Need Help wrote:
To clear clogged or slow drains, I have used a device called 'Drain King'
for years with great success. Looks like a Sex Toy, but really works.
Available at hardware and plumbing supply stores everywhere.

Here's my experience. The washing machine was at the back of the
kitchen. The drain was clogged and wash water spilled onto the floor.
After mopping up that mess I shoved the Drain King down the drainpipe
and turned it on. Water seemed to flow freely through it, then I heard
splashing outside. The drain was still clogged and the water filled
up the vent and escaped onto the roof. I turned the hose off, the Drain
King deflated, and I had another mess on the floor to clean up. The
stuff that was clogging the drain got shoved further down the line and
also clogged the kitchen sink. Three hours and $85 later, a rooter
service had the line clean.

Perhaps this episode could have been avoided by running the Drain King
as a preventive measure...