Ok, here it is. I need some advice. I have a clogged kitchen sink. Here's what I did so far. Used 2 bottles of xtra strenght Drano. That was the first thing. Then decided to try to plunge it. Did that for a while, no luck. Googled it, and it basicaly told me what I already knew. Then went to the hardware and bought a snake. I can't seem to get the snake all the way down the pipe. The clog is not in the elbow. It's in the big metal pipe that goes down in the basement. If anyone has any ideas to help me, I would truly appreciate it. I know if I call a plumber, they will charge me an arm and a leg. Thanks guys.
Barb

thats bettter than ur butt

ok can u take ur pipe under th sink lose??/

I already took the elbow one and the other one off. Ok, you know where the drain is??? I took both pipes off that attach to the big metal one that goes into the basement. Can't take anything else off, need a pipe wrench and don't have one. I can do a little fixing up, but, don't have all the required tools.

Can you get your trap off?.

Is there a disposal?

Well you answered that so now can you run your snake in from there?

Yes, I have a disposal. Double sinks too. Where is the trap??????

The U shaped fitting under the sinks

It isn't worth using a plunger as all that does is pushes the air down and back again. You could always try an air compression gun that shoots air down at high velocity. Worked for me and I live in an attic apartment. You should be able to pick one up at any good hardware store.

I took the snake and put it in the big metal pipe. I shoved it down as far as I could. Felt like it jammed a couple of times, but, broke through something. There was all kinds of ugly, black, crap on the snake. I'm telling you, I was using all the strength I have, and was sweating to death, I just gave up fooling with it. I know I shoved that snake down the pipe a good 10-15 feet. It's a 25ft one, so I think that's a good guess. Where does that big pipe go?? I know it's in the basement but, I just can't beleive something is plugged up way, down in it like that.

try flushing it with th water hose,,,,wrap a ragg arounf it to keep th water pressuer going in to th pipe,,,u need some help doing this

Sounds like you have a bad clog. You may call a handyman first . Usually they have some plumbing skills and some equipment. Good luck!!!!!!

First be careful with the water in the sink/pipe. It is full of caustic lye now. I've done the same thing in the past. Have learned you plunge first. I guess second you need to figure if any other drains are cloggedl Is the toilet flushing ok? Other sinks? If they are, then the clog is between the offending drain and the main. If there is any other drain teeing into the drain, it has to be before the tee. If everything is starting to backup, the main is clogged. Anyways, if you can find a plug fitting in the main drain line in the basement (the big pipe going into the floor), try to get the plug out. It will take a big pipe wrench or a square key. More than likely it will be almost welded in place. You'll need a bigger snake than you bought at walmart or the hardware. Takes at least 1/2" snake and POWER. Sometimes the clog is up and usually its down the pipe.
Really your best bet is if you know anybody that has a power snake to run it for you. Or you can rent one at a tool rental. When I bought my house, the old owner clogged the kitchen drain and didn't say anything. Was without the sink for the weekend and had to pay a plumber $135 to snake it out. Next year it did it again, went to Harbor Frieght and bought my own power snake. Now it'll probably never clog again....lol.

Not trying to discourage you, but its not a normal do-it yourself job, if its in the main line. If I lived in Indy, I'd come over and do it for you, but alas... Wayne

I thank you all for your advice. Wayne, thank you for offering to come and fix it. I think I will just have to call the plumber. I do try to fix things myself. Most of the time I can, but, this one really got me. Guess I'm just not strong enough to loosen up the clog. Think we do need one of those power snakes. Oh, by the way, all other sinks, drains and toliets are all working fine. IT's just the kitchen. Again, thank you all

Is the kitchen sink the only one clogged? If yes, then here's what I did:

I went to the hardware store and bought a PVC cap that fit on the end of the dishwasher drain extension (don't have a dishwasher? Buy just the extension $1.99 and cap $1.99), and a really cheap green garden hose. Removed all the elbows, etc. from under the sink. Turned the drain extension around and shoved the unthreaded end into the metal drain pipe and tightened it up using the collar provided. Fastened one end of the garden hose to a hot water supply (I used the laundry room). Cut the other end off of the garden hose and connected it to the small tube on the side of the DW drain extension using a hose clamp. Turned hot water on full blast and waited until it dislodged the clog (you will hear it go). Worked like a charm for less than $10.00. Make sure the water is uber hot.
[WARNING] If hose begins to bulge, ABORT, ABORT! Get a better hose and try again.

The air compression gun will work well for small stationary clogs, but not so well for build-up in the pipes. They run between $16.00 & $45.00.

The only thing that works really well is a power snake (drain auger) attached to a drill.

Under the sink you'll see a Y pipe connector where the two sink drains come together.

Facing out towards you should be a big square end of a cap screwed into the middle of that Y pipe.

Using a BIG adjustable wrench unscrew that cap. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BUCKET UNDER THERE! Water will come gushing out pretty hard. You'll want to have some towels handy...


You can run your snake down that part. Maybe it'll reach and maybe it won't but it'll be a little closer anyway.

Be CAREFUL because all the acid you've poured down there will come out with the water. Clean that up IMMEDIATELY and do NOT let it get on your floor - it'll eat away any sealant on there REAL quick.


Take it from an apartment manager. I've done this dozens of times.

Good Luck!

UPDATE TO THE CLOGGED SINK STORY
Hello everyone who posted in my thread. Couldn't fix the clog so had to give in and call the plumber. He is here now. I have a really old house, over 100 yrs old. So, things are bound to break down.

Had bigger problems than I first thought. He's been here for a couple of hours now. Had a REALLY bad clog down in the "T" connector thing, then a pipe broke, had to replace it. Oh what fun. Just glad he's fixing it. Not costing me as much as I thought either. All is good here. Thanks again for your helpful hints.
Barb