Why are sink pipes bent?

Question

Sink pipes, they have a C curve I guess you could say in them. Why, why don't they just be flat so it's less pipe being used? Doesn't it cause more clouge up have a lower part in the pipe than where it exits?

Answer 1

its a water trap to prevent smell from coming back up

Answer 2

The curve section is a "loop seal" that stops bad odours coming from the downstream of the piping contaminating the kitchen. The bad air may contain microbes. It is a good idea to pour a disinfectant in the c section when you will be away for a long time, lets say a week. The same same principle applies to the loop seal in your toilet.

Answer 3

The bent pipe is called the P-trap. It is there to trap water which is a barrier to prevent sewer gasses from coming through the pipe and into your home.

Answer 4

There are a couple of good reasons. The bend (called a trap) will be full of water and this will keep bad sewer smells from coming into the house. Also if you drop something in the drain, it will catch it and you can remove it fairly easy.

Answer 5

All the plumbing pipes are connected to the city sewer main, your sinks, water closets, and tubs. So this c curve you are talking about is called a trap. It prevents odors from entering you kitchen or bathroom by trapping water in there. So it's not a waste of material although it may seem.