Hi,
I have "responsibility" for a kitchen sink that blocks every year. I strongly suspect the problem is caused by what is chucked down there - but I have no control over that. In the past plunging and caustic soda has cleared the blockage but this time the blockage is more persistant. I have done a little research and the next stage (before calling in the professional plumbing cowboy) is to stick a snake or drain auger down there. There seem to be several lengths of auger available available. The setup I am facing is a standard (one and half inch?) grey waste pipe coming from the trap below a "basket" plug hole. The waste pipe from the sink runs for about 2.5 metres, bends through 90 degrees, runs for another 2.5 meters befroe emptying into a sealed soil pipe (not my choice).
Now I am wondering should I buy a 3m snake and try to access the pipe from both "ends" (not sure I can do this) or buy a 6m auger and push it until (if) it hits the obstruction. When the handle on the auger is turned does a screw fitting bury itself into the blockage and you then push and pull until the obstruction is freed?
Also the foam (?) seal below the plug hole and above the trap is leaking especially when plunging was tried. Is this a standard replacement part and is any special preparation or fitting needed apart from ensuring all surfaces between the sink and trap that will come in contact are clean and dry?
Thanks
Clive