We have tried strong chemicals to unblock the outside drainage pipe taking water from the bath (having first removed grease and hair from the initial outside vertical section of the pipe) but without success

It seems the next suiggestion for DIY (leaving calling a plumber as the last resort) unblocking is to "use a snake". What does this entail?

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Originally Posted by David Potter

We have tried strong chemicals to unblock the outside drainage pipe taking water from the bath (having first removed grease and hair from the initial outside vertical section of the pipe) but without success

It seems the next suiggestion for DIY (leaving calling a plumber as the last resort) unblocking is to "use a snake". What does this entail?

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It's a flexible auger. I know if you don't know what you're doing you can damage/puncture the pipe.

First most real plumbers will never want you to use "chemicals" most seldom work and if you now have to do other things, those chemicals are in the pipes to get on you and your hands.

A snake is either a flexable or a solid heavy auger. Some are by hand, some are electric.

You can rent a electric one at most rental places.

Our pipes became clogged, and we hired a plumber, who rent a snake form Lowe's or Home Depot. It is a flexible auger (a long tube) , that they run through the pipes to clean the line of any clogs. Yes it does work

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Originally Posted by msdebdardx4

Our pipes became clogged, and we hired a plumber, who rent a snake form Lowe's or Home Depot. It is a flexible auger (a long tube) , that they run through the pipes to clean the line of any clogs. Yes it does work

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My husband somehow managed to push the auger right through the side of the pipe - not only did we pay to rent the auger, we also paid to replace the pipe (including digging it up).

I'm not sure this is a "do it yourself" project. It is NOT in my house!

I agree with JudyKayTee,

The best thing would be to call a plumber, to show you the snake machine see the image below, Thanks.

John

Hey David,
Let's first find out what your problem is and then we can offer a solution. Where. Exactly is the clog? In the tub or outside at the cleanout to the street? Since 5this is a "do it yourself" site we don't often advise,

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The best thing would be to call a plumber,

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We like to think we can help then OP to do his own repairs. Regards. Tom

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Originally Posted by speedball1

Hey David,
Let's first find out what your problem is and then we can offer a solution. where. exactly is the clog? In the tub or outside at the cleanout to the street? Since 5this is a "do it yourself" site we don't often advise, We like to think we can help then OP to do his own repairs. Regards. Tom

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If that can be done without causing damage -

On the legal boards we offer "do it yourself" but that isn't always practical.

In this case the OP didn't know what a "snake" was so I don't know that "do it yourself" is the best option - but we'll find out when he comes back.

Hey Judy,
If they don't know how to use a snake then we'll show them how. That's what "do it yourself is all about.

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My husband somehow managed to push the auger right through the side of the pipe

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Then hubby must have been snaking against the flow which is a no-no. Bad things can happen by snaking against the flow. Cheers, Tom

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Originally Posted by speedball1

Hey Judy,
If they don't know how to use a snake then we'll show them how. That's what "do it yourself is all about. Then hubby must have been snaking against the flow which is a no-no. Bad things can happen by snaking against the flow. Cheers, Tom

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Bad things can happen with that husband, in general -

I would say the snake is a do it yourself, it is very easy if you take your time.

Things can go wrong, the snake can catch and break off in the pipe. It can break or damage the pipe, but even the experts do that some times.

There is also a manual snake I have a 100 foot flat metal one, you just push and twist