Old cast Iron Tub..... Drum trap underneath???

Question

We have recently purchased an old apartment building built around 1920. In the process of updating the first floor apartment we noticed water leaking from the ceiling into the bathroom. The second floor bathroom is directly over the first floor bathrrom. We checked on the second floor and someone had been using the tub. It was still halfway full and draining very slowly. When I look at the drainpipe coming through the first floor ceiling, there is no trap visible. The second floor tub is an old cast iron tub with a skirt all the way around, so I can't see underneath the tub. Is it correct to assume that there is an old drum trap underneath the tub that is leaking and that we will have to tilt the cast iron tub in order to gain access to the drum trap??? Are there any other types of traps that may have been used (besides drum, p-trap and s-trap....)?

Thanks in advance!!

Speedy Jim · Accepted Answer

In 1920, the cast drum trap was almost universal in many parts of the country (and well into the 50's).

When inconvenient to locate them accessible, the builder often concealed them under a tile floor or under a tub.

But I certainly wouldn't tilt the tub to find out! You'll risk having to re-do all the tub piping when it breaks.

Cut a small inspection hole in the already-damaged ceiling below. Better yet, if there are similar neighboring properties, sniff out what info you can from their owners.

You won't know what you're up against till you can eyeball the situation properly. It may not be the drum leaking. Could be the tub "shoe" gasket. Could be 85 yr old galv iron out of the drum rusted out.

Last, you have no way of knowing what materials you'll encounter. In 1920 cast iron and galvanized were in wide use, but honest-to-gosh soft lead pipe was still in widespread use for drains (1 1/2" size).

Replacing the tub drain (from the suite below) may be the best choice. It will also afford an opportunity to cure the clogged drain issue and maybe install clean out fittings to allow snaking in future.

Jim

paul · Answer

Well I guess I left out a couple steps!! I forgot to add that we wouldbe disconnecting the drainpipe that comes through the ceiling anddisconnecting the hot and col water leads before tilting the tub. Ithink I will take your suggestion and cut a little hole in order to seewhats going on in order to assess the situation correctly. We do wantto install a proper trap...It's just getting the old one out that isthe problem!Speedy Jim wrote:

Old cast Iron Tub..... Drum trap underneath???

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?