About this video:
A building trap at a commercial building is a plumbing device installed to prevent sewer gasses from entering the building’s interior. It typically consists of a U-shaped pipe that traps water to create a barrier. Commercial property inspectors should be able to identify a building trap in their report during the plumbing inspection. It is commonly identified by two cleanouts in line with each other that are perpendicular to the building. It provides a lateral way to the building and away from the building at the same entry point.
Building traps can be utilized to provide a sewer scope to clients. Sewer scope inspections are an ancillary service and not required by the ComSOP. Inspectors may choose to get training for sewer scope and offer the service themselves or hire a specialty consultant. The image below shows some of the main sewer scope defects often found.
Additional Resources for Commercial Property Inspections: