"MPost" wrote in message
news:U22Cd.842629$8_6.304923@attbi_s04...
I live in an older home and have a tub and bathroom sink that drain very
slowly. When I drain the sink, I can hear a gurgling in the tub drain and,
when I put a lot of water down the sink drain, some water will come up
from
the tub drain into the tub. I've been putting some Drano down the drain
every two months or so, but am worried that this may damage my pipes in
the
long run. I also have tried to get a snake down the tub overflow, but
don't
think I'm even getting past the elbow that turns from vertical to
horizontal
under the tub. Unfortunately, the first floor ceiling underneath the tub
is
finished, so I can't really get at the trap (I'm assuming it's a drum
trap).
So, 2 questions:

1. Is there a secret to getting the snake past that first 90 degree bend?
I'm able to get the snake through sink P traps with no problem, but can't
really figure out what's catching the snake under the tub.

2. Are there any other solutions other than the Drano that are less likely
to damage my pipes, but work for more than a couple of months?

Thanks in advance.

I use a quart of Ammonia down each drain every month. Especially the ones
that have food or hair.

Assuming that you have a sink, pour a quart of Ammonia down the sink. Fill
the basin with hot water. Leaving the hot water on pull the plug and drain.
Now to the tub. You will need several inches of hot water to be effective.

Ammonia will cut the grease the hot water and the weight of the water will
move the residue down the drain. You may have to repeat increasing the level
of hot water in the tub to be successful.

This plan will do nothing for roots or other obstructions.

I have not used a snake in 20 years since starting this regimen