[ballengerb1]

It could be an illusion but is there any slope to that pipe between the clean out and the dirty fix? Doesn't look like any slope maybe even sloped backwards, can you get a level on it to check or eyeball it. MASS and I would love to be at your house with about 100' of pex, all that galvanized will cause you problems eventually.

[massplumber2008]

Your eyes are dead on Bob... that pipe backpitches awful... clearly why he is having the drain problem.

And you said it huh.. That galvanized pipe is going to be his next issue for sure... and Rudi...NOTE THAT HERE... when working on drain downstairs be darn careful not to hit the galvanized pipes... they will break/leak if mistreated.

[ruditeesen]

Allright. Stuff smells really bad.

We'll see how the old pipes hold up, tried to be careful.
The fix in between definitely slopes up towards the clamp, the T connection to the pipe from the bathroom is the highest point between the kitchen drain and the sewer.

It drains faster, but still not really well -- guess that's a physical impossibility, exactly because the water from the sink has to be pressed over that highest point.

Thanks for your guidance. Don't think I'll try to fix the fix myself -- landlord should do that.

Cheers.

PS Things I learned:
1 Try the plunger trick
2 Check the basement
3 Don't try to use an old clamp; they're only $5 at the hardware store
4... and be careful with mixing baking soda and vinegar... :)

[ballengerb1]

To change that slope cut the pipe 1" above the clean out and then see how much more is needed to be removed to give you a good ptch toward the drain stack, remove that much. Now just glue in a hub with a stop using ABS cement or all purpose cement.

[alexanderleal]

Hi.

I have the same problem.
I did the plunger trick but I noticed the more we plunged, the slower the drain goes. I haven't tried snaking it. I'd like to know if this is something I can fix our should I call a plumber.

Thanks.

Alex

[massplumber2008]

IHi ALEX:

F you can access the drain pipes... remove cleanout or remove the trap under the sink then there is no reason you can't rent a small electric snake from a local rental store and snake the drain line clear yourself!

You will need a hand-held electric snake (se pic.), leather gloves, and eye protection.

Be clear that if you snake the drain the snake can go UP the vent almost as much as it can go DOWN the drain... so have friend listen downstairs to confirm that you have in fact gone down with the cable. If you are lucky, the rental company will have a DROP HEAD attachment (see pic... bottom pic. Is a drop head!) that reduces the chance of snake going UP the vent!

First thing to do is to access the pipes under the sink...drop the PTRAP if possible and check the lines at the sink (clog could be up closer to sink then you think...maybe??).

Also, spend a little extra time reviewing this thread... lots here that may make it easier for you to have a successful outcome!

Let us know if you need more...

MARK

[Milo Dolezal]

Just one more detail: you have San-Tee installed as transition from vertical to horizontal. It is not allowed in my region by Plumbing Code. San-Tee is only used as transition fitting from horizontal to vertical. Replace it with Combination "Y". It will significantly improve your drainage.

[massplumber2008]

Hey Milo:

Just so you know... AND YOU START WATCHING FOR... ;) ALEX (post#25) popped in on RUDI's thread from February and posted his question here yesterday.

Rudi's all set... did you check the backpitch on that pipe back at his pictures though? No wonder why that pipe clogged!

Alex has yet to return.

Anyway, this happens quite a bit here. I am now in habit of checking the dates in the upper left corner.

Just wanted you to know... may save you a few minutes here and there!

Have good day Milo...

MARK

[Milo Dolezal]

MassPlumber2008: Yes, indeed, it is an old post. Anyway, I did check his slope. Just like you suggested, it appears to be back-sloped Also, it is 1 1/2" pipe. In my region, we have to install 2" pipe for kitchen sink drains. In my own house I've built last year, I installed 3" drains for both kitchen sink and washing machine. Now I can sleep better...

Btw: those crawl space photos of his plumbing are scary... They scream for plumber's attention... :-)

[massplumber2008]

You said it! Wonder how he made out overall.. Hoping he cut it like Bob suggested and is all set!

I also pipe 2" to kitchen sink with full size cleanout. I haven't had a clogged sink since I started doing that (about 5 years now).

Hey, word around here is that some code books are going to require 3" ptrap for residential washing machines ... coming pretty soon...

Have you heard anything about that in your area?

Let me know...

Thanks... MARK