I recently renovated a bathroom, but left the old plumbing in place, and simply reattached to the new tub. The drain system is such that the tub and sink both run towards the stack on same pipeline with the tub furthest away (maybe 10 feet total length, with two 90 degree bends).

Before the reno, the draining seemed fine. Now, it probably takes 3 minutes to drain a quarter full tub! I assume its clogged and should get a snake, but I was wondering if there might be some other issue? Another clue is that sometimes when I run a lot of water in the sink, there is a gargling sound coming from the tub drain.

Anyway, thought id see what answers I can get... thanks.



UPDATE: there is no 'lavatory vent'. Its an old house, and the whole bath plumbing is just vented off the main stack (into which the pipe runs from the tub and sink drains). The stack is vertical 4" cast iron, so I don't see how that could be clogged. Isn't it more likely that there is a clog in the pipe down stream from the sink? Hence, that's why the sink tries to vent through the tub drain...

If I'm right, how would I unclog this? Snake from the sink drain?

Is it possible that ice is blocking the roof vent?? I'm in canada and lots of snow recently, but that seems far fetched to have to go up on the roof...

Someone please help!

There is a clog in the drain line. (are you missing any tools?) The vent line allows the smelly air to go outside the house. A snake is recommended but if you use a power-driven snake watch out for solid obstructions!

1 yes it is very possible the vent is frozen especially if it wasn't plumbed to back drain.
Your gurgling is defiantly a vent problem here. If the line down the system was clogged there would not be a lot of anything but backed up water.
You can run a snake down the sink line but from what you described the tub is not getting vented nor the sink on a S trap.
If no clogs are confirmed the I would use a AAV on the sink line to vent to tub when draining and the sink will also improve. So Snake away or change the drainage lines to vent or if code allows you to use a AAV then out it on the sink drain line under the sink cabinet
Even if your main vent was open the 10' tub with the fittings and it tied into the non vented sink is a problem already. Hot water down the main vent stack could melt a frozen area if that was the case. But again the tub and sink are a problem
Air Admittance Valves (http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Plumbing/air-admittance-valves)

Plumb Pak at Lowe's: Studor Mini Vent Air Admittance Valve (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=29145-143-82678K)

Signed 21 Boat

If I Helped To Answer Your Question Please Rate My Answer

I agree with 21boat that you have a partial vent blockage, and you would need to snake it from the roof, but do the following first if it will help.
Snake it from the overflow Unscrew and remove the overflow plate, (The one with the drain lever) and pull out the tub stopper. Now you have a clear shot at the trap. Feed the cable (1/4" best or 3/3" with a small tip. You can rent a Rigid 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. The tub and shower clogs to be mostly hair and the worm should auger into it and pull it back, see the images, good luck.

John

I snaked the tub and sink several times as far as possible, and only recovered a few strands of hair. The issue must be venting, so I guess ill be going on the roof tomorrow!

Thanks for your help

If you have snaked and no help then it is defiantly the vent proceeds with snaking it from the roof, Thanks.

John