I've had a couple of problems with clogged drains and so far haven't done
much good snaking. I bought a cheap hand crank snake, it goes in a ways,
stops and I seem to make absolutely no progress. A friend suggested a drill
powered snake, goes in a ways, stops, twisted up like a pretzel inside the
pipe.

So I'm wondering if I have super tough clogs, or if it's just the cheap
Wal-Mart and hardware store snakes I'm buying? Tonight I bought a drill
powered snake that's inside a piece of tubing. So far I like it, the tubing
keeps the snake from twisting up inside the pipe easily but I still haven't
been able to clear the drain. It goes in maybe 4ft and I can't seem to get
it to go any further.

The drains I'm having trouble is the bathtub and the bathroom sink. The
sink has been clogged over a year, we quit using it. Recently the tub
clogged, we don't think it's a good idea to quit taking baths :-)
Unfortunately the crawl space is very difficult for me to access, I would
have to hire a skinny guy and the opening is on the other side of the house,
extremely inconvenient.

Is there a recommended brand and size of snake for 1-1/4 drains?

Thanks!

RogerN

On Oct 10, 7:04*pm, "RogerN" wrote:
I've had a couple of problems with clogged drains and so far haven't done
much good snaking. *I bought a cheap hand crank snake, it goes in a ways,
stops and I seem to make absolutely no progress. *A friend suggested a drill
powered snake, goes in a ways, stops, twisted up like a pretzel inside the
pipe.

So I'm wondering if I have super tough clogs, or if it's just the cheap
Wal-Mart and hardware store snakes I'm buying? *Tonight I bought a drill
powered snake that's inside a piece of tubing. *So far I like it, the tubing
keeps the snake from twisting up inside the pipe easily but I still haven't
been able to clear the drain. *It goes in maybe 4ft and I can't seem to get
it to go any further.

The drains I'm having trouble is the bathtub and the bathroom sink. *The
sink has been clogged over a year, we quit using it. *Recently the tub
clogged, we don't think it's a good idea to quit taking baths :-)
Unfortunately the crawl space is very difficult for me to access, I would
have to hire a skinny guy and the opening is on the other side of the house,
extremely inconvenient.

Is there a recommended brand and size of snake for 1-1/4 drains?

Thanks!

RogerN

Have you considered going up on the roof and running the snake down
the vent. Might get you by the area where the snake gets stuck.

Dan

"RogerN" wrote in message
m...
I've had a couple of problems with clogged drains and so far haven't done
much good snaking. I bought a cheap hand crank snake, it goes in a ways,
stops and I seem to make absolutely no progress. A friend suggested a
drill powered snake, goes in a ways, stops, twisted up like a pretzel
inside the pipe.

So I'm wondering if I have super tough clogs, or if it's just the cheap
Wal-Mart and hardware store snakes I'm buying? Tonight I bought a drill
powered snake that's inside a piece of tubing. So far I like it, the
tubing keeps the snake from twisting up inside the pipe easily but I still
haven't been able to clear the drain. It goes in maybe 4ft and I can't
seem to get it to go any further.

The drains I'm having trouble is the bathtub and the bathroom sink. The
sink has been clogged over a year, we quit using it. Recently the tub
clogged, we don't think it's a good idea to quit taking baths :-)
Unfortunately the crawl space is very difficult for me to access, I would
have to hire a skinny guy and the opening is on the other side of the
house, extremely inconvenient.

Is there a recommended brand and size of snake for 1-1/4 drains?

Thanks!

RogerN


There are different techniques for using a snake. One is to try to drill or
force the snake through the clog and this sometimes works okay. The other is
to try to catch bits of the clog and bring them back out the drain. The
latter generally works better on tough clogs. With a power snake you just
keep it running and slide it gently back and forth, ocassionally pullling
it all the way out to clear the tip. You should not run it in hard enough
for it to quit turning. It takes a while but generally works if you have a
suitable snake. A plumber can generally clear a completely root-blocked
line.

Don Young

On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:04:51 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:

I've had a couple of problems with clogged drains and so far haven't done
much good snaking. I bought a cheap hand crank snake, it goes in a ways,
stops and I seem to make absolutely no progress. A friend suggested a drill
powered snake, goes in a ways, stops, twisted up like a pretzel inside the
pipe.

So I'm wondering if I have super tough clogs, or if it's just the cheap
Wal-Mart and hardware store snakes I'm buying? Tonight I bought a drill
powered snake that's inside a piece of tubing. So far I like it, the tubing
keeps the snake from twisting up inside the pipe easily but I still haven't
been able to clear the drain. It goes in maybe 4ft and I can't seem to get
it to go any further.

The drains I'm having trouble is the bathtub and the bathroom sink. The
sink has been clogged over a year, we quit using it. Recently the tub
clogged, we don't think it's a good idea to quit taking baths :-)
Unfortunately the crawl space is very difficult for me to access, I would
have to hire a skinny guy and the opening is on the other side of the house,
extremely inconvenient.

Is there a recommended brand and size of snake for 1-1/4 drains?

The drill ones are practically worthless, too hard to control. And
hand snakes are almost useless unless the clog is within 2 feet or so,
and they never are. I got the 50' powered one from Harbor Freight and
it works fine for small problems - for main lines go rent the
full-size 100' power snake.

You Have To Be Careful And Gentle When Using A Power Snake!!

Especially if you have ABS Plastic drain lines, the snake can easily
break through the side of the pipes at elbows rather than go around
them. Same thing with very old cast iron drain lines, if they've
gotten thin from age the snake can finish them off. Ease it in an
inch or two at a time, and let the spade cutter on the end clean off
the garbage and work it's way around corners.

Don't use the razor cutter head (looks like a U) inside a house,
that one is main lines only.

And I'm told that power snakes can easily destroy vitrified clay
tile main lines from whipping, but if you gotta get it open you gotta
get it open. And the cracks usually get started from tree roots that
can exert lots of force as the grow their way in, if anything you are
only finishing off the damage that the roots started

Again, be gentle and let the cutter set it's own pace and do it's
work an inch or two at a time. When you clear the main clog you'll
hear the big whoosh/gurgle as the line empties out.

-- Bruce --

"RogerN" wrote:

The drains I'm having trouble is the bathtub and the bathroom sink. The
sink has been clogged over a year, we quit using it. Recently the tub
clogged, we don't think it's a good idea to quit taking baths :-)
Unfortunately the crawl space is very difficult for me to access, I would
have to hire a skinny guy and the opening is on the other side of the house,
extremely inconvenient.

Now that you have attacked it mechanically, try attacking it chemically again.

Wes
--
"Additionally as a security officer, I carry a gun to protect
government officials but my life isn't worth protecting at home
in their eyes." Dick Anthony Heller

Wes wrote:

"RogerN" wrote:

The drains I'm having trouble is the bathtub and the bathroom sink. The
sink has been clogged over a year, we quit using it. Recently the tub
clogged, we don't think it's a good idea to quit taking baths :-)
Unfortunately the crawl space is very difficult for me to access, I would
have to hire a skinny guy and the opening is on the other side of the house,
extremely inconvenient.

Now that you have attacked it mechanically, try attacking it chemically again.


If all else fails, use an electrican's fish tape & a blasting cap.
;-)


--
http://improve-usenet.org/index.html

aioe.org, Goggle Groups, and Web TV users must request to be white
listed, or I will not see your messages.

If you have broadband, your ISP may have a NNTP news server included in
your account: http://www.usenettools.net/ISP.htm


There are two kinds of people on this earth:
The crazy, and the insane.
The first sign of insanity is denying that you're crazy.

"Michael A. Terrell" wrote:

If all else fails, use an electrican's fish tape & a blasting cap.
;-)

Don't stand over the hole!

I do wonder, if one could manage to press one's way through the soap scum far enough to
penetrate the clog. I'm assuming it is a combination of hair and soap.

Another thought would be to snake tubing down to the clog and recirculate drano or similar
substances so the active chemical will be attacking the clog.

Wes
--
"Additionally as a security officer, I carry a gun to protect
government officials but my life isn't worth protecting at home
in their eyes." Dick Anthony Heller

Wes wrote:

"Michael A. Terrell" wrote:

If all else fails, use an electrican's fish tape & a blasting cap.
;-)

Don't stand over the hole!

I do wonder, if one could manage to press one's way through the soap scum far enough to
penetrate the clog. I'm assuming it is a combination of hair and soap.

Another thought would be to snake tubing down to the clog and recirculate drano or similar
substances so the active chemical will be attacking the clog.


If you could put up with the back flow, a small tube with water at a
high enough pressure might work. I've used the method to drill holes
under concrete & blacktop to run conduit for wire, or water lines. A
lot of small roots have washed out of some of those holes. I use a
water hose along with the conduit I need, and push them slowly through
the ground. The conduit is rigid enough to end up fairly close to where
I need it at the other end. It's a lot better than breaking up a
driveway or sidewalk.


Just don't do like one of my uncles, and use two full cans of Draino
on one small drain. Over a foot of galvanized pipe was full of hardened
Drano, and the whole section of pipe had to be cut out by a plumber, and
replaced. Not only was it as hard as a rock, but it got so hot it
discolored the surface.


--
http://improve-usenet.org/index.html

aioe.org, Goggle Groups, and Web TV users must request to be white
listed, or I will not see your messages.

If you have broadband, your ISP may have a NNTP news server included in
your account: http://www.usenettools.net/ISP.htm


There are two kinds of people on this earth:
The crazy, and the insane.
The first sign of insanity is denying that you're crazy.

On Oct 10, 4:04*pm, "RogerN" wrote:
I've had a couple of problems with clogged drains and so far haven't done
much good snaking. *I bought a cheap hand crank snake, it goes in a ways,
stops and I seem to make absolutely no progress. *A friend suggested a drill
powered snake, goes in a ways, stops, twisted up like a pretzel inside the
pipe.

So I'm wondering if I have super tough clogs, or if it's just the cheap
Wal-Mart and hardware store snakes I'm buying? *Tonight I bought a drill
powered snake that's inside a piece of tubing. *So far I like it, the tubing
keeps the snake from twisting up inside the pipe easily but I still haven't
been able to clear the drain. *It goes in maybe 4ft and I can't seem to get
it to go any further.

The drains I'm having trouble is the bathtub and the bathroom sink. *The
sink has been clogged over a year, we quit using it. *Recently the tub
clogged, we don't think it's a good idea to quit taking baths :-)
Unfortunately the crawl space is very difficult for me to access, I would
have to hire a skinny guy and the opening is on the other side of the house,
extremely inconvenient.

Is there a recommended brand and size of snake for 1-1/4 drains?

Thanks!

RogerN

You might be bumping into the down pipe not the clog and just not
making it around the bend. I'd try going down the vent if possible as
others have said.
Karl

I'm not sure where the vent is in the plumbing. I know it's on the roof but
I'm thinking it would be after the clog. This is my second blockage here
that I haven't been able to break through but they've been years apart. We
have a septic tank and the cleanout for it is in the carport. I guess I'm
thinking these drains go into the main drain and since only 1 drain gets
stopped up at a time, that it's in the line between tub and main. The
toilet is the furthest away from the cleanout and it flushes fine. So I'm
thinking the vent is on the main and the sinks are tapped into it. It would
help if there was an opening in the foundation near the bathroom so I could
at least shine a flashlight and have a peek.

One of our first clogged sewer problems was in the toilet. We had a time
getting it out but a large "rock" had formed in the trap. It was formed in
the shape of the trap. I don't know if someone had poured something in the
toilet that set up or could limestone form like this? Years before city
water was here, this house got it's water from a well and 3 cisterns. Is
hard water known to have lime deposit problems? I was just wondering if
these drain clogs are rock type deposits that formed over time. That might
explain why I've been having trouble breaking through them.
Thanks!

RogerN


wrote in message
...


Have you considered going up on the roof and running the snake down
the vent. Might get you by the area where the snake gets stuck.

Dan

OK, I thought of something to try today. I'll try to get some tubing down
to the point where I can't get past with the snake. I'm not sure if that
point is the clog or a fitting. Anyway, from there I can apply hot water
down the tube and see if I can blast away with hot water pressure. If that
doesn't work, I can pump all the water out to that point and perhaps try
adding vinegar or perhaps other chemicals. At least a better concentration
would get nearer to problem with less dilution. I just wish the thing would
have been made accessible without tearing out.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

RogerN

RogerN wrote:
OK, I thought of something to try today. I'll try to get some tubing down
to the point where I can't get past with the snake. I'm not sure if that
point is the clog or a fitting. Anyway, from there I can apply hot water
down the tube and see if I can blast away with hot water pressure. If that
doesn't work, I can pump all the water out to that point and perhaps try
adding vinegar or perhaps other chemicals. At least a better concentration
would get nearer to problem with less dilution. I just wish the thing would
have been made accessible without tearing out.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

RogerN



I have found that bending the tip of the snake ~20 degrees helps it to
get past bends in the pipe better than leaving it straight.
MikeB

"RogerN" wrote in message
m...
Any other ideas?

At the risk from being banned from this DIY forum, you could call one of those
specialist drain cleaner companies. If you get the right guy with the right
equipment, it can be cheaper than tearing up your pipes trying to do it
yourself.

Vaughn

I'm determined to save money at all cost! :-)

I like to DIY as it gives me an excuse to buy tools, however I'm getting
quite a tool collection of "used once" tools.

RogerN


"Vaughn Simon" wrote in message
news

"RogerN" wrote in message
m...
Any other ideas?

At the risk from being banned from this DIY forum, you could call one of
those specialist drain cleaner companies. If you get the right guy with
the right equipment, it can be cheaper than tearing up your pipes trying
to do it yourself.

Vaughn

If the piping is in good condition, you might try a Drain king, a
rubber balloon/check valve affair that fastens to a garden hose
and creates a tremendous water hammer in the line.

I don't know how old your place is, but drum traps were common
back when, you would never be able to get a cable through a drum
trap.

I don't know what your stem wall is made of, but don't hesitate to
consider creating another access hole close to the problem,
especially easy if it is brick or block.

--
______________________________
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)




"RogerN" wrote in message
m...

OK, I thought of something to try today. I'll try to get some
tubing down to the point where I can't get past with the snake.
I'm not sure if that point is the clog or a fitting. Anyway,
from there I can apply hot water down the tube and see if I can
blast away with hot water pressure. If that doesn't work, I can
pump all the water out to that point and perhaps try adding
vinegar or perhaps other chemicals. At least a better
concentration would get nearer to problem with less dilution. I
just wish the thing would have been made accessible without
tearing out.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

RogerN

"RogerN" wrote in message
m...
I've had a couple of problems with clogged drains and so far haven't done
much good snaking. I bought a cheap hand crank snake, it goes in a ways,
stops and I seem to make absolutely no progress. A friend suggested a
drill powered snake, goes in a ways, stops, twisted up like a pretzel
inside the pipe.

So I'm wondering if I have super tough clogs, or if it's just the cheap
Wal-Mart and hardware store snakes I'm buying? Tonight I bought a drill
powered snake that's inside a piece of tubing. So far I like it, the
tubing keeps the snake from twisting up inside the pipe easily but I still
haven't been able to clear the drain. It goes in maybe 4ft and I can't
seem to get it to go any further.

The drains I'm having trouble is the bathtub and the bathroom sink. The
sink has been clogged over a year, we quit using it. Recently the tub
clogged, we don't think it's a good idea to quit taking baths :-)
Unfortunately the crawl space is very difficult for me to access, I would
have to hire a skinny guy and the opening is on the other side of the
house, extremely inconvenient.

Is there a recommended brand and size of snake for 1-1/4 drains?

Thanks!

RogerN

I have a moderate size power snake and an adolescent girl in the house. I
have the opportunity to snake out the main line from the house to the septic
tank more often than I care too. If I get the cutter in and just let it do
its job with mild pressure it usually clears things right out, but if I push
too hard into the clog it will will double up and get all twisted just like
a small snake will. I have never had any good luck with a small hand or
drill operated snake. I think my last one is still laying outside under a
tree somewhere.

I will tell you, a power snake will pay for itself pretty quickly if it will
clear your lines over the cost of calling out a drain service a couple
times, but for many people its just cheaper and easier to call out a drain
service.

Bob La Londe
www.YumaBassMan.com

On Oct 11, 2:05*am, "RogerN" wrote:
I'm not sure where the vent is in the plumbing. *I know it's on the roof but
I'm thinking it would be after the clog. *This is my second blockage here
that I haven't been able to break through but they've been years apart. *We
have a septic tank and the cleanout for it is in the carport. *I guess I'm
thinking these drains go into the main drain and since only 1 drain gets
stopped up at a time, that it's in the line between tub and main. *The
toilet is the furthest away from the cleanout and it flushes fine. *So I'm
thinking the vent is on the main and the sinks are tapped into it. *It would
help if there was an opening in the foundation near the bathroom so I could
at least shine a flashlight and have a peek.

One of our first clogged sewer problems was in the toilet. *We had a time
getting it out but a large "rock" had formed in the trap. *It was formed in
the shape of the trap. *I don't know if someone had poured something in the
toilet that set up or could limestone form like this? *Years before city
water was here, this house got it's water from a well and 3 cisterns. *Is
hard water known to have lime deposit problems? *I was just wondering if
these drain clogs are rock type deposits that formed over time. *That might
explain why I've been having trouble breaking through them.
Thanks!

RogerN

wrote in message

...

Have you considered going up on the roof and running the snake down
the vent. *Might get you by the area where the snake gets stuck.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Dan

We have lime deposits from hard water here but I've never heard of it
that bad. Not to say it's not possible though.
Let us know what happened when you get it cleared.
I grew up in a 60 year old house. I'd be afraid to use the water
pressure device on old plumbing though cutting the clog with a garden
hose might work.
Karl

As others have suggested, this might have a drum type trap and that may be
where I'm having difficulty getting past. Anyway, I used some rubber
washers and the vent plate to seal off the vent and forced some pressure
into the drain. The drain is working but slow, at least it's useable. I
plan to see what I can do with some chemical (vinegar, bleach, ???) and hot
water. Other than that my only plan is to try to save up $$ to have the
drains pipes replaced with snake friendly traps. Maybe I'll come back with
a question on installing 4" drain pipe in a sink! :-) At least since it's
flowing I can get some chemical down there that's not diluted in gallons of
water.

Any recommended chemical treatments for hair/soap scum clogs?

Thanks!

RogerN

"RogerN" wrote in message
...

As others have suggested, this might have a drum type trap and that may be
where I'm having difficulty getting past. Anyway, I used some rubber
washers and the vent plate to seal off the vent and forced some pressure
into the drain. The drain is working but slow, at least it's useable. I
plan to see what I can do with some chemical (vinegar, bleach, ???) and
hot water. Other than that my only plan is to try to save up $$ to have
the drains pipes replaced with snake friendly traps. Maybe I'll come back
with a question on installing 4" drain pipe in a sink! :-) At least since
it's flowing I can get some chemical down there that's not diluted in
gallons of water.

Any recommended chemical treatments for hair/soap scum clogs?

Thanks!

RogerN



Hot water + caustic soda / sodium hydroxide / lye.

Its a constituent of drain cleaner, it dissolves fat & scum. It's cheap from
grocery store or hardware, be very careful of skin burns and wear eye
protection - it will make you blind.

On Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:48:59 -0700, the infamous "Bob La Londe"
scrawled the following:

"RogerN" wrote in message
om...
I've had a couple of problems with clogged drains and so far haven't done
much good snaking. I bought a cheap hand crank snake, it goes in a ways,
stops and I seem to make absolutely no progress. A friend suggested a
drill powered snake, goes in a ways, stops, twisted up like a pretzel
inside the pipe.

So I'm wondering if I have super tough clogs, or if it's just the cheap
Wal-Mart and hardware store snakes I'm buying? Tonight I bought a drill
powered snake that's inside a piece of tubing. So far I like it, the
tubing keeps the snake from twisting up inside the pipe easily but I still
haven't been able to clear the drain. It goes in maybe 4ft and I can't
seem to get it to go any further.

The drains I'm having trouble is the bathtub and the bathroom sink. The
sink has been clogged over a year, we quit using it. Recently the tub
clogged, we don't think it's a good idea to quit taking baths :-)
Unfortunately the crawl space is very difficult for me to access, I would
have to hire a skinny guy and the opening is on the other side of the
house, extremely inconvenient.

Is there a recommended brand and size of snake for 1-1/4 drains?

I will tell you, a power snake will pay for itself pretty quickly if it will
clear your lines over the cost of calling out a drain service a couple
times, but for many people its just cheaper and easier to call out a drain
service.

I'm with Bob on this: Go with a large power snake and do it from the
roof vents, Roger. Buy or $30 rent from an equipment rental place.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46769

Or call a plumber each time, at $80-$150 a pop.


I have a moderate size power snake and an adolescent girl in the house. I

Is this a reference to girls tossing tampons and pads down the toilet,
or just their uncanny way of using a whole roll of TP in a couple
days, Bob? sigh I change rolls once every couple months unless
the family is visiting at Christmas, when I change rolls every 3 days.
3 women can go through a large roll in 3 days. Unbelievable!

--
Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without
hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.
-- George Sand

On Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:05:57 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:

snip
One of our first clogged sewer problems was in the toilet. We had a time
getting it out but a large "rock" had formed in the trap. It was formed in
the shape of the trap. I don't know if someone had poured something in the
toilet that set up or could limestone form like this?
snip

Maybe someone poured old kitty litter down the toilet to
dispose of it? I understand it can make quite the
mess/problem over a short bit of time.

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b
Remove no.spam for email

I never had any success with basic (in the chemistry
sense) chemicals. The only chemical that I've gotten to work
is sulfuric acid. It does a great job on hair.

I get mine at the hardware store. Home Depot carries it. The
stuff I use is called tempered sulfuric acid. It comes in a
plastic bottle inside a plastic bag.

Be careful. Mixing H2SO4 with water produces a lot of
heat; Being sprayed with a boiling mixture of sulfuric acid
is likely to be unpleasant or disfiguring. If you don't
know how to handle concentrated H2SO4, do some research
first. I learned enough in high school chemistry to avoid
accidents (so far). Some decorative pluming fittings can
be "de-chromed" or stained by it. DAMHIKT

Lye AKA NaOH AKA Caustic Soda and KOH should work fine
on fat. Fat plus a strong base makes soap.At least that's
how I remember my mother and grandmother making soap.
Soap dissolves in water and goes down the drain. Most
drain cleaners are mostly a strong base.

Bob S

On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 08:35:09 -0500, "RogerN" wrote:


As others have suggested, this might have a drum type trap and that may be
where I'm having difficulty getting past. Anyway, I used some rubber
washers and the vent plate to seal off the vent and forced some pressure
into the drain. The drain is working but slow, at least it's useable. I
plan to see what I can do with some chemical (vinegar, bleach, ???) and hot
water. Other than that my only plan is to try to save up $$ to have the
drains pipes replaced with snake friendly traps. Maybe I'll come back with
a question on installing 4" drain pipe in a sink! :-) At least since it's
flowing I can get some chemical down there that's not diluted in gallons of
water.

Any recommended chemical treatments for hair/soap scum clogs?

Thanks!

RogerN

On Oct 12, 10:19*am, Bob Summers
wrote:
I never had any success with basic (in the chemistry
sense) chemicals. *The only chemical that I've gotten to work
is sulfuric acid. *It does a great job on hair.

I get mine at the hardware store. *Home Depot carries it. *The
stuff I use is called tempered sulfuric acid. *It comes in a
plastic bottle inside a plastic bag.

Be careful. *Mixing H2SO4 with water produces a lot of
heat; Being sprayed with a boiling mixture of sulfuric acid
is likely to be unpleasant or disfiguring. *If you don't
know how to handle concentrated H2SO4, do some research
first. *I learned enough in high school chemistry to avoid
accidents (so far). *Some decorative pluming fittings can
be "de-chromed" or stained by it. *DAMHIKT

Lye AKA NaOH AKA Caustic Soda and KOH should work fine
on fat. *Fat plus a strong base makes soap.At least that's
how I remember my mother and grandmother making soap. *
Soap dissolves in water and goes down the drain. * Most
drain cleaners are mostly a strong base.

Bob S

On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 08:35:09 -0500, "RogerN" wrote:

As others have suggested, this might have a drum type trap and that may be
where I'm having difficulty getting past. *Anyway, I used some rubber
washers and the vent plate to seal off the vent and forced some pressure
into the drain. *The drain is working but slow, at least it's useable. *I
plan to see what I can do with some chemical (vinegar, bleach, ???) and hot
water. *Other than that my only plan is to try to save up $$ to have the
drains pipes replaced with snake friendly traps. *Maybe I'll come back with
a question on installing 4" drain pipe in a sink! :-) *At least since it's
flowing I can get some chemical down there that's not diluted in gallons of
water.

Any recommended chemical treatments for hair/soap scum clogs?

Thanks!

RogerN

Don't put the lye in then decide it didn't work and switch to acid.
Bad things will happen.
Karl