How to Clear a Clogged Drum Trap
P-traps are now required by building code to be installed in shower and bathtub sewer lines, to stop gasses traveling up the pipe into the bathroom. They are also self-cleaning. However, drum traps were installed in older homes to serve the same purpose. A little larger than a soda can, the traps are installed close to the shower/tub drain hole, but are not self-cleaning. To remove blockages from an old drum trap, its top lid must be taken off and the blockage removed manually. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Face mask
- Rubber gloves
- Adjustable wrench
- Lubricating spray
- Bucket
- White sealing tape
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Put on a face mask and rubber gloves. Locate the circular access cover on the top of the drum trap. Place an adjustable wrench around the nut on the center of the cover. Turn the wrench handle counterclockwise to loosen and remove the cover. If the cover is stubborn, apply lubricating spray around the cover's side threads; wait 15 minutes and remove the cover with the wrench.
-
2
Hold a bucket under the drum trap. Reach into the drum trap and remove the blockage by hand, placing remnants of the blockage into the bucket. Continue until the inside of the drum is completely free of any debris.
-
-
3
Wrap white sealing tape clockwise around the threads on the side of the trap's access cover. Screw the cover by hand back into the top of the drum trap. Tighten the cover in place with the wrench.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Drum traps are prone to clogging, and are no longer accepted by code. It is best to cut them out and replace them with code-accepted P-traps.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
