005, I started working in both domestic and commercial buildings as a professional plumber. So I can figure out the core difference between different toilet models and brands. It also helped me monitor their work performance and setbacks.