Main Drain Assembley--What is This?

wsuswim147 · 03-20-2009, 03:53 PM

See the attached Photo. I have a slow draining shower that I have been trying to clear from the main shower drain. The shower drain assembly comes into the "chamber" and then angles into the main drain stack. The shower drain and overflow appear to be copper to galvinized to cast iron. Is the "chamber" the trap for the shower? Can the nut on the bottom be loosened to attempt to clear the blockage at either end of this "chamber"?

Thanks

Dave

porchmonkey · 03-20-2009, 03:55 PM

That is a drum trap with a removable clean out plug.
Be very careful trying to remove it. I would soak it down good with a penetrating spray such as PB Blaster and let it sit overnight.
You may try tapping the drum lightly with a hammer while applying torque to the cap nut.
Sometimes heat from a torch may help. (But not in the presence of penetrating oil!)

majakdragon · 03-20-2009, 03:57 PM

Yes, this is called a drum trap. Although the cap/plug on the bottom is made for cleaning out, they are usually so corroded they will not budge. Most I have seen have the cap in an upwards position and are accessible through the floor. I included a link that may help you. Just click on the link.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2099070_clea...paign=yssp_art

wsuswim147 · 03-20-2009, 04:01 PM

O.K. Thanks.

So if in theory I was able to remove the plug and get access to the trap:

1. Whould I be able to get to both ends of the pipe to try and clear the blockage?
2. If I got the cap off, would it be a nightmare to get it back on with a watertight seal?

porchmonkey · 03-20-2009, 04:04 PM

1. Yes
2. If it comes off in one piece and the threads are good, it should go back on. Use pipe dope.

Chemist1961 · 03-20-2009, 06:41 PM

Looks to me like with that drum you have 4 X 90 turns and a 45 elbow within 24".
Good potential for repeat problems.

03-20-2009, 03:53 PM	#1
wsuswim147 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 26	Main Drain Assembley--What is This? See the attached Photo. I have a slow draining shower that I have been trying to clear from the main shower drain. The shower drain assembly comes into the "chamber" and then angles into the main drain stack. The shower drain and overflow appear to be copper to galvinized to cast iron. Is the "chamber" the trap for the shower? Can the nut on the bottom be loosened to attempt to clear the blockage at either end of this "chamber"? Thanks Dave Attached Thumbnails

03-20-2009, 03:55 PM	#2
porchmonkey Newbie Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Way down yonder Posts: 13	Main Drain Assembley--What is This? That is a drum trap with a removable clean out plug. Be very careful trying to remove it. I would soak it down good with a penetrating spray such as PB Blaster and let it sit overnight. You may try tapping the drum lightly with a hammer while applying torque to the cap nut. Sometimes heat from a torch may help. (But not in the presence of penetrating oil!) Last edited by porchmonkey; 03-20-2009 at 04:02 PM.

03-20-2009, 03:57 PM	#3
majakdragon Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,670	Main Drain Assembley--What is This? Yes, this is called a drum trap. Although the cap/plug on the bottom is made for cleaning out, they are usually so corroded they will not budge. Most I have seen have the cap in an upwards position and are accessible through the floor. I included a link that may help you. Just click on the link. http://www.ehow.com/how_2099070_clea...paign=yssp_art __________________ If you have never made a mistake, you haven't done much. Last edited by majakdragon; 03-20-2009 at 04:01 PM.

03-20-2009, 04:01 PM	#4
wsuswim147 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 26	Main Drain Assembley--What is This? O.K. Thanks. So if in theory I was able to remove the plug and get access to the trap: 1. Whould I be able to get to both ends of the pipe to try and clear the blockage? 2. If I got the cap off, would it be a nightmare to get it back on with a watertight seal?

03-20-2009, 04:04 PM	#5
porchmonkey Newbie Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Way down yonder Posts: 13	Main Drain Assembley--What is This? 1. Yes 2. If it comes off in one piece and the threads are good, it should go back on. Use pipe dope.

Main Drain Assembley--What is This?