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View Full Version : Upstaris bathtub drain clogged


thompsonpl
May 21, 2008, 07:28 AM
Cannot get a snake down the pipe, tried liquids. Now looks like there is rust in the water, it separates and there is orange on the bottom and clear water on top. I have plunged to no avail...

ballengerb1
May 21, 2008, 08:53 AM
Remove the overflow plate on the tub and rod down that pipe. You can't do much at all trying to rod a tub, the air just moves up the overflow pipe and not down the drain.

speedball1
May 21, 2008, 09:16 AM
Cannot get a snake down the pipe, tried liquids. Now looks like there is rust in the water, it seperates and there is orange on the bottom and clear water on top. I have plunged to no avail......
Slow down Thompson,
What pipe are you attempting to snake from? If it was from the drain you went down the wrong pipe.
Let me tell you how to go about it. To snake out a tub clog. If you don't have a power snake you can rent one from a rent all company. Use a auger tip on the cable.Remove the two screws on the plate with the lever,(see image). Pull out and up to get the plug and linkage out. Then run your snake down the open hole. You will hit the bottom of the trap about 18" in and come up against some resistance, work it on past. The tub drain pipe shouldn't be too long,6 to 8 feet so you shoudn't have to run out too much snake. After you snake the drain , flush it down with a pan of boiling water, and If there's a odor from the drain pour 1/2 gallon of bleach downb the drain and let it set overnight. Good luck, Tom

ballengerb1
May 21, 2008, 09:21 AM
I need to make a slight correction to my post and for some reason the dit button is not working. Instead of saying "try to rod a tub" it should read "try to plunge a tub"

massplumber2008
May 21, 2008, 03:50 PM
Hey everyone:

Actually, if you plug the overflow pipe with a wet rag and hold it in place (or have friend hold in place) and then use the plunger VIGOROUSLY... plunging can work great!

But like Bob said, if don't plug off the overflow, plunging tub drain is a waste of time!

Snaking the drain as suggested by Tom and Bob is definitely the best plan of action here Thompson... but if want to try temporary fix... remove the face plate as pictured at Tom's post, then remove the linkage assembly by pulling UP, and then gently stick a small wetted rag into the pipe and again.. plunge away... see what happens.

I have also attached a picture to compliment what these guys are talking about. Good luck and let us know what you discover... Thanks... MARK

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