Clogged drain

[jonmulzer]

Just cover the holes with a wet wash cloth.

I just covered with my hands when I released pressure. It does not come out until you release pressure. I tried a snake again, didn't work, though it got in there farther I think. I found some Draino in the basement so I put that in there. If that does nothing, which I am pretty sure it won't, then I will try the snake one more time. If that does not work, I am done and I am going to call a plumber.

This is stressing me out. It is time for a homebrew.

[jonmulzer]

As suggested, try a drain snake/auger with a crank to reach it. If the bathroom is on the first floor, look for clean-out fitting in the basement and try unclogging the sink from the other direction.

If the snake does not work, its time to call the plumber. DIY is great but I rather pay someone if the job is labor intensive, dirty, or dangerous.

Second floor. Only once before in another house have I had to do that. If it was a first floor bathroom I would have already cut the line and run a snake in that way. Since it is on the second floor there is no access without cutting holes in the wall.

See above post, I see a plumber in my future.

[Ed62]

I've been following this thread, but didn't have anything positive to post. If you find out what's causing the blockage, let us know.

Ed

[jonmulzer]

Will do Ed.

[messmaker]

Can you run a snake in through the roof vent or find a better place where you can access the clog by using a hole drilled in a vertical. You can patch it with a Fernco pressure fitting.

[sparkeyjames]

I use the strong sulfuric acid stuff about once every 2 years. My tub gets the cronic backup thing going. One 32oz bottle. Make sure tub is drained and dry. Put on rubber gloves, goggles and use a bucket to cover drain after pouring it in. I poor the whole thing in. This gets the acid past the trap. I leave it sit for about 15 minutes. Then run the water for about 4 or 5 minutes. Works every time.

[jonmulzer]

I might try a whole bottle tomorrow. I was doing about 1/3 or 1/4 before. It would be worth a shot and cheaper than a plumber, if anyone thinks it will help.

[cgallery]

Careful, those acids will eat your pipes.

[herb fellows]

If all those chemicals you've put in there didn't budge it, my guess is it's not anything organic, which is what the chemicals are supposed to go through. I had a piece of vinyl siding that i found stuck in my main drain once, after i pulled off a cutout plug. It was years after the job had been done, and it was lodged in such a fashion as to fill 90 % of the pipe. Plucked it out, problem gone.

[jonmulzer]

I had an idea, that might work. I won't go onto the roof because I am a wee bit acrophobic. Well, a lot acrophobic actually. So in the morning I am going into the attic to see if I can find the vent pipe, cut it, cap it and then try the shopvac again. If that doesn't do it, I am calling the plumber.

[rberrybabylon]

Another possibility

Glad to hear your clog moved.
Here's another possibility for the future. I had a sink clog that I couldn't free up using a homeowners' coil snake. When the plumber arrived and I told him what I had done (after he had freed up the clog with his power snake), he told me: next time, twist the coil snake in one direction (like clockwise) and, if that doesn't work, twist it the other way (counter-clockwise).
Since then, I haven't had any problems I couldn't clear. The advice may be worth no more than you're paying for it, but it has worked for me.

[jonmulzer]

Well, my idea about going into the attic was a flop. I got up there and it was old school cast iron with leaded joints. I never quite got around to calling the plumber so that is first on my list for the morning. I am out of crazy ideas so I will have nothing keeping me from it this time.

[jonmulzer]

I've been following this thread, but didn't have anything positive to post. If you find out what's causing the blockage, let us know.

Ed

Well, the plumber came out and ran a snake down there several times before the blockage cleared. It snagged on whatever was clogging it and such. Finally it went through and never pulled anything back on the end of the snake. So no clue what caused the blockage. He did tell me that he has seen cast iron pipes corrode across the diameter of the pipe and cause things like this, so perhaps that is what it is? Running clear now though!

[Ed62]

Even though you don't know what it was, it sounds like you're good to go for a while. Thanks for the post.

Ed

[60614]

Help?

I found this old thread through a google search. I hope someone can help me.

My bathroom sink drain was clogged. I tried physically removing debris and it was still stuck. I then poured some Red Devil Lye (label says 100% sodium hydroxide) about a cup down the drain. I waited about 20 minutes, it was still clogged. However, I left the drain cover in there and it looks as though the metal cover has stuck to the metal drain itself. Is there anything I can do?

Thanks in advance.
Elle