Why Building Trap Removal is a Priority for Modern Homeowners
For homes built before the 1950s, a building trap (also known as a house trap or sewer trap) was the primary method used to prevent sewer gas from entering your home. This U-shaped section of pipe was designed to hold a water seal that would block sewer gases and unpleasant odour from escaping the city sewer and travelling up into your plumbing fixture. However, modern plumbing has evolved. Today, every individual fixture in your house, like your sinks and toilets, has its own p-traps, making the old main sewer trap redundant and dangerous.
The primary issue is that a building trap is a U-shaped design that acts as a catch-basin for debris. Over the decades, hair, grease, and sediment have settled in the bottom of the trap, leading to a massive blockage. Furthermore, these old clay or cast-iron pipes are magnets for tree roots. Once roots penetrate the sewer line, they thrive in the stagnant water of the trap, eventually causing the main drain to fail completely. Removing the trap and installing a two-way cleanout is the only permanent way to protect your home from a catastrophic sewer backup.
How Our Licensed Plumbers Solve the Problem
When you suspect a plumbing issue related to an old sanitary trap, our process is designed to be as non-invasive and efficient as possible. We use advanced tools to locate the trap, which is usually found under the basement floor near the front wall, and determine the best path for trap removal.
1️⃣ Contact us
Reach out to our team to describe your drain issues, such as slow drainage or a gurgle in your pipes. We provide a free consultation to assess whether a building trap is the culprit.
2️⃣ Agree on time
We schedule a visit that fits your busy life. Our skilled plumbers arrive on time with the necessary equipment to perform a precision excavation and trap replacement.
3️⃣ Enjoy the result
Once the old trap is gone and a modern cleanout is installed, your sewer system will flow freely. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is up to current plumbing codes.
Why Absolute Draining & Plumbing is the Right Choice
Choosing a plumbing company for a major drain repair requires trust. We combine decades of local experience with the latest technology to ensure your sewer pipe remains functional for a lifetime.
20+ years experience
We have navigated the complex plumbing of the Greater Toronto Area for over two decades. We know exactly where to find a house trap in older Toronto neighbourhoods and how to remove it without damaging your foundation.
Flat-rate pricing
We don’t believe in “hidden fees” or “estimated windows.” Once we inspect your sewer drain, we provide a flat rate so you know exactly what the plumbing repairs will cost before we break ground.
25-year warranty
We stand by our drain repair work. Any building trap replacement or sewer line upgrade we perform comes with an industry-leading 25-year warranty for your total peace of mind.
Free consultation
Not sure if your home has a building trap? We offer free consultations to identify your plumbing system type and explain the trap operation and potential risks.
The Long-Term Benefits of Removing Your Sewer Trap
Replacing an outdated trap is an investment in your property's value and safety. By removing this bottleneck, you significantly reduce the risk of clogged drains and simplify future maintenance.
1️⃣ Lowest price guarantee
We are committed to providing the best value in the Greater Toronto Area. If you have a written quote from another licensed plumber for building trap removal, we will beat it by 10%.
2️⃣ Price per job (not hourly)
Because we charge by the job, our professional plumbers are focused on quality and accuracy, not watching the clock. You pay for the solution, not the hours.
3️⃣ Plumbing rebate assistance
The City of Toronto often offers incentives for flood protection. We help you with the paperwork for plumbing rebate assistance when installing a backwater valve alongside your trap removal.
4️⃣ 10% seniors discount
We value our community elders. All seniors in the GTA are eligible for a 10% discount on any plumbing service, including emergency drain cleaning and trap work.





