Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drain strainer installation and maintenance are disclosed. In one embodiment, a drain strainer assembly includes a housing having an interior chamber and defines an opening leading to the interior chamber. Inlet and outlet ports are disposed through the housing, and at least one coupling device couples the housing to a support wall such that the opening is at least approximately parallel with the support wall. The assembly further includes a strainer member positioned in the interior chamber at least partially between the inlet and outlet ports, and a door member covering the opening.

Abstract: An interior pipe has an upper end, a lower end and a central extent. An exterior pipe has an upper region receiving the central extent of the interior pipe and a lower region receiving the lower extent of the interior pipe. The lower region terminates with a removably coupled plug. A T-shaped pipe has an upper, lower and central portions. The upper portion is coupled with respect to the interior pipe. The lower portion is coupled with respect to the exterior pipe. The central portion is adapted to be joined to a wastewater line. Water passing from the sink will flow downwardly through the interior pipe and upwardly through the space between the interior and exterior pipes passing through one or more screens, then laterally through the central portion of the T-shaped pipe.

Abstract: An in-the-wall plumbing trap having integral connections for waste and vent lines wherein in the vent connection is located on the top of the trap housing and the waste connection on the bottom thereof. A substantially vertical wall formed by an overflow member separates the housing interior into two chambers with a liquid seal chamber located beneath a waste intake line and a separation chamber disposed on the other side of the overflow member. Effluent waste entering the liquid seal chamber builds up until reaching the top of the overflow member where it then spills over into the separation chamber and any gases contained therein rise to the top of the housing and escape through the vent line as the fluid flows to the bottom of the separation chamber and exits through the drain pipe.

Abstract: A device for blocking or impeding the flow of water through the overflow drain of a bathtub of the type including a wall, an overflow drain opening in the wall, and a generally circular cover plate over the overflow drain opening, the cover plate having an annular skirt with at least one overflow opening in the annular skirt at the bottom of the cover plate. The device takes the form of a stopper including an arcuate surface configured so as to cover the overflow opening. The stopper is made of a material and is configured so as to be held in place, when water level in the bathtub is above the overflow opening, by water pressure or buoyancy only. As a result, the stopper, once held in place, falls away from the overflow opening when water level in the bathtub subsequently drops below the cover plate.

Abstract: A valve for use in a floor drain to prevent the backflow of fluids from the drain system. The valve includes a valve member and a collar. The first end of the valve member is mounted to the outer surface of the second portion of the collar. In the normal position, the sidewall of the valve member at the second end of the valve member is curled and the valve is in the closed position. When a preset amount of fluid pressure is provided through the collar to the first end of the valve member, the sidewall of the valve member flexes to an open position forming an inner passageway between the ends of the valve member.

Abstract: An improved dome shaped trap for bathroom, kitchen or other sink comprising a dome shaped trap, threadably attached to a cover. The cover comprises a vertical conduit adapted to receive the existing vertical influent drain from the sink, a horizontal conduit adapted to be attached to the existing effluent exit drain, the vertical conduit extending down below the water line, providing an extension for the exisiting influent drain, making the trap easily adjustable to be installed any existing sink. The dome trap is easily removable by hand, by unscrewing it from the cover, to clean out any debris clogging the line or to retrieve any item inadvertently dropped into the sink and down the drain into the dome trap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waste outlet assembly, in particular a waste outlet assembly for a urinal of the type commonly found in men's lavatories. There is described an elongate cylindrical insert having an operatively upper end and an operatively lower end and being insertable into the waste outlet of a urinal bowl or trough, which outlet includes a liquid trap, wherein the insert is radially dimensioned to provide a close fit against the walls of the waste outlet; and wherein the insert is longitudinally dimensioned such that, in use, the lower end extends into liquid in the liquid trap. There is also described a urinal including such an insert.

Abstract: A shower drain having a tapered body and arcuate keepers circumferentially disposed around the body and capable of being drawn up the tapered body from a lower position to a higher position to engage the underside of a shower drain floor and hold the drain in place. When the keepers are in the lower position the drain readily fits through the floor drain opening. The keepers are drawn up the body by turning bolts extending through openings in the drain flange. The keepers extend substantially the full circumference of the drain body to provide maximum seating area against the underside of a shower floor.

Abstract: A drain assembly having a removable plate and smooth outlet for a pressure fit coupling.

Abstract: A waste outlet fitting having a siphon which is mounted in a cup-shaped housing. The siphon has an inlet and an outlet and is inserted into the housing from above. For cleaning and maintenance, the siphon can be removed upwardly and subsequently re-inserted from above. Arranged at the inlet of the siphon is an inflow funnel which can likewise be installed and removed from above. The waste outlet fitting makes especially simple cleaning and maintenance of the waste outlet fitting and of the soil pipe possible.

Abstract: A draining device including a threaded portion, the threaded portion depending outwardly from an annular portion and having an inner opening in fluid communication with a pair of openings in the annular portion, where said pair of openings provides a pathway for draining.

Abstract: A floor or ground surface waste assembly for receiving floor or appliance generated waste including a waste body (1) defining a waste collecting receptacle (2).

Abstract: A valve for use in a floor drain to prevent the backflow of fluids from the drain system. The valve includes a valve member and a collar. The first end of the valve member is mounted to the outer surface of the second portion of the collar. In the normal position, the sidewall of the valve member at the second end of the valve member is curled and the valve is in the closed position. When a preset amount of fluid pressure is provided through the collar to the first end of the valve member, the sidewall of the valve member flexes to an open position forming an inner passageway between the ends of the valve member.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for repairing a plumbing waste pipe without having to remove a failed portion of the waste pipe. A flexible sleeve with a flange is fit inside the failed waste pipe such that the outer circumference of the sleeve is in radial contact with the inner circumference of the failed pipe and the body of the sleeve extends through the failed waste pipe beyond the point of failure. The flange can be fastened between the plumbing fixture and the failed waste pipe to securely maintain the flexible sleeve within the failed pipe. Water and waste material will enter the sleeve through the flange and pass through the interior of the sleeve beyond the point of failure in the waste pipe. The water and waste can then be discharged into the waste pipe to be carried along its normal route.

Abstract: An odor trap having a cup-shaped housing, which has an inlet located on an upper end and an outlet on a lower end leading into a drain line. A siphon blocks the passage of gas from the outlet to the inlet. A urine collector is configured in the shape of an inlet funnel. The inlet funnel empties into an open tube with a relatively narrow inside diameter.

Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is forced-fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut.

Abstract: A water trap comprising a cylindrical outer casing having a flat top wall and a frustoconical bottom wall, an internal substantially semi-circular open topped water seal container within the outer casing, an inlet into the water seal container which passes through the top wall and abuts one side wall of the water seal container and extends thereinto, and an outlet from the bottom wall of the trap that is offset from, and co-linear with, the inlet. The cross-sectional areas within the trap progressively increase to promote water flow through the trap.

Abstract: Reject waste water adapter coupling fitting, for use with a household undercounter reverse osmosis (R/O) water filtration installation associated with an in-counter sink with its outlet connected by standard slip fit S/J plumbing fittings to a sink drain trap plumbed to the household sewer system. The R/O reject waste water drain line is coupled into the sink drain trap by various improved adapter coupling embodiments: e.g., a ball-and-cage type back check valve in the adapter; a modified S/J branch tail piece having a special adapter fitting that is permanently joined to the inlet of the branch stem tube of the tail piece; and a standard disposal Ell with a waste water drain inlet protuberance integrally molded at the outside corner of the junction of a quarter-turn curved elbow portion with a straight sleeve portion of the Ell.

Abstract: A coupling system for securing a sink to a drain pipe. The coupling system of the present invention can include a support member and a flange connector. The flange connector can be coupled to the support member about opposite surfaces of a sink. The support member can include both a shoulder and a support surface opposite to the shoulder. The shoulder can be configured to support a sink and a gasket can be positioned thereon or within a recess therein to provide enhanced communication between a sink and the shoulder. The support surface, by comparison, can be configured to rest upon a support surface able to support the sink when coupled to the support surface.

Abstract: A strainer assembly for bathtub drains has a strainer body with a circular horizontal flange having a center opening and which is adapted to fit over and around a vertically disposed drain port in the bottom of a tub or the like. A hollow bushing extension extends downwardly from the center opening and terminates in an open lower portion with external threads. A hollow attachment bushing having a center opening is threadably secured around the lower portion of the bushing extension and extends downwardly therefrom. The attachment bushing has a lower open end with at least one crossbar extending thereacross. A bearing hub is formed in the center of the crossbar on the center axis of the aforesaid center openings. A vertically disposed threaded aperture is located in the hub and is adapted to threadably receive a connecting stud from a drain strainer or closure valve.

Abstract: A one-piece overflow fitting is provided for a bathtub having a one piece overflow pipe. The one piece overflow pipe has an inverted L-shape having an elbow portion defining an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The upper end portion has an outer end defining an inlet adapted to fit through a bathtub overflow port. Threads are located on an outer surface of the upper end portion and surround the inlet. A lip extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the overflow pipe between the elbow portion and the upper end portion to engage an outer surface of the bathtub end wall around the bathtub overflow port. A thin diaphragm is sealed to the outer end of the upper end portion to close the inlet to fluid flow.

Abstract: A waste trap 10 for use in plumbing installations is provided, the trap comprising a unitary metal body 12 defining an interior volume, and having a tubular plastics insert 20 located in an inlet 14 of the body 12 and extending into the volume to below the height of a waste outlet 16. The insert 20 partitions the upper portion of the volume into two regions, and serves to provide a water seal between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16 when the trap is in use.

Abstract: The CLEAR VIEW DRAIN is an improvement upon existing sink traps used primarily in residential sinks. Specifically, the CLEAR VIEW DRAIN is clear—to permit easy identification and location of clogs—and includes an easily accessible and manipulated clean out mechanism to permit removal of the clog without chemicals or disassembly of the entire drain.

Abstract: A drain support plate for mounting and securing a drain assembly to a deck in a building structure.

Abstract: A shower drain having a tapered body and arcuate keepers circumferentially disposed around the body and capable of being drawn up the tapered body from a lower position to a higher position to engage the underside of a shower drain floor and hold the drain in place. When the keepers are in the lower position the drain readily fits through the floor drain opening. The keepers are drawn up the body by turning bolts extending through openings in the drain flange. The keepers extend substantially the full circumference of the drain body to provide maximum seating area against the underside of a shower floor.

Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow conduit having a threaded end and an overflow cap threaded at one end extending through the overflow opening in the bathtub into threaded engagement with the threaded end of the conduit. The other end of the overflow cap has a test cap portion removably connected thereto for closing off an overflow passage through the overflow cap during pressure testing of the system. The test cap portion is removable from the other end of the overflow cap upon completion of the system pressure test to open up the overflow passage through the overflow cap.

Abstract: A drain connector includes a fixed unit (2) having a first drain conduit for permanent attachment to a drain pipe and a detachable unit (6) having a second drain conduit for attachment to a removable appliance (8). The fixed unit (2) includes a first drain connector element (36) and the detachable unit includes a second drain connector element (18) for detachable connection with the first drain connector element. The fixed unit (2) further includes a closure member (44) that is adjustable between an opened condition and a closed condition in which it substantially closes the first drain conduit, to prevent the passage of rodents through the conduit.

Abstract: A waterless urinal employs a sealing liquid comprising 4-chloro-3-methylphenol in an amount effective to act as a biocide and a compound selected from the group consisting of (1) branched aliphatic alcohols with C12 to C24 carbon chain lengths, (2) a mix of the branched aliphatic alcohols and linear aliphatic alcohols with C10 to C18 carbon chain lengths, (3) a mix of the branched aliphatic alcohols and linear aliphatic fatty acids with C14 to C18 carbon chain lengths, and (4) a mix of the branched aliphatic alcohols, linear aliphatic alcohols with C10 to C18 carbon chain lengths, and linear aliphatic fatty acids with C14 to C18 carbon chain lengths.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a p-trap 12 for commercial and residential plumbing systems wherein the p-trap 12 has an enlarged portion at 46 for receiving a drainpipe 20 and has a threaded port 22 to receive a pressure hose 16 for a dishwasher 14 waste line. Also disclosed is a deflection shield 24 disposed in operative connection to the threaded port 22 so as to direct waste water 50 downwardly away from the sink 18. The present invention 10 further includes a plurality of multiport PVC pipe fittings in various configurations to provide greater flexibility when plumbing.

Abstract: A cleaning device for the anus including a cylindrical portion comprised of a flexible material. The cylindrical portion has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The closed lower end is concave defining a central alignment point.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for preventing the formation of deposits in a drainage system (100). The device (10) includes a container (12, 212), connected by a flexible cord (20) to a stopper (22). An antimicrobial composition (24) is placed in the container and the container is inserted into a drain opening (102). The container moves to the bottom of the trap (106) of the drainage system. The container is preferably located at least partially beneath the water or drainage fluid (110) in the bottom of the trap. The cord and stopper prevent the container from moving beyond the trap. The cord and stopper allow for removal of the container from the drainage system, once the composition has been fully dispensed.

Abstract: Traps particularly intended for carrying condensate from air conditioner drip trays towards a drainage system are constructed from a single turn of a flexible thermoplastic pipe; each unit being preformed when in a heat-softened state into a shape of a one-turn coil resembling the twist in a pig's tail, or the Greek “alpha” (&agr;) symbol. Traps are made of a transparent flexible durable thermoplastics material, such as polyvinyl chloride, and internal contents may be inspected through the trap wall. Being flexible, the traps can reliably connect mis-aligned conduits. Being flexible, the traps can serve as reliable connectors between conduits where relative movement is a problem such as where vibration or earthquakes occur.

Abstract: A water trap comprising a cylindrical outer casing having a flat top wall and a frustoconical bottom wall, an internal substantially semi-circular open topped water seal container within the outer casing, an inlet into the water seal container which passes through the top wall and abuts one side wall of the water seal container and extends thereinto, and an outlet from the bottom wall of the trap that is offset from, and co-linear with, the inlet. The cross-sectional areas within the trap progressively increase to promote water flow through the trap.

Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow conduit having a threaded end and an overflow cap threaded at one end extending through the overflow opening in the bathtub into threaded engagement with the threaded end of the conduit. The other end of the overflow cap has a test cap portion removably connected thereto for closing off an overflow passage through the overflow cap during pressure testing of the system. The test cap portion is removable from the other end of the overflow cap upon completion of the system pressure test to open up the overflow passage through the overflow cap.

Abstract: The present invention includes an overflow stopper apparatus for reversably blocking the cut-outs in the overflow opening cover, thereby allowing a bathtub to be filled beyond the level of the overflow opening cover. The overflow stopper is formed from a laminar sheet of resilient material, such as closed-pore foam rubber. For additional strength, the overflow stopper may have a facing of stretchable cloth made of a water-impervious synthetic material, such as nylon or polyester, which is unaffected by mildew. The overflow stopper may be stamped or cut from a larger sheet of the resilient material, or it may be molded. The overflow stopper includes a laminar body having a circular aperture which has a diameter less than that of a typical overflow opening cover plate. The overflow stopper is stretched to fit around the periphery of the overflow opening cover plate.

Abstract: A P-trap device for plumbing drainage systems is shown. The device has a first tubing element having a pipe attachment bell at one end and a first coupler portion at the other end and a second tubing element having a pipe attachment bell at one end and a second coupler portion at the other end, wherein said first and second coupler portions are sized and shaped to be coupled together. The device further has at least one of said first or second tubing element being a generally unshaped section sized and shaped to trap water therein. A connector to releasably couple said first and second coupler portions together is included, the connector including a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket, first coupling portion and second coupling portion are sized and shaped to permit the first and second coupler portions to be coupled together over a range of angles to form a leak resistant joint without introducing stresses into the plumbing system.

Abstract: Improvements in retention of the oily liquid sealant (20) in a oil-sealed odor trap (10B-10M), for drain applications such as a waterless urinal or anti-evaporation floor drain, are accomplished by minimizing turbulence in the oil sealant, such as by making the liquid flow path (22A, 22B) substantially horizontal as a departure from conventional practice of substantially vertical flow and by positioning a barrier (40) above the oil sealant to prevent direct impingement of urine or other waste products onto the sealant. The trap is thus structured to realize the substantially horizontal liquid flow path and to locate the flow path immediately beneath the sealant layer or beneath a baffle portion (16B). The baffle portion may be sloped such that stray sealant droplets are encouraged to migrate upwardly to the upper surface of the flow path due to their buoyancy and, therefore, the stray droplets will be recaptured and returned to the main sealant layer.

Abstract: A waste outlet has a clamping ring which seats a flared filler tube. The tube directs water into a well in which the water rises and overflows into the bowl of the outlet. The filler tube contains a solids filter disc which is connected to the filler tube. When the cover is removed, the tube and the disc are removable as a pair. The disc cleans the well as it is retracted. The disc drops clear of the tube allowing the disc to be cleaned before re-insertion. A version for spa baths has a screw operated disc for making the outlet function as a plug. A rectangular grooved drainage plate for draining tiles directly through slots in the ring is provided with the waste outlet as a version for shower slabs.

Abstract: An improved dome shaped trap for bathroom, kitchen or other sink comprising a dome shaped trap, threadably attached to a cover. The cover comprises a vertical conduit adapted to receive the existing vertical influent drain from the sink, a horizontal conduit adapted to be attached to the existing effluent exit drain, the vertical conduit extending down below the water line, providing an extension for the exisiting influent drain, making the trap easily adjustable to be installed any existing sink. The dome trap is easily removable by hand, by unscrewing it from the cover, to clean out any debris clogging the line or to retrieve any item inadvertently dropped into the sink and down the drain into the dome trap.

Abstract: A plumbing sink trap having a rotatable actuating knob for rotating a sweeper bar through 360°. The sweeper bar forms a part of the U-shaped path for waste water. Rotation of the sweeper bar removes obstructions in the U-shaped path.

Abstract: An adjustable drain apparatus includes a drain base received within a floor. A flange is coupled to the drain base. A ring is disposed in a flange cavity and selectively movable therein. A grate is coupled to the ring. At least one retainer is coupled to the flange to retain the ring in the flange cavity. Preferably, two opposite rings selectively secure the ring in the flange. The flange has two different orientations with respect to the drain base to selectively position the grate at two different elevations with respect to the drain base.

Abstract: There is provided a stable drain plug device in which main bodies (the plug lid and the ascending or descending member) are not floated under a pushing operation of the operating part.

Abstract: A plumbing trap system is provided with a pair of sanitary traps arranged in series between a first draining device and the waste line. The first draining device drains into the first, upstream sanitary trap and then into the second, downstream sanitary trap, and a second draining device drains into the second, downstream sanitary trap. Noise, which is caused by the draining of the second draining device and which emanates from the first draining device is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A draining device is disposed within a drain port, which is defined by an upper end of a drain pipe embedded in the ground at an elevation below the ground surface. The draining device includes a tubular base member which has an open upper end, a closed lower end, a bottom wall, and a peripheral wall that extends between the upper and lower ends and that is formed with a plurality of drain openings. A water guiding tube is attached within the base member, and extends into the peripheral wall of the base member. The drain openings of the base member are located around the water guiding tube at an elevation above a lower end of the water guiding tube. The water guiding tube has open upper and lower ends, and is capable of guiding water from the upper end of the base member to the bottom wall of the base member.

Abstract: A drain trap having a U-shaped portion with a removable filter arranged for visual inspection and disposal. The filter extends from the cylindrical insert through an access extension from said base portion positioned within a cylindrical base portion via an access extension therefrom.

Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. The retaining body is provided with an annular flange larger than the aperture, a plurality of lugs circumferentially spaced around the tubular bore and extending forwardly of the flange, opposite the male threaded end, and a selectively removable test plug molded in place across the tubular bore at the flange end.

Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. A chamfered washer is provided to cooperate with the retaining body and an annular sealing gasket to produce a fluid-tight seal on the interior surface of the tub wall. A forwardly projecting fulcrum member on the pipe fitting preferably contacts the exterior tub wall outwardly of the aperture to facilitate connection of a drain pipe to tub walls over a range of included angles, and no seal is required around the overflow drain aperture on the exterior tub wall. A unitarily molded, knock-out test plug is provided across the bore of the retaining body and a handle desirably attached to the test plug projects into the tub to facilitate installation.

Abstract: A waterless urinal (1) is provided with a pot (17) in which urine (35) accumulates. A float (33) floats on the urine (35) and is pressed upwardly by the buoyancy thereof against an opening (31) in the cover (29) of the pot (17). As soon as a pre-determinable column of urine rises above the float (33), the float (33) is pressed downwardly, and the urine (35) can flow out. In a preferred embodiment, the float (33) can be pulled downwardly by an electromagnet, in order to sporadically empty the urine (35), which has accumulated above the float (33) and the cover (29).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a bathtub overflow drain to bypass potential leakage zones, i.e. between a bathtub liner and between connections of fittings through inserting a throat member from the innermost surface of the bathtub, which may be the innermost surface of a bathtub liner, to the interior of the standing portion of a drainpipe.

Abstract: An adjustable drain apparatus to be positioned with a floor therearound. The drain has a drain channel, having an upper end to receive fluid, and a lower end to expel the fluid. The drain also has a base, positioned proximate to the drain channel, having a cavity to receive the fluid expelled from the lower end. Additionally, the drain has pivoting means, coupled to the lower end of the drain channel, for enabling pivoting of the drain channel relative to the base. Moreover, there is a securing means for pivotally securing the pivoting means to the base. Uniquely, the securing means comprises a pair of plates, each having an inner concentric substantially spherical surface designed to mate with the pivoting means and be coupled to the base. Also, the pivoting means comprises a ring having an inner surface that is attached to the lower end of the drain channel, and an outer spherical surface designed to smoothly pivot against the spherical surfaces of the pair of plates.