How to Prime a P-Trap for a Washing Machine Drain Pan
A P-trap is a section of PVC tubing that is part of the drain system under faucets, toilets and any other appliance that drains water. It holds a small amount of water to keep dangerous and smelly sewer gases from permeating into the home. If the drain is not used very often, such as the drain under a washing machine, the P-trap can dry out. An automatic drain primer is installed prior to the laundry drain pan installation. It connects to a water supply source and keeps the drain filled with water. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Copper tubing cutter
- 1/2-inch copper tubing
- Threaded copper connector
- Propane torch
- Flux
- Plumbing solder
- Hack saw
- Teflon sealant
Instructions
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1
Shut the water off to the cold water supply pipe, then use a copper tubing cutter to cut out a section of pipe large enough so that the trap primer and its connectors can fit in-line with the supply line.
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2
Apply flux to the cut ends of the supply lines, then use the propane torch and plumbing solder to solder the automatic priming unit in-line with the supply line according to the manufacturer's instructions. There is a supply (in) side and an outlet side -- do not mix them up.
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3
Cut a section of 1/2-inch tubing long enough to reach from the bottom outlet of the trap primer to the threaded inlet in the P-trap. Solder a threaded connector to one end of the tubing.
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4
Wait for the soldered tube and connector to cool down, then apply Teflon sealant to the threads and thread it in to the bung on the P-trap.
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5
Solder the other end of the connector tube to the bottom outlet of the trap primer. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for properly mounting the automatic primer. Most units must be mounted a minimum of 12 inches above the level of the drain.
Remove the internal piston of the primer during soldering. This will keep the piston's seals from melting due to heat.
