Floor drain trap seals and primers

Keep rarely used floor drains from losing trap seals and admitting odours/gases, distinct from whole-system vent diagnosis.

VERT / GREEN = documenter/entretenir · JAUNE / YELLOW = vérifier avant travaux · ROUGE / RED = arrêter le DIY et faire valider.

Dry drain/recurring odour
Check trap seal, use frequency and permitted maintenance method. Required primer absent/failed
Verify appropriate device before concealing the drain. Drain buried under new floor
Do not bury a required drain/access without validation. Trap seal maintained
Add to seasonal maintenance.

What the professional checks

Verify drain type and trap-seal maintenance
Coordinate primer/access with local code

Official sources

CNRC — garde d’eau des drains de plancher

Checked: 2026-08-22

Tools related to this issue

Whole-home action plan

Open →

Flood-resilient home

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V14

Systems to check before closing the work

V14 connects envelope, air, fire, structure, water and code instead of treating each project in isolation.

Renovation dependenciesPlumbing pressure and systemCode versions

V15

Remaining system checks not to miss

V15 covers issues that can block a project, cause a loss or become expensive once concealed.

Before closing wallsPrivate sewer/water servicePost-renovation commissioningCodes + climate by province

V16

Advanced diagnostics to cross-check

V16 connects water, soil, climate, safety, materials and seasonal use to existing projects.

Rainwater and greywaterPyrite, pyrrhotite and ochreCuring, drying and acclimation

V17

Specialized systems to cross-check

V17 completes gas, soil, water, fire, climate and structural interfaces.

Culvert and ditch

V18

Specialized diagnostics to verify

V18 connects systems that become costly or regulated when a primary project triggers them.

Low-slope roof

V19

Edge systems to integrate into the project

V19 covers interfaces that become important when multiple home systems interact.

Green roofStormwater infiltration

V27

Project risks and overlooked interfaces

V27 connects payment, water, envelope, ventilation and jobsite details that often create costly surprises.

Tile, stone and substrate deflection

V28

Finish and service details to verify

V28 connects small details that become costly once finishes are closed.

Plumbing cleanouts and service access

V47

V47 interfaces not to miss

These details are small on a drawing but can control water, structure or durability.

Building trapCast-iron stack