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stringwizard · Apr 16, 2011, 03:21 PM

I have what looks to be a 1/12 pipe that runs under the floor of my bathroom sink, it goes down about a foot and a half or so and then makes a 90 degree turn. My question is, should I still have water backed up in that pipe, where it makes the turn? My original problem was, water was overflowing onto the floor under the cabinet and makes a mess all over the bathroom. I have tried using 2 different lengths of snakes, pour boiling hot water down, using bleach and finally drano crystals but I still have that water standing in the pipe. Is there suppose to be water there? It's the only one I have a problem with, the stool, shower and kitchen sink all flow good. We are on a well and septic tank. I can't afford to call a plumber out as my wife and I are both on Disability and our checks are extremely small. Sorry to be so ignorant of plumbing?

corvairbob · Apr 16, 2011, 03:30 PM

Sounds like you may still have a blockage. Can you see where this pipe actually goes? If you can see the pipe and you can find a clean out on that pipe you may be able to open the clean out and from that point if there is not water then it is blocked from the clean out to the sink. If you have water then is is blocked more to the street or your system. Then you have another point to work from in trying to get it cleaned out. Be careful about water getting on anything other that a cement floor and a mess if you have to snake it from that point further. Good luck.

ballengerb1 · Apr 16, 2011, 03:40 PM

I agree with corvairbob, you have a clog. There should be no standing water in any drain pipe, ever. If you are on a slab this is likely the lowest opening to your sewer drainage system. There should be a clean out about 18" inisde or outside the building, got one?

stringwizard · Apr 16, 2011, 04:01 PM

Thanks for the reply, the pipe runs over and connects with the toilet drain pipe. It is not possible to get to where these pipes are from under the house and by just looking at them, neither one appears to have any place to clean them out as they run straight to the septic tank?

massplumber2008 · Apr 16, 2011, 04:21 PM

Hi Stringwizard...

I agree with these guys IF you can see a PTRAP above the floor!

If you don't see a ptrap above the floor then it is possible that the water you see standing in the drain is the water in the PTRAP... supposed to be there to keep sewer gasses from entering the home... ;)

Let us know if the ptrap is above or below the floor. If it is below the floor and the sink drains good then you are all set!

Back to you...

Mark

stringwizard · Apr 16, 2011, 05:02 PM

The P trap is above the floor under the sink, however at this time I do not have the P trap "tail piece" connected to the pipe in the floor.

massplumber2008 · Apr 16, 2011, 05:15 PM

Got you.. so you are still snaking the drain pipe?

What size snake are you using?

stringwizard · Apr 16, 2011, 05:53 PM

I have quiet using the snake for today. The snake I am using now is 25 or 30 foot long, I also have one 15 ft. long. When I pour the boiling water (using a funnel) down the 1 1/2 pipe in the floor, the water will almost fill the entire length of that pipe, about a foot and a half? but will also drain down to where the 90 degree turn starts.

massplumber2008 · Apr 16, 2011, 06:22 PM

I can't be sure, of course, but my experience with this is as you started thinking... blockage is between the elbow and the toilet, so you shouldn't need such a long snake on this... ;)

I'd keep the pipe filled to the top with water while snaking the drain and when you hit the blockage you should see some kind of action (bubble, starts to drain slow, etc.) and then you can work the snake back and forth vigorously in that area.

Once you get the drain started flowing in a reasonable manner, I would recommend snaking the drain while using hot water (not boiling... not good for pipes) to flush the drain and clean your snake at the same time!

Let us know how you make out, OK?

Mark

stringwizard · Apr 17, 2011, 10:02 AM

Good Sunday to you all, "I'd keep the pipe filled to the top with water while snaking the drain"... the only problem with that is, the water won't stay in the length of pipe from the floor to the turn? Just as soon as I pour down "any" water (fairly slowly) it will drain down to the 90 degree turn? so water won't stay in there all the way up to the top? I have hit a couple of "stubborn" places while snaking but I can push the snake on through with little effort. Them places feel the same as the snake hitting that 90 degree elbow? The only thing showing up on the snake is a slight white substance like soap or hard water?