Do I Wrap a Drainpipe in a Cloth Barrier?

Drainpipe

• You don't need to wrap a functional drainpipe in a cloth barrier; the drainpipe doesn't need it. If you are working on plumbing in your kitchen or bathroom and have a drainpipe half-installed, then you'll need to wrap it. An open drainpipe with no trap installed on the line has none of the safety measures found on the other working drainpipes in your home. It is a direct, open conduit from the sewer system to your home.

Dangers

• When you have a half-installed drainpipe in your home, you could soon have sewer gas in the room. The gas drifts up the drainpipe, and with no functioning trap to stop it inside the pipe, it flows out and into your home. It smells bad and makes the room unpleasant to work in. Worse, it can cause health problems if you and your family members are exposed to it. Symptoms of exposure include headache and nausea. In extreme cases, it can cause unconsciousness.

Cloth Barrier

• A simple cloth barrier protects your family from sewer gas. It doesn't need to be special cloth; an old hand towel or a T-shirt you've been using as a rag will work. Stuff the majority of the cloth into the pipe, filling it with fabric. Take the material hanging out of the drainpipe and wrap it around the opening. If you like, secure it there with a rubber band or tie it in place with another rag. While not a perfect barrier, cloth works at a temporary measure.

Considerations

• While wrapping a drainpipe in a cloth barrier will keep out sewer gas for a few days, it is not a permanent solution. If it will be weeks until your drainpipe is fully installed, use a plastic cap to seal off the pipe. It creates a stronger barrier and will better protect your home and family. Once the drainpipe is fully installed and in use, the water inside the drain's trap creates an airtight seal to keep sewer gas out of your home.