Bathtub clog, don't understand how to get into the drain?
Question:Tried to unclog a slow draining tub. Bought a small auger, it won't go down the drain and it won't go down behind the overflow plate. It just hits metal and won't go any further. I don't understand how else you can put it in there. Any suggestions?
PS can't get to the back of the plumbing pipes as I live in an apt.
Answers:
Well the first and best answer was: If you rent an apartment call the landlord to get it fixed.
If you attempt to fix it and do more damage that could cost you...the landlord route is best.
The auger will not work on a bath tub. At the tub drain it goes down about 2-3 inches then turns on a 90 degree right angle...then about 10-12 inches if bends down at a 90 degree angle.so the auger is too stiff.
Not trying to be rude..but let the landlord handle it. They should appreciate that you called before there was a complete stoppage. Good luck.
Why are you putting it behind the overflow plate? Put it down the drain. Unscrew the drain cover first.
if you live in an apt - the landlord should have the correct tools to fix that - and it is thier job to fix it - that is why you pay rent
Pour 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of vinegar down the drain, along with 3 cups boiling water. Allow to sit for an hour. Flush with cold water.
use drain O this stuff is great just poor it in and let it set and then run hot water down it.
You may need to locate the drainpipe's cleanout fitting.
This is an elbow with a removeable cap that allows plumbers to 'snake' the drainpipe from the exterior.
Cheryl,if you rent the apt.contact landlord.Otherwise,remove drain cover,put a plumber`s snake in the hole and clear the drain.The auger won`t work because it won`t bend enough to follow the contour of the pipe work.You can rent a plumber`s snake at most machine rental place`s for a very small fee .Good luck.
If you are renting, this really should be the owner's problem to deal with.
If you really feel the need to take care of this yourself, you might try a Zip-It (see http://www.zipitclean.com/)
Otherwise, it somewhat depends upon the type of drain assembly you have. If it is a trip-lever type, with the lever on the overflow, remove the overflow plate and carefully pull the stopper up through the overflow tube. It will be messy, but chances are you will find the clog there.
I would not snake on a rental. The connections in the waste assembly are likely slip-joint connections, if you push the wrong way or too hard you could have a problem.
Do you have a 3" ish metal plate with a lever for stopping the water from going down the drain?
If you do, (stick a rag in the drain hole) take out the two screws and remove the plate, stop and look, it is attached to a rod that goes down to the drain. Wiggle it up and out. There is a cylinder on the end of the rod that stops/starts the water from going down the drain. Here we go, run a hand-snake down the hole you were working on. It will follow the correct path now. If you force the snake or use a power snake you will puncture the drain pipe and start a water leak downstairs. Just nice and easy. If this works, put everything back together, first clean the brass cylinder it will fit easier going in place. Go to your hardware store and get a hair catcher for the drain. Too complicated, call a plumber!
Well I've done this twice now and it's worked.
take off that overflow plate above your drain (usually a screw).
Take a wire coat hanger and cut it straight. Put a little hook on the end (about 1/2")
stick the coat hanger down the drain as far as you can go..and then spin it around.
Pull out..hopefully you'll have a huge glob of smelly hair.
It's totally gross.
Good luck to you and I hope this job doesn't DRAIN your energy.
put a sachet of drain cleaner in it and pour a cup of water and after one hour flush.
Its probably a slab of hair. You should get a hanger shape it out to a stick and scrape it out otherwise use CLR. If its just hair then thats heka dirty
I use two things. A heavy duty wire with a short hook on it and on the other end is an eye on which I connect a piece of nylon thread. The other thing is a thinner piece of wire yet still strong (with the same kind of nylon thread attached.
The point is to put the hook down into the hole and bring up all the hair. If it won't bring it all up then clip a little with needle point scissors so you can bring up the hair in parts. You'll need to do this every few months. Some people use "Liquid Plumber and let it sit in there with the plunger part down so the fumes don't enter the room. after many hours then pour super hot (yes, heated on your stove) water down the drain and close up the hole. You may have to do it a second time. Frankly I think the pulling up of the hair with a hook is the better and safer way to do it.
Since you live in an apartment, why not just put in a call to their maintenance department. They will come over and clean it for you. Next time you'll know how to take care of it by yourself.
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