A drum trap is a type of plumbing fixture that is commonly found in older homes. It is a cylindrical shaped pipe that is connected to the drain of a sink, tub, or shower.
The drum trap’s primary function is to prevent sewer gases from entering the home through the drain. It does this by using a weighted cover called a “floating ball” that seals off the trap when the fixture is not in use. When water is released from the fixture, the weight of the water pushes the floating ball up, allowing the water to pass through the trap and into the sewer system.
Drum traps are not commonly used in modern plumbing systems due to their tendency to become clogged and their inability to effectively prevent sewer gases from entering the home. They have been replaced by more effective plumbing fixtures such as P-traps and S-traps.
