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rasbere · Mar 30, 2010, 04:37 PM

I just bought a snake for our bathtub drain to get out the clog. This apt is older, so I don't know if that means that the plumbing is different. I tried to use the snake, but I get to a point where it won't go any further down (not the clog). I assume the piping may just gooseneck at that point. Any ideas on how to get past this point? Thanks so much in advance!

All right, I'll take both of your advice and get the landlords to have a plumber come look at it. Thanks so much for all your help!

speedball1 · Mar 30, 2010, 04:45 PM

Where did you go in with the snake? The tub drain or the overflow? Back to you, Tom

rasbere · Mar 30, 2010, 04:51 PM

I went in through the overflow. After that I could probably advance about 3 feet, but then it wouldn't move any further - it's as if I was trying to push and turn past a wall...

speedball1 · Mar 30, 2010, 05:41 PM

You're running into the return bend of the trap. Putthe cable close,( a inch or two) to the overflow an d crank while pushing a inch at a time until you're past the trap. The good news is that you only have less the 15 feet to go.
Good luck, Tom

rasbere · Mar 30, 2010, 10:41 PM

Thanks for all the prompt replies! Okay, so I passed it down like you described and I think that I was already able to make it past the bend of the trap because when I first meet resistance I can carefully work past that, but I still encounter a wall that feels like it gives slightly- it just won't let me get by. I hope that's a detailed enough explanation to help you out. Thanks!

Oh, and I don't know if this matters but the drain is older so it doesn't even have a screen - it's just an open hole. We're renting an apartment that seems to be from the 70s at least...

One last thing, sorry. I was searching around and found someone's picture of an old pipe. The link is

. I don't know if this is what ours looks like, but maybe we could use it for reference?

Here the link is again, since it didn't work the first time for some reason. Older bathtub plumbing image by telluriccheese on Photobucket

Okay, last one I promise! I was doing some reading and a question was asked that you replied to about a drum tap. Could this be the case here and if so, is it at all possible for me to get around it? Thanks so much!

speedball1 · Mar 31, 2010, 06:12 AM

Your link shows threaded galvanized piping.
A drum trap,(see image) is unlikely since you have already hit a "P" trap about 18 iinches down from the overflow. You're just probably angering through hair and grease. How far in can you get the snake? Is there a opening in the floor behind the tub drain? Where did you see the galvanized piping? Let me know, Tom

greekguy7 · Mar 31, 2010, 07:14 AM

If you are renting the apartment please stop what you are doing and call the landlord. Its his plumbing and its his problem and I am sure if you break something you will just deny it.

Again, please do your landlord a huge favor and stop tinkering with things that may wind up costing him big money in damages if something goes wrong.

rasbere · Mar 31, 2010, 09:51 AM

I can't see any opening in the floor because it's covered in linoleum flooring. The pipes are definitely metal from what I can see (through the drain and overflow). I can get the snake down about 2-3 feet (estimate) and then I hit what seems to be a metal flap, or block- that's what it feels like at least. The reason I don't think it's blockage is because nothing ever comes out, even with twisting, and the snake only makes it the same distance every time. I hope that helps...

speedball1 · Mar 31, 2010, 11:52 AM

I hit what seems to be a metal flap, or block

You may be attempting to snake a drum trap. Time to take the greekguy's advice aqnd see if your land lord will pop for a plumber. Good luck, Tom

leeisshrek · Apr 13, 2010, 12:31 PM

Is it easier to rod a tub from the drain or the overflow? I have a drain that appears like the pipe is PVC and so I am assuming I have a P trap even though the house was built in the late 1950's. Is that a safe assumption?

greekguy7 · Apr 13, 2010, 12:42 PM

You always go from the overflow, unless you have a "direct drain" setup which is usually NOT the case.

http://www.watcomfg.com/Watco/PDFMainFrame.html

You can still have a drum trap even though you have a pvc overflow... it depends how far out they converted over.

leeisshrek · Apr 13, 2010, 12:58 PM

1) Is it usually easier to pull the toilet and snake from the toilet instead of the tub? I say this under the assumption that there is one partial block after the tub and sink waste pipes converge? 2) Would they converge before joining up with the toilet waste pipe (the house sewer line)?

Thanks!

No need to answer #2 because I inspected and found the answer to it last night.

speedball1 · Apr 14, 2010, 12:08 PM

Is it easier to rod a tub from the drain or the overflow?

Look at the image I've put up. You can't snake from the drain. You're blocked by the tee.

so I am assuming I have a P trap even though the house was built in the late 1950's. Is that a safe assumption?

Yes! I haven't seen drum traps installed since the 40s.
Regards, Tom