[Dave Ermeling]

I'm sure this is a common problem but I need some advice on the best way to unclog this thing. The kitchen sink suddenly started draining extremely slow. I tried 2 of the liquid unclogging products and no help. I used a small Rigid snake and went in from under the sink where the pipe goes into the wall and I think the snake went up the vent because it didn't unclog a thing and it sounded like it went up. So I went downstairs to the drain clean-out and ran the snake up. The snake seems to just want to twist up and not move forward because the pipe is 1-1/2" or 2" and the snake just twists.
I saw an answer from "Speedball1" about snaking the roof vent. Is this what you think I need to do as well? Any other suggestions?

[Milo Dolezal]

The clog can be under your sink, where 2 bowl drains connect in one. Also, it can be inside the wall where drain turns from horizontal to vertical. Moreover, snake should go into the horizontal drain w/o problem if the line is clean. If it is clogged than you will encounter resistance. Rent stronger snake with 3/8" cable and re-snake.

[Dave Ermeling]

Milo, I have a 3/8" snake I'm using. I think I might have just gotten the snake through the clog. I'm going to boil some water and run that down the drain to see if I got it. Are there any products that you recommend to keep the pipes clean? As a maintenance thing. Home Depot had about 5 different things that said they were for cleaning drain pipes but I'm not a big believer in them as it seems the stuff would just run past the GOO and drain on down. Waste of money.

[speedball1]

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. Trust me, a snake is the only way to go.
If you find the clog's in the drain inside the wall you will have to remove the "J" bend from the trap and send your snake up through the trap tail,(see image). You'll tun into a bend about 8inches in but once around that you only have 6 more feet to go. Good luck, Tom

[Dave Ermeling]

I've had all that apart and am running the snake in just as pictured. I had the snake all the way through to the clean out in the basement, ( I saw it with a small mirror up inside) but when I put water in the sink, it still didn't run right down like it should. Could a clogged vent line cause really slow draining?

[speedball1]

Could a clogged vent line cause really slow draining

Sure could! Do you hear a gurgle from the trap as you drain? Let me know, tom

[Dave Ermeling]

Got it! Thanks all for the help! Turns out 3 egg shells had gotten clumped and caused the blockage. What's odd is that I had the snake through the clog but when I pulled it out it was still clogged. I ended up pouring 2 pots of boiling water to create some pressure then banged on the drain pipe in the basement. Whooosh!

[speedball1]

Thanks for the update. Glad you're all fixed up. Tom

[Milo Dolezal]

Dave, glad you have solved your situation...

I do not recommend any chemicals. I have never used any in the last 30+ years I am in business. It is all about prevention. Watch what you flush down the drain. Garbage disposer is a great invention but it is also responsible in clogging our drains. Scoop all food left overs from plates to trash can rather than to Garbage Disposer. Only than put plates in the sink. If you have to use GD, then use lots of hot water to flush grinded food particles as far down the drain as possible. Furthermore, make sure you have sharp cutters in your GD. Dull blades will send large chunks of food into your drain system clogging it in the process.

Good Luck... Milo

[Dave Ermeling]

Thanks for the advice Milo. We don't put too much down the GD but egg shells and veggies and that type stuff.