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View Full Version : Floor drains in houses built in 1950, how do you unplug


smurf724
Apr 7, 2012, 07:27 PM
Cannot find the hole in drain to run a snake through

massplumber2008
Apr 8, 2012, 06:08 AM
Hi Smurf724

If you can't find a plug to remove then your floor drain doesn't have a plug to snake through and you will need to snake through the Ptrap or, if the floor drain is vented, you'll need to cut into the vent and snake down that pipe to clear the drain (or perhaps the washer drain connects to this line?).

Try snaking through the Ptrap first. Here, while the snake spins push on the snake until you get through the Ptrap. After you are through the Ptrap snaking the length of the drain pipe should go pretty easily. If possible, keep the drain filled with flowing water while snaking so you will know when you hit/clear the blockage.

Good luck!

Mark

speedball1
Apr 8, 2012, 06:40 AM
Hi Smurf724

If you can't find a plug to remove then your floor drain doesn't have a plug to snake through and you will need to snake through the Ptrap or, if the floor drain is vented, you'll need to cut into the vent and snake down that pipe to clear the drain (or perhaps the washer drain connects to this line?).

Try snaking through the Ptrap first. Here, while the snake spins push on the snake until you get through the Ptrap. After you are through the Ptrap snaking the length of the drain pipe should go pretty easy. If possible, keep the drain filled with flowing water while snaking so you will know when you hit/clear the blockage.



Mark

Good luck!
Great advice and solution by Mark. The most difficult part of snaking a floor drain is getting past the "U" bend of the trap.(see image)
Remove the grate and start your snake into the trap When it becomes difficult the feed in the muscle in is a inch at a time with the snake turning Once past the trap follow Marks advice and fill the drain line and floor drain with water. When the water goes down you've augered the clog. Let us know how you make out. Good luck, Tom