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    Dixon1's Avatar
    Dixon1 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 13, 2009, 08:19 AM
    Bath tub not draining
    My tub won't has not drained for months. I've used every product on the market and at this point I think it needs to be rodded. Who can I get an estimate from?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Sep 13, 2009, 09:37 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Dixon1 View Post
    My tub won't has not drained for months. I've used every product on the market and at this point I think it needs to be rodded. Who can I get an estimate from?
    Why not save big bucks and do it yourself? We can walk you through the process if you wish. Interested?
    As to the cost of a clearing out your tubs drain, figure the service call antwhere from 75 to 95$ with a total cost of around $150 to snake your tub.
    Want to try it yourself? Tom
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #3

    Sep 13, 2009, 06:19 PM

    Here is one, free, possible solution. Remove overflow faceplate, shove a wet rag into the overflow tube to seal it up, them hold the rag in place and plung the holy bejesus out of tub drain. I suggest having the tub partially full of water while you do this, as the water will help the cleaning action of the plunging. There is another way also, you can just use a towel to plug the drain and actually plung over the overflow faceplate, only downfall to this is you won't have the standing water to help the plung action.
    cyberheater's Avatar
    cyberheater Posts: 321, Reputation: 12
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    #4

    Sep 14, 2009, 05:27 AM

    Can you reach the plumbing from below?
    The trap and other plumbing, if accessible is easily done and as Tom said, people here will step you through it.

    I don't use drain cleaners and all of my friends now know how to remove a trap to clean it, and how to snake as well. It's safer and better, and once you do it - you won't feel so helpless when your tub/shower drain clogs again. It also helps on the pocket book.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #5

    Sep 14, 2009, 05:45 AM
    Because a "P" trap's self scouring it's not likely you'll find your clog there. More then likely it's farther on down the line. In a earlier post I asked you if you wanted to do the job yourself. Do you still plan on calling in a plumber? Cheers, tom
    cyberheater's Avatar
    cyberheater Posts: 321, Reputation: 12
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    #6

    Sep 14, 2009, 05:51 AM

    Tom, sorry - should not have tried to post under you. LOL

    I suggested this only because this is where I find things like bobby pins and other debris, and if not, I just snake from that point on.

    You can't always do that, however.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #7

    Sep 14, 2009, 06:04 AM
    That's OK Cyber, (do you have a name?) Any time you have something to add, be my guest. While I've found bobby pins in lavatory traps most tub clogs consist of hair mixed with grease in the drain line. Keep up the good work. Your input's apprecated.
    Regards, tom
    cyberheater's Avatar
    cyberheater Posts: 321, Reputation: 12
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    #8

    Sep 14, 2009, 06:25 AM

    Most call me Am. (sounds like aim)

    The hair accessories are in houses with teenage girls, and I find them everywhere. Small toys like those little miniture size dolls.
    One time a toy sized sword from an action hero. LOL

    When I am a household with kids, I check at that trap first if I can. Once had an apple in the toilet trap. That apple extraction wasn't too easy.

    I guess I have been around more kids and girly related issues then the average - eh? (grin)
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #9

    Sep 14, 2009, 11:05 AM
    Am,
    Once had an apple in the toilet trap. That apple extraction wasn't too easy.
    Why did you pull the toilet to extract the apple. Why didn't you take a closet auger ,break it up and flush it away? Inquiring minds want to know. Regards, Tom
    cyberheater's Avatar
    cyberheater Posts: 321, Reputation: 12
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    #10

    Sep 14, 2009, 11:37 AM

    Made me madder the heck. Wouldn't have pulled it if I didn't have to. Of course, if I would have known it was an apple from the start? LOL
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #11

    Sep 16, 2009, 05:22 AM
    My tub won't has not drained for months. I've used every product on the market and at this point I think it needs to be rodded.
    This is a simple repair. Let me show you how.
    Unscrew and remove the overflow plate,(The one with the drain lever) and pull out the tub stopper. (see image) You now have a clear shot at the trap. Now feed the cable( 1/4" best or 3/8ths" with a small auger tip. A hand snake will do it, (see image) 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. I have found tub and shower clogs to be mostly hair and the worm should auger into it and pull it back. After flush with a half of tub full of hot water. Good luck, Tom

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