[Jim Cinqe]

I have a building constructed in mid '40s. Shower drain on 3rd floor is draining slow for the past 6 months. Bathroom sink and toilet flow normally. There is no easily accessible means for shower drain clean-out. The drain assembly is apparently not conventional "P" trap or "S" trap that could be snaked. Water begins backing up after 2 -3 minutes after shower water is turned on. Standing water will drain after 2-3 minutes. Makes me think the problem may be farther down line. I have tried plunger, snaking from the roof through vent stacks, Drano, enzymes, forced hot water, etc. All these steps get limited or no improvement in flow. All other drains on 2nd and 1st floors run normally. I do hear a gurgle at 1st floor sink when 3rd floor toilet is flushed which makes me believe the problem may be in the vent.
Any ideas?

 

[oh'mike]

You may have a barrel trap--very likely with the age of the building---you will need to find it and remove the cover---good luck with that---a snake will not clear a barrel trap---

I'll see if I can pull up a picture for you-----

 

[oh'mike]

 

[Jim Cinqe]

Thanks, Mike. At least I have an idea what could be under the shower pan. The 2nd floor bath is directly below the 3rd floor shower. I could go into the ceiling above the tub to get to that thing. It probably hasn't been opened for many years, if ever at all. Considering years of mineral build-up and corrosion I may not even get the lid to budge and may mean doing a lot of collateral damage in the process--
Jim

 

[jagans]

Amazingly, That one is upside down. We called them drum traps.

 

[oh'mike]

Best picture I could find------------