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Author:
mijclarke (IL)
I'm a relatively new homeowner and after snaking my bathtub drain a couple times I noticed there is a drum trap near the basement ceiling. The house is from 1953 and I'm pretty sure it hasn't been unscrewed in decades. Would a large pipe wrench work or is there a better tool? Any chance it might leak when I screw it back on? There are a million PVC pipes next to it(bucket pump line, ejector pump line, vents) so I'll have to unscrew it in an awkward position.
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Author:
SMSPlumbing (MD)
Using a pipe wrench may work. If you are able to, you may just want to cut it out and install a pvc trap. This way you will not have to worry about it again.
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Author:
packy (MA)
since the house was built in the 50's the tub trap is probably not vented. being that a drum trap is non-syphoning that is OK. switching the drum trap to a p-trap could lead to syphoning of that p-trap. note.. i say COULD..
the cover of the drum trap should unscrew with some effort, if it is brass.
snake the outlet side of the trap really well.
use a few wraps of teflon tape on the threads to put it back and you should be fine.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
packy,
good point re: siphoning
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; the tub trap is probably not vented. being that a drum trap is non-syphoning that is OK.
We ALWAYS vented our drum traps, because they are NOT 'non-siphoning'. They just have more water so the residual waterm when the siphon is broken, MAY be enough to maintain a seal. If the cover is "silver colored" it will NOT unscrew, but is easy to cut off and replace with a new one.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
Even with all the pvc pipe, I'm guess the drum trap is brass or steel. Those are a bear of a job after all these year, as you try to break the cover to gain access to the inside. I'm guessing after all these years, grease has filled the trap. Its a dirty job.
Some have used heat (carefully) to help loosen that cover. After the trap has been emptied, run boiling hot waters, after appling the cover to rinse out the insides.
If you are not comfortable with this process... hire a licensed plumber.
Best Wishes
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; I'm guess the drum trap is brass or steel.
It MAY be brass, but more likely it is cast iron. I have never seen a steel one.
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