Hello Folks:
I don't know what type of drain pipes I have.
If I have plastic (PVC?) pipes, what happens if I were to use Liquid Plummer or something similar with a lot of caustic material in it?
I looked up on internet and some say it is not good, some claim it is OK.
Deguza
P.S.: I am finding out that I have fixtures made by Andre. But I think the knob and the mechanism is by someone else. Probably came with the bathtub.
Hello Bob:
I am trying to clean a clogged drain. I am being told that I am supposed to stick a snake through the hole that the knob covers.
Since I could not get that knob off, I thought maybe this enzyme stuff may help loosen the clogged material.
So far no luck, though.
Deguza
noel888 wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@l33g2000pri.googlegroups.com:
The link works fine. Goes to Windows Live and there are two pics. Works for others too. Check your yard.
Ok....... are you getting any flow ...that is, does the tub empty after many minutes or hours?
Or does it not empty after many hours?
If you're getting some flow....empties after many minutes you might get lucky with a chemical drain opener.
Unfortunately, using a chemical drain opener will preclude using the plunger with standing water (there would be a good chance in splashing the stuff all over place)
Also in order to get really effective plunger action you've got to block the overflow....sometimes not easy to do completely in a bathtub or even a bathroom sink. And depend on where the clog is...plunging could just send air & water up the vent.
A really badly blocked drain often needs a snake...... a slow drain or even a "very slow" drain can be opened with enzyme drain cleaner or chemical drain cleaner.
If the tub is on the first floor and the house is built on a crawlspace....you can access the drain plumbing from the crawlspace. There might be a cleanout in the bathtub line.
But now that another poster has pointed out that I missed in your OP you clogged drain reference.......
The knob might pry off......revealing some sort of fastening. But if the installation is really old, the knob might be frozen on the shaft & prying might break something. If you do choose to attempt to pry the knob off, use two same size screwdrivers or small pry bars and protect the surface of the tub with cardboard or wood (paint stirrers). Pry gently ...... its an acquired skill (unfortunately, acquired by breaking things)
Use this products on clogs Zep Professional Strength Drain Opener
Good luck
cheers Bob
Bob
James-
You know, I read his OP twice and still missed the last sentence with the clooged drain reference both times....my mistake.
Cheers Bob
Well, I must be lucky: It drains slowly. If I get 1 or 2 inches of water it takes about 5 minutes or so. In fact, this improved a bit since I used the enzyme.
I agree I have to use the snake eventually. I have a crawl space where I can probably access the pipes easily, but I do not want to go down there in this damp and rainy weather.
Also, for future issues like this I think it would be best to develop the capability to clear the pipe from the bathroom.
The bathroom is relatively new. The house was built 60 year ago, but the previous owner must have done a remodel within the past 10 years or so.
I am afraid to pry the knob though. One poster was saying earlier that he has seen this type of knob at his mother's home, and it was secured from the back.
Even if the clog clears, I will cut the backpanel of the counter in the kitchen and the Sheetrock and see if I can reach the knob and the pipes from behind.
By the way, thanks for all the suggestions.
Deguza
If you can get the drainage to improve even slightly ...continue you use your enzyme product or switch to the Zep Drain Care Build Up remover.
I've been using & recommending that stuff for YEARS (close to 30). When used as a drain maintenance method it will improve drain performance and usually preclude the need for ever using a snake.
I would hold off on tearing into the back side of the tub area for a while, give the drain enzyme a chance......like every night for a week. If the flow is acceptable switch to 3 days in a row per week for a month & then drop back to every 6 months.
Way easier than cutting an access hole.
Cheers Bob
He said it in the subject line but not in the post. It's his fault.
See if you can find something like it at a borg and read their instructions. Or go to a real plumbing supply store, and tip the guy
5 dollars if you have to for him to show you one. (I never know how much to tip. )On Feb 7, 2:45=A0pm, Bobk207 wrote: [..]
It is funny! I kept referring to the stuff I was using as "enzyme". A few minutes ago I looked at the manufacturer , brand, etc.
It turns out what I got from the local Home Depot *was* Zep!
I did not pay attention to other similar products at Home Depot. The one I got says: ZEP Commercial Drain Care Professional Strength.
Are there different types of ZEP?
Deguza
On Feb 8, 12:38=A0pm, Kompu Kid wrote: turns out what I got from the local Home Depot *was* Zep!
ZEP Commercial Drain Care Professional Strength. That is one I would suggest to get a nearly stopped drain working.
ZEP is a manufacturer of MANY household chemicals
Zep #DC-16 18OZ Drain Cleaner
If you get that bathtub flowing reasoanbly well....... follow care with enzyme stuff will keep it working forever (unless you have a mechanical blockage; toothpaste cap, paper clip, LEGO block, etc)
let us know how it works out
cheers Bob
You need to get out more. I own a dozen or so, all stick built, and each and every one has an access panel for the tub drain and related hardware. It is extremely rare for me not to see that sort of thing in a house. Where do you live?
JK
In a 900-SF cheap stick-built lath+plaster (yes, REAL plaster) house built in
1952. No access panels for anything, but we do have a generally-useless cleanout near the kitchen sink. There is a crawlspace, though.I have found that enzyme treatments have limited use in tub and sink drains. The culprit is usually hair and hair is not easily attacked by enzymes. As an experiment I took a clump of hair and put it in a dish with an enzyme drain treatment. Northing happened. The hair did not break down or lose strength. After about a week mold grew in the dish and I gave up.
(snip)
are attached and connected. -- H
Well, in Heathcliff's defense, a lot of houses didn't have them when new, but got them the first time the tub plumbing crapped out around year 15 or so. Mebbe he only works on newer houses? There is a hole in the wall of my hallway closet I have been meaning to build a pretty cover for since I bought the place 3.5 years ago. Too big for one of the borg snap-in covers- it goes all the way down to the floor. Probably end up with painted masonite or thin plywood, held in place with screws, since I don't feel ambitious enough to frame and case the hole and put up a panel held with magnetic catches. (Which is how we did it on fancy houses in the old days....)
When I hit lotto and build my dream house, there will be access panels EVERYWHERE, for any item with an expected lifespan shorter than the house. I HATE patching drywall....
-- aem sends...
Most of my houses were built before 1930, and they generally have a varnished panel held in place by screws. While I like the idea of magnetic catches, I haven't seen them used, in even on fancy old houses. The panels are big enough to be able to replace the waste & overflow on most of them, and possibly the mixer.
JK
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.