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    hpatrice's Avatar
    hpatrice Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jan 6, 2010, 07:01 AM
    home remedies for clogged drains
    We are having problems with all of our drains being clogged. The tub, toilet, and now the kitchen sink is clogged. I have used rid-x on the toilet thinking that might help and then used drain-o last night, did the trick but now its all clogged and backing up again. Please help, we are having a very cold winter right now and didn't know if that could be the problem. We have not tried any home remedy yet. Can someone help me and tell me what to use on it. Home remedies would be great if I don't have to wait overnight, I need them fixed now. Please help...
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Jan 6, 2010, 07:42 AM

    As a repair plumber I have never recommended using harsh chemicals. In your drainage system. Besides they only seem to work in TV commercials and when you try to remove the water you could burn your hands or damage your eyes.
    I recommend snaking a drain to clear a clog. If you wish I can walk you through snaking drains and vents. Good luck, Tom
    hpatrice's Avatar
    hpatrice Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jan 6, 2010, 07:49 AM

    I have never heard of snaking a drain... Sorry to say that but true. What and how do you do it?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #4

    Jan 6, 2010, 08:03 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by hpatrice View Post
    I have never heard of snaking a drain...Sorry to say that but true. What and how do you do it?
    Read this;
    How to Clear Clogged Drains: Precautions and Tips | Plumbing Projects | Reader's Digest
    And then get back to me with specifics. What drain line do you wish to clear? Do you wish to purchase or rent the snakes, ( you'll need two to snake both the small drains and the sewer.) I can walk you through the process. Back to you, Tom
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #5

    Jan 6, 2010, 08:23 AM

    Here is another How to article: Clear Any Clogged Drain | Plumbing | This Old House - 1

    With multiple fixtures backing up, it may be time for the big guns, so to speak. i.e.. There may be a clog in the main drain.

    WHile your at it, see if you can locate a cap on a 4" pipe usually at the base of a toilet stack and in your basement if you have one.

    Also tell us if you have major trees near your sewer line especially maples.

    The large machines have cutters that will cut roots from the main line.

    The smaller ones grab hair, lint etc grab it and pull it out.
    hpatrice's Avatar
    hpatrice Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Jan 6, 2010, 08:32 AM

    Is snaking the drain the only thing left for me to do? I really don't have any money to rent or purchase anything. Was hoping the home remedies would help. They are now slowing going down, so is there something I can do other than snaking?
    XOXOlove's Avatar
    XOXOlove Posts: 830, Reputation: 131
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    #7

    Jan 6, 2010, 05:44 PM

    I always use bleach to unclog the toilet and it has always worked for me. However, if you have other chemicals in there already don't mix the bleach in.

    If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink, turning it on may help get the water down. Also, have you tried using a plunger for any of the drains?

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