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JonDes1369 · Sep 18, 2008, 02:21 PM

I recently found that my upstairs bathroom was leaking into my dinning room. After removing the ceiling I noticed I have an old Drum trap. I know I can clean it out and everything should be fine but I would rather replace it so a few years down the road I don't run into the same problem. Does anyone know if I can simply replace my drum trap with a typical P Trap?

speedball1 · Sep 18, 2008, 02:29 PM

Does anyone know if I can simply replace my drum trap with a typical P Trap?

You can but you'll have to remove the drum trap and pipe over to the tub waste where you will install a "P" trap and raiser. Good luck, Tpm

massplumber2008 · Sep 18, 2008, 03:59 PM

Jondes...

In my days in Maine we used to use drum traps all the time. They were used only when a fixture was within 10 feet of a waste/vent stack and therefore no individual vent was needed.

In this case, for example, you would not be able to remove a drum trap and replace with a p-trap.. unless you installed a vent along with the trap or if you installed a mechanical type vent (pro-vent or studor vent). I think that is what Tom meant when he said install trap and raiser... ;)

I recommed that you stick with the drum trap or replace it with a new drum trap with a more easily accessible clean-out plug (see picture)...

Let me know what you think...

MARK

JonDes1369 · Sep 18, 2008, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by JonDes1369

I recently found that my upstairs bathroom was leaking into my dinning room. After removing the ceiling I noticed I have an old Drum trap. I know I can clean it out and everything should be fine but I would rather replace it so a few years down the road I dont run into the same problem. Does anyone know if I can simply replace my drum trap with a typical P Trap?

I hope I am replying to this correctly. (By the way - this is a great site - I am a do-it-yourselfer and have been looking for something like this) I think I am going to just clean the drum trap - it has what seems to be an easy clean-out plug. Do you know often these back up or get clogged? I am going to repair my ceiling and I don't want to rip it down every few years. Thank you very much for the help!

massplumber2008 · Sep 18, 2008, 04:15 PM

All depends on what you let get down there Jon..

If you clean it real well then you should be in pretty good shape for awhile. If you want to be absolutely sure you don't need to go back in for awhile then may not be bad idea to send a drain snake down the drain to be sure drain is clear and free... :)

Also, they make some great access panels today that can be painted or even wallpapered to match wall.. ceiling, etc. This would allow easy access in the future. Sold at home depot or Lowe's.

Pop back anytime.. glad to help when we can!

Good luck!

MARK

mygirlsdad77 · Sep 18, 2008, 08:52 PM

I live in a state that has the overkill overkill overkill upc. They don't allow drum traps. I would make sure you don't live in one of these states before installing a drum. As far as replacing with a p trap, speedball is right.

massplumber2008 · Sep 19, 2008, 03:18 AM

Mygirlsdad77...

Jon is asking about REPLACING an existing drum trap... so most likely best to leave as it is as I explained in post #3

Have a good day!

MARK

speedball1 · Sep 19, 2008, 04:35 AM

I think I am going to just clean the drum trap - it has what seems to be an easy clean-out plug. Do you know often these back up or get clogged?

Sometimes drum trap covers are hard to remove. A hammer and chisel may be needed,(see image) to loosen it. It depends upon how much the tub's used as to how often a drum trap needs to be cleaned.
Marks advice;

If you want to be absolutely sure you don't need to go back in for awhile then may not be bad idea to send a drain snake down the drain to be sure drain is clear and free...

is right on. You can snake from the trap, (see image) to clear the drain of rotting hair matted with grease. PS. Good luck, Tom