 | The 'art' of using a plumbing snake. |
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Question: My bathtub drain is still plugged. I consider myself pretty handy, but in the last 47 years, I have never learned 'the art' of using a plumbing snake. I have read much of what Google returns on 'how to' unclog drains and am [not] surprised how often they simply say "use a plumbing snake" and never explain exactly how, and/or the tricks of the trade so to speak. I have tried and not suceeded with the 'boiling water' trick and the plug the stopper hole with a rag and then use a plunger tricks. I would try a shop vac, but I don't got one. My snake reaches 2'-7" past the drain stopper toggle plate before it stops. Also, I can run no more than two gallons of water before it backs up. The water does eventually drain, after a few minutes. Would someone around hear please describe in detail the 'art' of using a plumbing snake?
Answer: Bathtub drains can be the absolute worst to negotiate with a snake. Everybody thinks "TRAP" and they picture the chrome beauty under the kitchen sink. Not on a bathtub! Could be copper (very tight ebnd that no snake will go around easily). Could be cast iron with a dead end that snares the snake every time. Could be an old "drum" trap, some of which prevent a snake from exiting. So, I'm not surprised you're having trouble and not surprised that the texts don't go into detail. This is where the years of experience come in. If you have access to behind the tub, see what it looks like and picture the snake going round. The best tool I've found is a pro hand-held power snake. It's stronger than the flimsy 1/4" snake-in-a-drum you put on a drill motor. You can rent the pro model at a rental store. Most of the time, the clog isn't even *in* the trap; it's further down at some sharp bend or TEE. Can be very, very frustrating!
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