Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Rockstack's Avatar
    Rockstack Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 5, 2009, 11:17 AM
    Black Tar Like Build Up in Drain
    Hi. My washer drain keeps backing up and the pipe it drains to keeps building up with a black tar like substance. I've talked to several plumbers and rooter guys and keep hearing the standard answer that it goes with the territory. Recently, I tried to rooter it out myself, but the stuff is so thick that the cable reached a certain point and stopped.

    Anyway, I guess my question is: Is there a product available that can dissolve this and open the pipes up to drain properly? I would appreciate any help. I'm getting really frustrated with this and I don't want to keep feeding the cash cow of plumbers and rooter guys just so they can come back six months later.

    Thanks,

    Rock
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Mar 5, 2009, 11:30 AM

    No miracle cleaner is going to remove this much crud. Most chemical cleaners, if they work at all, work by soaking in a clogged trap or low spot. Your pipes are coated so there won't be any real soaking action. It sounds like you don't trust or believe the plumbers but my guess is you need a professional rodding with a cutter haed that can scrape the pipes. Is there a clean out in the basement?
    Rockstack's Avatar
    Rockstack Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Mar 5, 2009, 01:06 PM
    Excuse my ignorance, but I'm not sure if there is a clean out. Honestly, I don't know what that is. I appreciate your information. It appears that I may be getting honest answers from these guys. Like I said, it's just frustrating to have to go through this every 6 to 8 months or so. I'll contact a pro and let them know what I need. Thanks!
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Mar 5, 2009, 02:49 PM

    If anyone rods the main drain with a cutter it will not soon clog again. A clean out would look like a cap or plug on a Tee or wye fitting connected to your 4" drain pipe. Got one?
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

1 1/2" black plastic drain pipe [ 8 Answers ]

The 1 1/2" drain pipe on my neighbors mobile home was gloged. I had to cut the pipe at several places to remove the glogs. What type 1 1/2" couplings can be used to splice the pipe back together. Cpvc or pcv. (the pipe is black)

Smitty Drain pan connection to black PVC drain? [ 5 Answers ]

I am installing a steam generator for my shower. The unit has an attached drain pan with a "smitty drain" 3/4 inch connection. I am lost as to how to connect this to the black PVC drain system in my home. Thanks for any help here.

Black sludge in bathroom sink drain [ 2 Answers ]

There's an accumulation of black slude in my bathroom sink drain and it's preventing the water from draining properly - - it's just getting worse and I'm wondering what to flush down the sink to get rid of it.

Black substance in the sink drain [ 3 Answers ]

I noticed that my sink drain is covered with some black substance. Same thing covers the stopper. I remove the stopper, clean it; it stays clean for several day, than this substance grows up again. Any idea what is that and how to fight it? Thanks.

Maytag Refrig has Water at Bottom - Drain is Fine and No Frost Build Up [ 4 Answers ]

Maytag refrig (Model # MTB2156DEW) has puddle of water at bottom. The drain is fine and there is no frost build up. I would appreciate any help. Thank you

View more questions Search