Plumbing Advice....

[wooly110]

...No seriously, I have a plumbing question - regarding my bathroon sink.

Here's the deal - my bathroom sink has been slow to drain lately. I've taken the trap out and made sure it's all clean, and it is. Looked up the pipe to the sink, and it's all clear. It seems that the problem is in the piping passed the trap. I'm able to get air through the pipes no problem, it's just a matter water trying to drain out that it's really slow.

I've fingered out as much of the gunge that I could, and I've also used the foaming Liquid Plumber a couple of times to try and clear it up. It's worked somewhat, but, if you let the water run long enough, it will still back up. Although it drains a little quicker now. But, not like it should.

When it does drain though, you can hear the water "gurgle" through the pipes.

I've used a snake to try and clear out the pipes, but, there's no real blockage. I think it's just gunge.

Any thoughts on how to fix this? Maybe a pipe cleaner with a flexible neck? Or just more Liquid Plumber stuff until it's cleared up. I really don't want to call a plumber on this one if I don't have to.

So I'm looking for some advice from any plumbers out there. And no, just because you have plumbers' butt, doesn't make you a plumber! Although I expect I'll be hearing from them and the Tim "The Toolman" Taylors out there as well.

 

[kidjoe]

drop Baci2004 a p.m. He'll know how to clean your pipes!

 

[auto doctor]

Sounds like the clog is further down the pipe.

When I had a very similiar problem I went to the rental shop to get a power snake. (longer than the one you already used)

If you have some flow that is good. Because as you power snake you should run a small amount of water to help pass the clog. Once you have power snaked as best as you can.

You can go to home hardware and get a strong liquid drain acid. $7.

Wait about an hour or two after snaking so the pipe get's the consentate without mixing with any standing water.

Leave tha acid in the pipe over night and then run lots of water in the morning.

Plug the drain when you leave it over night because most times a real foul odor will develope that is poisoness

 

[johnyboy]

Millwork Building Store has this stuff in a white bottle for around $7 bucks and it is in a clear plastic bag in the plumbing section..trust me it works and if not .......dynamite ps crank up your hot water heater to max and when it hits temperature let it run and your problem is solved jB

 

[Leggy Linda]

Liquid drano!

 

[Goober Mcfly]

I could send mom over. She'd suck it clean.

 

[Doctor Zoidburg]

These are your choices. 1) Liquid plumber($8), the problem will come back in a few months. 2) You can buy a air pump gun ($40-50)at the hardware depots and blow the clog out, it is a little better but not as good as the next option. 3) Your best bet is to rent or buy a power snake, this is you best bet. It goes down deep and does a good job. They cost approx. $200 but if your a home or property owner it pays you back in the long run.

 

[Leggy Linda]

I could send mom over. She'd suck it clean.

LOL

too funny!

 

[JimboJ]

No, I'm not a plumber but

how's the venting? If you hear gurgling, could it not be the trapped air in the pipe trying to get past the water going down the pipe? proper venting is essential

just my 2cents

 

[papasmerf]

I hear there are people who take care of plumbing troubles, all the time. I think they are call plumbers. One may beable to help take the guess work out of it. And in the long run keep you from pouring money down the drain for some time to come.

 

[Stymie]

had similar prob

read link and go to home depot to get unplugged
then go see Leggy Linda to get plugged.......................


https://terb.cc/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=75662&page=2&pp=9&highlight=plumbing

 

[Sargon]

Caution!

Leave the acid in the pipe over night and then run lots of water in the morning.

Wooly:

You have to be careful with the concentrated acids, they are effective because they are chemically much more reactive than Drano or Liquid Plumber. Strong enough to dissolve metals like copper or the solder and therefore, can corrode your pipes. The damage may not be immediately noticeable but may show up much later. So, read the instructions carefully before using this type of cleaner and:

[size=+2][size=+1]do not exceed the recommended dwell time on the container.[/size] [/size]


_/\_/\_

 

[Goober Mcfly]

[size=+2]do not exceed the recommended dwell time on the container. [/size]

Anyone else get a woody reading this?

 

[great bear]

This advice is not much good at this point. However once you get the drain unclogged at least once a month run some liquid septic tank activator down the drain before you go to bed. This will keep your drains and pipes clean and will not harm the environment.

 

[torex]

Wooly:

You have to be careful with the concentrated acids, they are effective because they are chemically much more reactive than Drano or Liquid Plumber. Strong enough to dissolve metals like copper or the solder and therefore, can corrode your pipes. The damage may not be immediately noticeable but may show up much later. So, read the instructions carefully before using this type of cleaner and:

[size=+2][size=+1]do not exceed the recommended dwell time on the container.[/size] [/size]


_/\_/\_

very true

you don't want to be busting out drywall to fix other leaks down the road. Be careful with the chemicals.

power snake is your best option,use the air flush after the snake.....also,JimboJ makes a good point about venting,it's important for proper drainage.

good luck

 

[wop]

torex, a power-snake won't fit trough your typical 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 inch lavatory drain.

The distance from the bathroom sink to the main drain is usually only a few feet, after that it is 4 " straight down. If there is a blockage it will be in the first few feet. A small inexpensive (<$20) manual snake should do the job.

Remember it's not how big it is, but how you use it...

Liquid drain openers, high strength or otherwise, will only work, with any sort of effectiveness, on blockages in the trap. If the trap is clean, don't bother with chemicals.

JimboJ had the next most likely problem, a blocked vent...but this is a very rare occurence.

Failing all else...papasmerf had the best advice, a call to a plumber, or a drain specialist (one of the many *** Router guys and their competitors) would be in order.

The satisfaction from "doing-it-yourself" is highly over-rated.