shower/tub not draining

[shphilby]

Hello
My shower / tub is not draining and im not sure how to fix it with out a major piping job. What I have is the drain comes down from the tub about 1’6†into a 90 then about 1’ it runs into some kind of box, then it goes out the top of the box about 6†to a 90 and then about 4†into a tee. The top I believe is a vent and the bottom 90’s and then goes for about 4’ into the main drain for the house. I don’t know what the box is and I believe it is my problem. I have a pic of it to help everyone to understand what’s going on.
My question is What is this box and how should I go about fixing it?

 

[Geniescience]

good picture. Drum trap is your box. AFAIK.

i believe that device is a drum trap.

Do you know the purpose of "traps" in drains? Check this out, and you'll find that only P traps are used these days. Drums are too boxy, cornery, and sudden-changy. P traps' shape lets water act fluidly and slide gracefully through it. The shape also lets you clean it out more easily than a drum.

Take more pictures, so people can get an idea of the height issues you have. Replacing your drum trap with a P trap that makes sense (fits the space) is a challenge for a DIY person, especially since i think i read something about a six inch riser coming out of the drum trap before the drain goes horizontal... Not sure about that last part of your message.

david

 

[Sponsor]

 

[shphilby]

Thanks for the response nice to know it’s a drum trap. Yes I have a basic knowledge of plumbing. I don’t know if I can fit a p trap in the space I have. I was also wondering if the drum trap is installed upside down? Does it even matters. I think I am going to see if I can go to a p trap. I am thinking about installing a plug in at the T. There is a cap right where it 90’s that goes to the drain and I am thinking about trying to attach it to the tub with a p trap. I might have a little up hill slant with the pipe but it should still work.

 

[shphilby]

I got the drum trap to open and I cleaned out the pipes. I found a spring that was about 1.5 in long and 1in dia. There was a big hairball stuck to it. Now my question is, what can I put on the plug to keep it from seizing up incase I have to open it again. It took me some effort to get it open this time.
Thanks Jason

 

[Markts30]

plumbers grease...
That is what is usually recommended...