Steve Skeldon, Above Ground Product Group Manager at Wavin explores the critical role of waterless traps in supporting modern housebuilding 

As the UK strives to meet its ambitious housebuilding targets, construction practices are evolving to keep pace with changing expectations and challenges. One clear trend is the shrinking size of residential floorspace in new-build homes – with ONS data signalling a consistent fall in average floorspace in today’s homes compared to those of the last decade.    

As properties become more compact, installers face increasing challenges when it comes to fitting and maintaining essential plumbing components – particularly traditional, U-bend water traps. Whilst the function and role of the water trap remains relatively unchanged, waterless traps are emerging as a smarter, more space-efficient alternative to future-proof homes.   

The pressures of modern housing design   

In today’s increasingly space-constrained urban developments, every centimetre of space counts. This shift is placing pressure on plumbing design, particularly under sinks, baths, shower trays, and within cupboards such as vanity units – areas where traditional water-filled traps can prove bulky and difficult to work with.   

These traditional U-bend or ‘P’ trap designs rely on a retained water seal to prevent the ingress of sewer gases. However, their curved shape not only make them more prone to blockages from food waste, hair, and oil build-up, but can also create spatial challenges – for example, requiring cut-outs in flooring beneath baths or limiting space for items such as pull-out bins under sinks or within vanity units.   

Over time traditional traps can also lose their water seal due to evaporation, siphonage, or movement, which can compromise their effectiveness. With a growing need for more reliable, compact, and user-friendly solutions, the case for straight waterless traps becomes increasingly clear.  

A solution for modern challenges   

Waterless traps are shifting the conversation. Instead of relying on water to form a barrier, these traps use a flexible silicone membrane that opens to allow water through, and closes afterwards to form a reliable space-saving airtight seal which isn’t compromised by evaporation, siphonage or movement.   

Beyond the direct benefits of preventing foul sewer gases from entering a building for property owners, waterless alternatives also offer valuable flexibility to installers. Without the constraints of the often-awkward U-bend, these traps can be installed either horizontally or vertically making them an ideal choice for more confined spaces. A key example of this is the new and improved Osma HepvO waterless trap which ensures installations are simpler and quicker to complete. The latest version features smoother, modern lines and clearly marked directional flow arrows, helping installers align fittings more easily – especially in tight spaces or horizontal setups.   

With a new 15-year guarantee and packaging that now uses fully recyclable cardboard instead of single-use plastic, the redesigned HepvO also reflects Wavin’s commitment to long-term durability and environmental responsibility.  

Stepping up to the housebuilding challenge  

The benefits of waterless traps aren’t only confined to new build properties. This type of trap can be retrofitted into existing systems with ease by simply removing the old water trap and connecting the new trap via a knuckle-bend adaptor. With projects now running to tighter schedules, solutions that streamline installations are becoming key in the drive to hit the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029.  

Additionally, it’s not solely their immediate installation benefits which ensure waterless traps play a key role in this housebuilding drive. As they don’t rely on water to create a seal, they can’t fail due to siphonage or evaporation water-reliant traps are indispensable as housing developers and plumbers become more time constrained than ever.  

As homes become more compact and deadlines more demanding, the need for smarter, more adaptable plumbing solutions is clear. With their space efficiency, long-term reliability and installer-friendly design, waterless traps like HepvO are fast becoming the go-to solution for today’s housing challenges.  

For more information on the new Osma HepvO, click here.

Enjoyed this article? Give it a like to let us know and and we’ll share more content like this!