Drum Trap diaster

OMG! I own a large apartment building that has drum traps under all of the tubs. I replaced two of these trap 2 weeks ago and hadnt had problems with them until then. This morning another tenant has called me and let me know that she has standing water in her tub now too. I plunged it and snaked it and yes tried draino, had to try. Does anyone have any tricks for these because to get to the trap I have to cut into the ceilings and then replace them with p traps as the drums are so old that I cant take the tops off to clean them out. I appreciate your help.

SOUP

you are screwed

god help you if you get that cable
twisted into a knot in the drum trying to clean
clean out a drum trap

you DO NOT want that to happen...



if you can get access to the brass cover of that drum trap
(if it has been installed correctly flush with the finished floor)
....you can chisel it off then clean out the drain.....

the only down side to it is you have to put an expandable plug back into that clean out lid.....

they are available in my town
and will fit that threaded opening
for about 30 bucks.....and it will seal up real good

the only problem is you cant install one in areas
where people might walk.......the handle sticks up
and would really hurt someone in the bathroom...

being rental property its your decision as to wether
it will look too unsightly or not

good luck ....have tons of fun
on a Satruday afternon....

Instead if the ceiling, can you make a permanent access door directly behind the business end of the tub?

Just replace the drum traps as they go bad. When they are replaced you will be finished with it all. How many units are we talking here?

replace if you must

replaceing them is best....

but you do what you got to do to get
yourself out of tearing up the apartment
below ,

what ever gets you out of trouble the quickest
without all the colloratol damages is usually the
best road to take on a satruday afterneoon

drum traps

If they upright with the plug on the top then it is fairly easy to chisel the cover off, and most hardware stores will have a replacement cover. The only problem would be if your traps have the fine thread, which all lead ones but few cast iron ones did.