Pea Trap

[Buzzard]

I recently bought a Fleetwood that I did a little winter camping in last weekend. For those of you that know Colorado I was on the southside of Guanella Pass at about 9,500 feet. Everything worked great until I attempted to drain the sink from doing the dishes. The water wouldn't drain so I went under the sink and seen that there was a pea trap (the U shaped pipe like under a kitchen sink)that apparently the dealer didn't winterize and it was frozen solid. My question is if theres any harm with removing it and puting in a 45 degree elbow? Outside of holding about a cup of water I don't see a purpose for it. It might prevent a bug or two from  climbing up the drain pipe into the camper ,but so would the drain plug. Any ideas? I've been a lurker for a while so thanks for a great site. Come on Spring!   Regards,Buzzard AKA Brent

[brainpause]

It might also keep an odor from coming from your drain tank. It also might keep the pipe vented, so that you don't get an air lock. Other than these thoughts, I don't see a problem with modifying it.

Our camper just has a straight hose from the sink to the outlet, and we have no odor problem. I solved the venting problem by making a vent that you can see on my Mods page.

Larry

[TexasCamper]

Traps are used to keep sewer gas for getting inside.  If you use a dump tank  and you empty it nightly  you are ok.  If you hook up to the sewer you might fill up the PU with sewer gas(decomposition of vegetable matter).  Methane gas can explode. You decide.

[Buzzard]

I guess I should have explained more. The camper doesn't have a holding tank for gray water etc. The toilet is a self contained casette type. I could actually let the water drain on the ground from inside the camper,hopefully theres not too much methane gas in the national forest. I have a five gallon bucket that I collect the dish water in and usually donate it to the pit toilet.Thanks for the replies,Buzzard

[wavery]

I guess I should have explained more. The camper doesn't have a holding tank for gray water etc. The toilet is a self contained casette type. I could actually let the water drain on the ground from inside the camper,hopefully theres not too much methane gas in the national forest. I have a five gallon bucket that I collect the dish water in and usually donate it to the pit toilet.Thanks for the replies,Buzzard

Hey Buzzard.....here's a tip....
Don't "pea" in the sink and you should be OK. :p

[ScoobyDoo]

Arn't frozen drains fun. (not as much fun as fresh water) If the p trap is above the floor leave the cabint door open.