Plumbers, how to use the snake tool to remove debris from pipes...?

Question

Have the snake tool you attach to a drill. Whenever, kitchen sink is filled with water, and I let it drain, it flows but at a slow rate so that eventually water backs up and comes out into bathtub. I ran the snake tool through bathtub opening, though the sink pipes (behind the trap), and everywhere I could think. Still same problem. Is there a specific way to use the snake tool? The tool seems to take forever to wind or unwind and I am not sure if maybe I have to let it wind forward for a little longer..

Answer 1

It could be possible that the snake you are using is not long enough to reach the clog, or it may be a vent problem. I am assuming the toilet still flushes with no problems and that the kitchen is on the other sid eof the wall from the tub. Most drain lines, though, only run 10 to 20 feet and empty into what is called a closet bend located under the toilet. I also assume this is an older dwelling with metal or "galvanized". If that is the case, then the inside of the pipe can be encrusted with a rusty kind of build up which can be difficult sometimes to remove. Another possibility is that the snake you have may not be heavy duty enough to make it through the drain, clearing the buildup. I personally do not recommend acid base drain cleaners as they rarely work in this scenario.Good luck

Answer 2

Sounds like your not going far enough and, keep water behind it to keep it flushed. You can try this, take a garden hose and put it part way in your pipe the pack a rag around it the slowly as you hald it have your wife turn the water on, slowly. If it comes up somewhere else plug that line and try again. Otherwise your going to have to get a longer line.