Hi-

Great forum and I'm hoping someone can help me...

My tub is draining well... even better after a snaking and enzyme wash... but I see water backflowing (under the one-story house) at the t-connection with the air vent. Questions: 1) am I right to keep thinking this is a drainage problem (old, narrowed pipes)? 2) could I also caulk the t-connection with air vent - seems to be a gap in threads (what would I use with some strength)? 3) could this be an indication that the air vent is possibly clogged (no 'gurgling' really, but I could try snaking as well)?

Again, it really seems like the gap in the T-connection is the main culprit leading to a relatively mild leak when draining a full tub.

ANY ideas welcome from you more knowledgeable folks!

Thanks... Racer

Hey Racer,

1) am I right to keep thinking this is a drainage problem (old, narrowed pipes)?
Since it's on the vent takeoff that would make it a vent problem but it really doesn't make any difference what is is, it still has to be repaired.

2) could I also caulk the t-connection with air vent - seems to be a gap in threads (what would I use with some strength)?

You didn't say but I'm going to assume the pipes are metal. There is a product on the market that works like putty and hardens into a substance that can be machined and worked just like it was metal.
Its name is PROPOXY20, Manufactured by the HERCULES CHEMICAL COMPANY of Passic, NJ.
It comes in a tube and hardens in a short time. Take and caulk the threads and seal the leak.

3) could this be an indication that the air vent is possibly clogged (no 'gurgling' really, but I could try snaking as well)?
It doesn't sound like a clogged vent to me.

Good luck, Tom

SpeedBall!

You are great! I located this epoxy in the store and will give it a try (should work and I can get good access). I've also tried an enzyme rinse (after a good couple of snakings) and I get a nice drainage.

I appreciate your response to my question (and others). You are a great resource.\

Keep the speed, Racer

Speedball -

Quick follow-up... assuming I patch this leak/gap, is it a 'problem' that water could be backing up into the vent pipe? It's not a lot of water and the leak isn't indicative of a lot of pressure or volume. Still, should I try to clear the vent with a snake? Other than that and trying to clear the drain line slowly with mild enzymes, what else could I do (other than replace the old piping)? (BTW - you are CORRECT - old metal pipes are issue).

Gracias amigo, Racer

If everything's draining OK I would hold off on the snaking. You can always snake the line if it gets worse. Cheers, Tom