Fixing a Slow/Clogged Drain

[DRCHIRO]

I've got a draining problem in our shower/tub. I have 3 young daughters, all with a ton of hair. I went the lazy route and used drano the first few times. Looks like I need to try something new.

 

[chadm]

Best and cheapest idea I can give is try a wet dry shop vac. Try using suction and then blowing into the pipe. When using suction have water going for a better seal.

This has worked on every drain and type of clog since I first started doing this 4 years ago.

Also the fact that there is no mess makes the wife happy compared to a snake.

 

[1100011CS]

Best and cheapest idea I can give is try a wet dry shop vac. Try using suction and then blowing into the pipe. When using suction have water going for a better seal.

This has worked on every drain and type of clog since I first started doing this 4 years ago.

Also the fact that there is no mess makes the wife happy compared to a snake.

Can you explain this more?

 

[chadm]

Can you explain this more?

The shop vac I have has the option of putting the hose either side of the blower. It can be a vacuum or it can blow. I first fill the pipe with water and keep the water flowing a little and use the suction. Do this a few times as needed. If that doesn't work or as a final step, I use the shop vac to blow the rest down the pipes.

 

[nfrine]

Please be very careful with the chemical drain cleaners. If you use them, do not use a plunger without some very good eye protection. If you have used the chemicals and then decide you need a plumber, please make sure they know the chemical is in there. There has been a lot of serious eye damage from these damn chemicals.

 

[TheCampanile]

The shop vac I have has the option of putting the hose either side of the blower. It can be a vacuum or it can blow. I first fill the pipe with water and keep the water flowing a little and use the suction. Do this a few times as needed. If that doesn't work or as a final step, I use the shop vac to blow the rest down the pipes.

I am going to try this I think.

Please be very careful with the chemical drain cleaners. If you use them, do not use a plunger without some very good eye protection. If you have used the chemicals and then decide you need a plumber, please make sure they know the chemical is in there. There has been a lot of serious eye damage from these damn chemicals.

I agree. I really don't want to use the chemicals and am trying everything I can not to.

 

[DarkStar]

Honest question: if you use one of these and the clog is past the point where the vent goes up won't the water just come blasting up out of the drain of the sink/toilet/tub that is running slow?

That is what the person inside is looking for. Have someone next to the shut off valve ready to act at the first sign of trouble.

The key to making this work is snake it down far enough so there is only straight pipe between it and the blockage. Any branches in between the two will have water backup and flow out of.

 

[CyOps]

The shop vac I have has the option of putting the hose either side of the blower. It can be a vacuum or it can blow. I first fill the pipe with water and keep the water flowing a little and use the suction. Do this a few times as needed. If that doesn't work or as a final step, I use the shop vac to blow the rest down the pipes.

When using the shopvac to blow down the pipe, wrap a wet rag around the connection point between the blower and drain. Better seal and prevents any blowback.

 

[DiehardClone]

Whatever you do, don't try to get rid of an entire box of instant mashed potatoes by putting it down the garbage disposal. You will need a plumber.

 

[peteypie]

Whatever you do, don't try to get rid of an entire box of instant mashed potatoes by putting it down the garbage disposal. You will need a plumber.

Or uncooked instant rice.Damn wife.

 

[peteypie]

Thanks for the advice. No problem doing the hard work, just have to figure out the right tools, and I will probably have to buy a good snake to get down there.

Some hardware stores will rent a nice power snake which is much better than buying a cheap hand crank snake.