Plumbing- Drum Trap

When inspecting home you may find many things- here is a drum trap

In design, drum traps bear a striking resemblance to a small version of a steel drum. The unique construction of these traps makes them ideal for installation when the fixtures are close to the floor. An rather wide access cap is located at the top of the device, while an inlet at the base connects with the pipe system. When installed, the access cap is the only portion of the trap that is likely to be visible.

Drum traps actually perform two important functions. First, the traps prevent large objects from making their way into the water pipes and creating obstructions. In the event that some object does work into the trap itself, it is a simple matter to open the access cap and remove it. For many years, drum traps were standard equipment on bathtubs, lavatory sinks, and kitchen sinks.

A second function of drum traps is to prevent gas from seeping into the home. The design of the traps causes the body of devices to fill with water from the inlet located at the point where the traps connect with water pipes. The presence of the water creates an effective barrier that blocks fumes from entering the home via the plumbing, thus minimizing health risks to the inhabitants of the home.

Clearing clogs or other obstructions from drum traps is a relatively simple process. By opening the access cap, it is possible to use a standard pipe cleaner or some other form of snaking tool and remove collections of hair or any objects that may have made their way into the traps. While P-traps are routinely installed today, there is no real need to replace drum traps as long as they are working properly.