I have a concrete slab home with radiant heat in the slab. Recenlty out tub has had a slow drainage problem. We have had it snaked and the main line cleared. The plumber thinks it is either a blockage behind the wall or the pipe could be cracked. We are having the bathroom remodeled. If there is a leak in the drainage vent, can this be fixed without breaking into the floor and damaging the heating system. I do not want to have to replace the heating system. Can the drainage from the tub be re-routed without breaking the slab? Can it be repaired under the slab without damaging the radiant heat?

I'm confused. If the plumber snaked the line from the tub overflow then there should be no blockage in the line. And if it's a blocked vent the tub will vent itself through the overflow and you would hear a definite gurgle. What am I missing? Please explain? Tom

Can't explain really. They did snake. I did not hear a gurgling. The slow drain got a little better, but did not fix. My concern is that the pipes are damaged or broken under the slab which is causing the slow drain. The plumber could not fix it. I am remodeling anyway, but my concern is that they will have to replace the pipe to the main line, which would mean, I think, breaking up the floor that contains the radiant heat.

It sounds like the plumber failed to clear the blockage completely. Where did he snake from? How much cable did he put out? How old is your house and what kind of pipes are we talking about? Regardes, Tom

He tried from the drain and from the overflow. I say about 6 feet of snake go in, I guess. The house was built in '54 I am not sure what type of pipes. Unfortunately I have more questions than answers. The plumber expressed concern that the pipes were old and might be already broken. He said he wouldn't know if he busted through the pipes with the snake because we are on a slab. I am afraid that this problem is going to cost me a bundle.

If you plumber attempted to snake from the tubs drain change plumbers. He should be experienced enough to realize it's impossible to work a snake past the tub shoe tee. Figure 1 1/2 foot to get down to the trap and your plumber only put out 4 1/2 feet of cable in the drain line. As I said, "It sounds like the plumber failed to clear the blockage completely". Before you start to tear up your slab I would make sure the plumber put out enough cable to hit the clog. At least10 feet. You should have cast iron pipes under your slab and they're tough pipes. I doubt very much if his snake punched through them. Good luck, Tom

Thanks Tom for your help. I am just curious, where should the plumber have tried to snake from? So I know for the next time.

Where does the drain pipe go. Is it to a septic tank? That line needs to be snaked from anywhere but the tub. Knowing that hair is no friend of tub and shower drains, I am going to hazard a guess and say there is a clog in the line.