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brianh1 · Nov 28, 2006, 02:07 PM

Hi, I have been having a continuous problem with the tub backing up. I have used Draino a couple of times, but I've been told that I should not be doing this since the house is old (1920)... I did have a plumber come out once, but he said that the tub and bathroom was done kind of cheap when it was remodeled. The drain does not come out, and there is no overflow piece on the tub. I think he used an auger as best he could since the drain stopper does not come out and only lifts out maybe a half inch to an inch. Does anyone have any recommendations? I would greatly appreciate it. Can I continue to use a little bit of draino every 6-8 weeks?? Thanks!

speedball1 · Nov 28, 2006, 05:14 PM

Try this Brian,

First remove the stopper. I've put up three, tell me which one you have and I'll tell you how to take it off. Take a wet rag and close off the opening in the bottom of the chrome overflow plate under the spout. Have someone hold it tightly while you Plung the open drain. Draino doesn't work all that well except in TV commercials. Get back to me. Tom

brianh1 · Nov 29, 2006, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by speedball1

Try this Brian,

First remove the stopper. I've put up three, tell me which one you have and I'll tell you how to take it off. Take a wet rag and close off the opening in the bottom of the chrome overflow plate under the spout. Have someone hold it tightly while you Plung the open drain. Draino doesn't work all that well except in TV commercials. Get back to me. Tom

Of the pictures you attached I'd say it does look like #2 the most.
So take off the overflow plate and put a wet rag in that and plunge the tub? That should work a little?
Will the Draino hurt the pipes if I do use a little? Thanks so much for your help!

speedball1 · Nov 29, 2006, 01:56 PM

You don't have to remove the overflow plate. Just stop off the slots in the bottom. The #2 stopper will unscrew from the tub shoe, (drain under the tub) remove it and plunge the drain line.
There are some plumbers that won't touch a drain if lye or Draino has been put in there. If it gets in a cut or splatters up into your eyes you're in a world of hurt. If you're going to work around a drain that has Draino in it wear protective goggles. Plumbers have gone blind working under a sink and got a face full of Draino when the trap- let loose. It won't hurt the pipes as much as your body. Good luck, Tom