Vertical or barrel trap
 

I have a tub that won't drain so tried to snake it but didn't get far, it
doesn't have a U type trap instead it has a can type thing, I did a little
web searching and it seems I have a barrel or vertical trap. Are there any
tips for working with this type of trap? I'm planning on getting the water
out of the tub and then opening the trap (it has a large nut on the top),
then I guess I'll clean it out and snake from there on. I've never worked
on one of these traps before - any tips?

Thanks,

Peter

Peter Wells wrote:
I have a tub that won't drain so tried to snake it but didn't get far, it
doesn't have a U type trap instead it has a can type thing, I did a little
web searching and it seems I have a barrel or vertical trap. Are there any
tips for working with this type of trap? I'm planning on getting the water
out of the tub and then opening the trap (it has a large nut on the top),
then I guess I'll clean it out and snake from there on. I've never worked
on one of these traps before - any tips?

Thanks,

Peter


Actually, they are called "drum" traps. They are now prohibited.

There wasn't just one design either. Some have the exit port
at a different elevation from the inlet, while some are straight-thru.
Also, some have an exit bend which is extremely narrow, frustrating
any attempt at snaking.

You can try to get the cover off, but often they are frozen in place.
The only choice then is to attack the cover with a cold chisel.

The clogs are *never* in the drum; they tend to occur downstream at some
EL or TEE.

If you do get the cover off, there is a universal replacement or
you can use a 4" expansion plug.

You can also try the plunger (block off the overflow) or a Shop Vac.

Jim