How would you unclog my bathtub drain (not a sexy question, I know)?

Question

The bathtub is 50 years old, with a plunger-style tripwaste - i.e., you move the lever that's under the faucet, and it plugs up the drain without your seeing the plug.

When you unscrew the cover over that lever, the tripwaste mechanism is supposed to come with. Problem is, the thing is so old that the lever has corroded off and the mechanism/plunger are permanently clogging up the drain. The tub drains, but very slowly. I have tried pouring down boiling water, white vinegar, and drano. Have tried pulling on the tripwaste with pliers. Even tried using a toilet plunger, which actually helps the water flow slightly faster, but doesn't loosen the corroded mechanism.

Plumbers say they'd have to tear apart the wall, for lots of $$$. Isn't there any other way?? Help!!!

Answer 1

Not many options here. The key is you need to get the plunger out of the drain pipe. You can try a long pair of pliers or a hanger bent in to a small hook (about 1/2" would be about right). If you can't get it from the tub, you either have to go under or in from behind. If the tub is on the first floor and you have a basement or crawl space, you might be able to get in from there. Otherwise, it's pretty much in through the wall or the ceiling below.

Good luck! Been there, done that.

Answer 2

Well lets see here:

What I would do is get out your hammer and a small chissel or screw driver and start tapping the outside edge of the coroded part. Use lite gentle taps as not to break the pipe or the chrome retainer around the drain.
If that dosen't break it loose try some de-limer. Let it set a while and then add a little more. You want to try and pour it arround the corroded part not just dump it in the drain. Then get out the hammer and chissel and try it again. ( before you do this the second time flush out any de-limer in and arround the drain, where eye protection.

If this dosen't work; is the drain acesable underneath? If you can get at it then you will need to cut off the pipe leading to the drain. after you make the cut on the lower part of the pipe have someone stick a screwdriver into the drain sort of sideways as much as possible and hold it while you from down below try turning the pipe counter clock wise and see if will turn off. If you get the old pip[e out replace it with a tub drain kit. You might not be able to attach the drain opener and will have to go with the old fashion rubber type stopper with a decorative chain attached. Other than that the plumber is right, you will have to cut out an access hole to get at everything..
Also you might want to look in the room next to the front of the tub and see if there is allready an access hole to get at everything. Lots of time they do this and you could also cut a access hole from this room rather than around the tub. Also lots of times the access hole for tubs are in a closet.

Good Luck. As allways a plumbing projects are many trips to the hardware store and lots of patience

Answer 3

Try an "accordion" type plunger that blows air into the drain when you press down on it. They cost about $13. If it doesn't work in this case you always have it for sinks, toilets, etc.

Just remember to cover up the overflow holes above the drain with a wet washcloth or something. That way the air is directed in the direction of the clog, not just up and out.

Answer 4

I might endorse now not attempting some thing with out consulting a respectable plumber or others licensed to reply this variety of query. But while matters get caught in my bathtub, i take aside a cord hanger and notice if I can get it out with that. But do not do some thing that could make the problem worse, it would finish of costing you extra in the end. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I would check out the site that RSVReno has suggested. I just unclogged my bathroom sink with it! YAAAAAY!

Answer 6

I just use my plunger to get it.

Answer 7

here's your answer

http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=18303

that's the third question with the same answer