Whenever I try to push the snake down the drain, it comes out the top drain hole.
Here is the snake that I used;
14662
Here is a picture of the tub;
14663
14664
Twice before in the past 4 years I was able to successfully get the snake down the drain and remove a hair ball and than the water would flow fine for the next year or two, but the snake would usually just pop out of the top drain hole.
Tonight I tried to snake the drain because it was running slow again and I couldn't get it to go down the drain at all, it just kept popping out of the top hole again:mad:
Does anyone know how to get the snake to go down the pipe and not keep going up to the other drain:confused:

Now that you have the overflow part out put the snake down that and not the tub drain hole I don't know how long your snake is but if its long enough that should work.

Snake it from the tub waste and overflow, (see image). Unscrew and remove the overflow plate, (The one with the drain lever) and pull out the tub stopper. You now have a clear shot at the trap. The way you were going in through the drain it ran you square into a tee that you can't get around. Now feed the cable (1/4" best or 3/3" with a small tip. You can rent a Ridged K50 sink cable.) About 2' down you will run into the bend of the trap. Crank and push at the same time to work around it. Your blockage will be found in the lateral pipe going to the stack. You shouldn't have to put out more then 10 or 12 feet. Clogs in tub drains are from the hair and the worm should auger into it and pulls it back, good luck.

John

Now that you have the waste part out snake down that hole not the drain hole if your snakes long enough. I hope you still have the screen for the tub drain if not you can get ones at the hardware stores.

You are using correct size snake ( 1/4" ). Be patient. Insert it through upper hole (overflow) and try to get it past trap - about 4' deep.

Try use Zep professional Drain Opener, one cup. Run some water down after 5 minutes.

I never thought that I would be so happy to find something so disgusting, and if this is success, I would hate to see failure LOL
14685
Thank you all for your help, especially you John, I am the kind of guy that needs to see a picture of how it works, and your diagrams were awesome! :D

Great last photo ! Suggestion: purchase tub drain strainer to prevent hair entering drain. The drain strainer lays on top of the tub drain and can be cleaned daily...

Great job and I am happy that it worked for you now you know what to do if it happens next time. Do one more thing pour 1/4 of gallon bleach in your tub drain leave it over night when you get up in the morning pour a bucket of very very hot water it will clean any remaining hair/soap, have a very nice holidays, Thanks.

John

Just did my first bathtub snaking. Entering from the overflow is the key and gives you a straight shot to the trap.

Thanks to everyone, your answers helped. I finally was successful and thought I would offer some techniques that might be helpful. First, make sure the front of the snake doesn't have a bend in it. It works better when it is straight. Then, after you have inserted the snake in the overflow to the point where you meet with resistance, put out only about 6 inches of snake and then tighten the thumbscrew on the snake. Then start turning the snake and gently move it in and out about an inch while turning keeping pressure on it. The pressure on the snake help force it into the right path and the movement in and out will help the snake find the right path. When you are getting it, you will see that the 6 inches will reduce as the snakes enters the drain further. Then stop and pull out another 6 inches from the snake and repeat getting it down further. Keep doing that until the snake can be easily pushed by hand down the drain. Eventually you will come to the clog. Then tighten the screw and turn and the wire on the end should collect the clog as it turns. Try the drain and make sure that after you think you got it that the water flows. Then back out the snake and be prepared for exactly what you see in the picture above -- yuck. Be patient -- this is like a puzzle to get it in.

One more thing -- I took a Poland Spring water bottle and crushed it and shoved it fit into the drain hole on the bottom of the tub. This helps to keep the snake from coming back out the tub drain and helps force it to the proper path. Good luck.

Twisting the snake and slowly advancing (6 or so inches at a time) finally did the trick about 9 feet from the drain. Monster clog! I may need electro-therapy to blot out the image of it in my mind.

Twisting the snake and slowly advancing (6 or so inches at a time) finally did the trick about 9 feet from the drain. Monster clog! I may need electro-therapy to blot out the image of it in my mind.

Yup, this did the trick for me. Going in through the overflow was enough to make the snake hit the clog. Thanks!

Thanks for sharing this with us and wish you happy Holidays.

John