The history of drain plumbing in residential homes dates back to ancient Rome, where complex systems of aqueducts and sewer pipes were used to transport water and waste away from buildings. In medieval Europe, basic drain systems consisting of trenches and gutters were used, but they were often unhygienic. During the Industrial Revolution, wealthy homes began to adopt indoor plumbing using pipes made of lead or cast iron. In the 20th century, new materials such as PVC and ABS plastic were introduced, offering improved durability and resistance to corrosion. Stricter building codes and sanitation regulations helped to reduce the spread of disease, and today’s modern drain plumbing systems are highly advanced, using technology to transport water and waste away from homes efficiently and safely.
Drain traps are an essential component of plumbing systems, and their primary purpose is to prevent unpleasant odors and gasses from entering living spaces through drainage pipes. A trap is a bend in the pipe that holds water to create a water seal, which prevents the backflow of sewer gasses into the living space. The water in the trap also serves as a barrier, preventing insects, rodents, and other pests from entering the home through the drain.
There are several types of drain traps, including P-traps, S-traps, drum traps, and bottle traps. P-traps are the most common type of drain trap and are typically used in sinks and showers. They are shaped like a “P” and hold water in the curve of the trap to create a water seal. S-traps are similar in design to P-traps but are not used as frequently. Bottle traps are commonly used in low-profile sinks, and their unique design allows them to fit in tight spaces. They are shaped like a bottle and have a water seal in the bottom of the trap. Another type of trap is the grease trap, which is designed to trap grease and oil from kitchen wastewater before it enters the sewer system.
Drum traps are a type of plumbing trap that were commonly used in residential plumbing systems before the advent of modern plastic traps. A drum trap is a cylindrical-shaped trap that holds a pool of water to create a seal, preventing sewer gasses and odors from entering the living space through the drain.
However, over time, drum traps have been found to be problematic in several ways. One of the primary issues is that they are prone to becoming clogged with hair, soap, and other debris. Because of their design, drum traps are more challenging to clean than other types of traps, and their location can make it challenging to access the trap for cleaning.
Another issue with drum traps is that they can corrode over time, leading to leaks and damage to the surrounding plumbing system. In some cases, drum traps can become so corroded that they fail to create a proper seal, allowing gasses and odors to escape.
Due to these issues, modern plumbing codes do not allow drum traps to be installed in new construction or in replacement plumbing systems. Instead, other types of traps, such as P-traps, are used, which are easier to clean and maintain and have better resistance to corrosion.
In summary, while drum traps were once a common type of plumbing trap used in residential plumbing systems, modern codes have deemed them to be outdated and problematic due to their tendency to become clogged and corrode over time. Our recommendation is to replace any drum traps that are in the home with a modern type of trap to help prevent clogs and other drain problems.
You can learn about how to replace a drum trap in the following video: