Gas Piping & Specialty Homes
What Is a Sediment Trap?
A sediment trap is a short capped length of pipe fitted near a gas appliance's connection, positioned so debris and moisture carried in the gas stream drop out before reaching the appliance's control valve. Code requires one at appliances where the manufacturer specifies it.
Also called: drip leg · dirt leg
Why it matters to you
It is a small fitting that protects an expensive control valve, and its absence is a routine inspection finding on older installations. Because it sits in plain sight at the appliance, it is also one of the easier things to confirm is present.
What to do about it
You can look for it — a short vertical stub with a cap near the appliance shutoff — but adding one is licensed gas work. Mention it if an appliance is being replaced, since that is the natural moment to correct it.
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