A bottle trap is an important plumbing fitting that is fixed beneath wash basins to keep bathrooms odour-free. The component is called a bottle trap as its design and shape resemble an inverted bottle. Working well with both, a bathroom and a kitchen sink, a bottle trap serves a dual purpose of preventing foul odours from entering living spaces and trapping rubbish and debris to avoid clogging pipes.

Generally made of brass or stainless steel, a bottle trap includes an inlet towards the top, from where the wastewater enters the trap and an outlet that directs the wastewater towards the waste pipe. A bottle trap works on a simple yet effective principle. The trap starts functioning the moment the tap is turned on. As water drains from the basin, it flows into the bottle trap, creating a water seal that blocks sewer gases from backing up into the room. This water barrier is maintained within the trap, and it also helps prevent larger particles from progressing through the drainage system and causing blockages. The bottle trap has a waste pipe installed with it underneath the sinks. The pipe facilitates the smooth drainage of water out of the trap. This particular add-on for bathroom sinks not only ensures a hygienic environment by containing potential contaminants but also minimises the risks of other plumbing issues.