Just replaced faucet on 7 year old house. Few days later it backed up to sink. Snaked repeatedly and ran some hair and grease remover down. Pipes seem to be low at two spots along the travel out along the basement rafters. Still backs up. Have under sink vent which won't come off. Please help at wits end

Forgot to add it is kitchen sink.. and by pipes low I mean they seem to be level and some spots like at elbow from upstairs and at c/o where it makes a turn are lower making water have to travel slightly uphill.

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Originally Posted by sdm74

Forgot to add it is kitchen sink..and by pipes low I mean they seem to be level and some spots like at elbow from upstairs and at c/o where it makes a turn are lower making water have to travel slightly uphill.

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Anyone?

Hi Sdm74

Are you sure the snake is going down the drain and not UP THE VENT? You would be surprised at how often that happens.

Snake the drain again, and have someone confirm that they can hear the snake going down/along the drain line.

Once you confirm that the snake is going down the drain you'll want to snake the drain until it joins a larger drain pipe (measure distance)... should clear the drain. Use the snake and go in and out numerous times, being sure to flush the drain with hot water when you can.

If possible, find some way to remove the under sink vent or consider cutting the pipe if needed... although I would probably cut the drain in the basement. It could be a good time to install a full-size cleanout in the drain line for future issues!

Back to you...

Mark

Quote:

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Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi Sdm74

Are you sure the snake is going down the drain and not UP THE VENT? You would be surprised at how often that happens.

Snake the drain again, and have someone confirm that they can hear the snake going down/along the drain line.

Once you confirm that the snake is going down the drain you'll want to snake the drain until it joins a larger drain pipe (measure distance)...should clear the drain. Use the snake and go in and out numerous times, being sure to flush the drain with hot water when you can.

If possible, find some way to remove the under sink vent or consider cutting the pipe if needed...although I would probably cut the drain in the basement. It could be a good time to install a full-size cleanout in the drain line for future issues!

Back to you...

Mark

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Yes thanks for reply.I did have the c/o off when snaking so I could see that I had made it that far. After treatment with the stuff sold in black bottle and in a plastic bag from HD. It still backed up. I broke off a hanger and now the flow line looks much better. Could a bad flow angle cause a bad backup?

Forgot to add after that and snaking one more time it seems to be working

Yep, incorrect slope can surely cause a backup. Sounds like you have your problem solved for now. Good job.