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Originally Posted by butteco There is the problem!
I HAVE NEVER DONE PLUMBING BEFORE - LIKE SNAKING A DRAIN? I have read on the boards and have a general idea of what that means - it means to take a metal cable with a little screw at the front and thread it down the drain.
But how do you control it to go out to the main sewer?
Also, is it better to buy a 50' snake at sears for $19.99 or rent a machine style one from the tool rental yard for probably around $40-60/day ...
And how do you snake? Do I just sick the screw side down the toilet and keep pushing until I hit something? Then once I hit something do I just spin the cable?
What about the bathtub? Do I just stick it down the drain?
THANKS FOR ANY HELP! |
There are different sizes and types of snakes for different applications. Some snakes are special, like a closet auger used only for toilets, or a s large sewer maching used for 4" sewer mains. Then there is the hand cranked 1/4" inch snake that's used for simple clogs like in a lavatory drain line to a vent stack. Also there's a 3/8" snake for snaking out 2" vents and drain lines.
You have a partial clog that's located downstream from the last fixture on the house main that backed up. The clog isn't bad enough to back up with normal usage but your washer pump discharges with great force and volume and the clog won't let it pass. Chances are your tub, kitchen sink etc. Are not clogged, the clog is downstream and they're just getting the backup.
The best advice I can give you would be to call a plumber to snake out the clog. Stick with him and watch what he does , ask questions, get to know his equipment. You're asking us to give you a short course in plumbing. I wish it were that easy. Over the years I've must have trained hundreds of helpers to get their license but to do that you have to be on the job, it just can't be done over the internet. I'm sorry my friend, but I've given you the best advice I could give. Good luck, tom