[ric56]

I have back up in line piping. I have ran a 100' line in the pipes and it work for a day. Now the blockage is back.. can you help, do you have a answer

[ric56]

I have a blockage in my pipes. I have ran a 100' snake through the lines. The blockage when away for a day but now has returned.. any answers?

[massplumber2008]

Hi Ric

How many times did you run the snake in and out? It should have been MANY times.

How large is the pipe you are snaking and what size or type of head are you using on the snake? If you have a 4" line I'd start with 1/2 of a 3" cutter blade and see what that brought back, if anything.

Here's how I approach these things...

I flood the main drain line with water from a washing machine until it flows up to the top of the cleanout. Then I use a hose and keep the water up to the top of the cleanout while I snake the drain line. In this way, I can tell when my snake hits the issue at the drain line. Here, the water will start to drain away faster or it will start to bob up/down, but I will see something obvious!

At this point I mark the snake with a piece of tape or a permanent marker and then I snake for 5 feet or so back and forth, back and forth numerous times in this area (still flooding the main drain to wash stuff away).

Finally, I pull the snake back and hope to find some indication of what caused the issue... roots(?), a tampon (?) a real shiny blade (indicates a broken pipe sometimes), etc...

If needed I send the snake down the drain and do this all again to be sure I won't be coming back again for a long time!

I would NOT advise you to go with too large a cutter head as it can get stuck and snag or break the cable, so try this approach... should help!

If you find an indication of roots, pop back and we can discuss options to begin a root treatment program, OK?

Good luck!

Mark