Bottle Traps

Bottle traps that offer stylish functionality

If you’re renovating your bathroom, the finer details matter, right down to the bottle trap under your basin. Once hidden away, these fittings are now a design choice in their own right. 

From brass bottle traps with a warm vintage glow to sleek nickel bottle traps and eye-catching copper bottle traps, the right choice can complement your bathroom’s look while keeping everything working smoothly.

What is a Bottle Trap?

A bottle trap is a plumbing fitting that sits beneath your basin, connecting it to the waste pipe. Its main job is to prevent foul odours from escaping into your bathroom by holding a small amount of water as a seal. 

Unlike traditional S-traps or P-traps, bottle traps have a compact, cylindrical design, making them ideal for wall-hung basins and minimalist spaces.

Why bottle traps are worth considering in renovations

When planning a bathroom renovation, people often focus on taps, tiles, and vanities. But if you’re opting for a basin where the waste pipe will be visible, your choice of bottle trap can add style to function.

A well-made bottle trap not only matches your bathroom’s design but also contributes to better bathroom hygiene. By keeping a constant water seal, it blocks unpleasant smells from the sewer system, helping your bathroom stay fresh and clean.

Fit and compatibility

Most bottle traps in Australia come in a standard 40mm size, which suits the majority of bathroom basins. They’re compatible with wall-hung, pedestal, and countertop basins, as long as the waste outlet height and trap alignment are correct.

Before buying, it’s worth checking your basin’s specifications to ensure a proper fit. For custom designs or older plumbing, an adjustable bottle trap may be a practical choice.

Brass Bottle Traps

Brass bottle traps are a classic choice for bathrooms that lean towards timeless elegance. The golden hue of polished brass can add warmth, while brushed or antique finishes suit more traditional or vintage-inspired designs.

They’re durable, corrosion-resistant, and age beautifully, developing a natural patina over time — perfect for those who appreciate character in their fittings.

Nickel Bottle Traps

For a sleek and modern look, nickel bottle traps are a strong contender. Polished nickel has a bright, mirror-like shine, while brushed nickel offers a softer, more understated finish.

Nickel’s neutral tone makes it versatile — it pairs just as well with marble countertops as it does with matte black basins. Plus, the plating adds extra protection against wear and tear, making it a smart long-term investment.

Copper Bottle Traps

Copper bottle traps are the show-stoppers of the group. The warm reddish tones bring a bold, contemporary edge, especially in industrial or rustic bathrooms. Over time, copper develops a rich, natural patina that adds depth and individuality to the space.

These work beautifully when paired with matching copper taps or exposed copper pipework, tying the design together seamlessly.

Maintenance and cleaning benefits

One of the biggest advantages of bottle traps is how easy they are to clean. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Place a small bucket or towel under the trap to catch any water.
2. Unscrew the base of the trap by hand or with a wrench.
3. Empty any debris and rinse the inside with warm, soapy water.
4. Screw the base back on securely, making sure the washer is in place.

Regular cleaning helps maintain smooth drainage, prevents blockages, and extends the life of the fitting.

Installation Tips

Bottle traps are relatively simple to fit, but it’s still worth having a licensed plumber handle the job. Correct installation ensures a watertight seal and avoids alignment issues, particularly with wall-hung basins.

If you’re replacing an old trap, check your basin’s waste outlet height — you may need to adjust the pipework to suit a bottle trap’s compact profile.

Bottle Trap FAQs

Do all basins work with bottle traps?

Most 40mm bottle traps fit wall-hung, countertop, and pedestal basins. The main thing to check is the waste outlet height and alignment, as different basin designs may require small adjustments.

How do I clean a bottle trap?

Cleaning a bottle trap is simple. Place a bucket underneath, unscrew the base, empty the contents, rinse with warm soapy water, and reattach. Doing this regularly helps keep your bathroom fresh and your drainage flowing smoothly.

Does a bottle trap stop bad smells?

Yes, a bottle trap stops bad smells. The water held in the trap acts as a barrier, stopping sewer odours from escaping into your bathroom.

What’s the difference between a bottle trap and a P-trap?

A bottle trap has a vertical, space-saving shape that suits modern and minimalist bathrooms, while a P-trap uses a U-shaped bend and is more common in kitchens or where extra flow capacity is needed.

How do I prevent a bottle trap from leaking?

To prevent a bottle trap from leaking, ensure you choose the correct size to match your basin waste, seat all washers and O-rings in the correct order with a light smear of plumber’s silicone grease, use PTFE tape on threaded joints (not on compression seals), keep everything aligned to avoid cross-threading or strain, hand-tighten then add a final quarter-turn with a spanner without overtightening, run water to check for drips and re-check the next day, and clean the bottle periodically while replacing flattened or brittle washers to maintain a reliable seal.