Well I guess if the stores sell it, it must be legal. Every plumbing code I ever read does not allow that trap. When it comes time to sell the home, it will fail inspection.
I just had to give an estimate yesterday on tearing out all the plumbing the homeowner did 3 years ago and bring it all up to code. It got tagged by a home inspector, and when the plumbing inspector came to see what the deal was he wrote up a 15K fine for this home owner for doing plumbing with out a permit and with out a license. Way the fines work is its 5k for first offense and each violation their after it doubles. So he got hit with 5k for the permit and 10k for not being a licensed plumber.
Moral of my tail of woes to make sure if you do any work check with your local building department about permits and codes. Plumbing codes in most states are the "law" and are enforced as such by "code enforcement officers" which can cost you a whole lot more grief than the few bucks you save. Reason we have these plumbing codes is to ensure the protection of the health to all those in your home as well as the community. And the reason we have licensed plumbers is they studied these codes under an apprenticeship and took the required tests to prove their knowledge. Its just like how doctors have to goto school and intern somewhere before they become full fledged doctors. If we didn't have some sort of system to keep things in check there would be huge epidemics like their was in the dark ages.
I am real glad you all found these forums and are smart enough to ask questions about whats is the right way to do things. Key about doing anything yourself is do it right the first time, and if you are not sure how to do it right ask questions or hire a pro. If you go for the asking questions part please follow the advice given even if you think it might be to hard to do.
thank you.
i have and still go between "to get a permit, or not to get a permit" thought process every day.. the issue i am having is that the inspectors in my city are known to inforce "additional" code upgrades... for ex, you request a plumbing permit, get the permit, get the inspector., gives you the okay for plumbing, writes you up for electrical even thought you are NOT at all modifying anything electrical.... and it isnt as simple as, tie down the wire, a simple $100 plumbing job becomes a $2000 electrical job...
i actually did not buy the bottle trap., it came with the double vanity, i could simply put p-traps in wall..
in CA, bottle traps are only allowed under special condition, inspectors give the yes/no... i guess i could put the ptrap in the wall,. that way even if the bottle trap corroded., the in-wall ptrap would still be there... and if i do get a permit + inspection the in-wall p-trap should pass..?
and i do follow advice given., i did re-do the shower plumbing again to remove a s-trap and flat vent.
