We are putting in a new tub due to some leakage in the previous tub surround. When we pulled up the tub, the tub drain hooks to a larger drain. The top of this larger drain appears to be open. Is this to vent the drain? It appears that the toilet also hooks to this drain. What keeps the toilet from overflowing into the pit under these drains, if the top is open. There is about 4 inches of water in the pit below these drains. Could this be the water from the leaky tub surround? It smells awful! We are afraid to put the new tub on top of this. What should we do?

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Originally Posted by glebe

We are putting in a new tub due to some leakage in the previous tub surround. When we pulled up the tub, the tub drain hooks to a larger drain. The top of this larger drain appears to be open. Is this to vent the drain? It appears that the toilet also hooks to this drain. What keeps the toilet from overflowing into the pit under these drains, if the top is open. There is about 4 inches of water in the pit below these drains. Could this be the water from the leaky tub surround? It smells awful! We are afraid to put the new tub on top of this. What should we do?

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It sounds like you may have a old drum trap with a missing cover and the pit that's under the drains is acting as a cesspool. This is a health hazard to your family and must be taken care of at once. Hire a plumber to put your drainage back in order before you set the tub. Then you can let him set the tub or you can finish the job yourself. DO NOT LET THIS SLIDE! YOUR FAMILIES HEALTH DEPENDS ON IT! After the plumber puts your pipes back in order spread a layer of quick lime in the pit to kill germs and odor. Good luck, Tom