Clogged drain in 1930s bathtub
hana_louise00
6 years ago
Hi there,
I have a very slow drain problem in my tub drain. I bought a hand auger to try and unclog is but even with the drain stopper turned to the off position it won’t go past a certain point.
I tried to remove the handle and fixture on the drain stop but was unable to. I was thinking that it is not allowing enough water to flow even when in the off position.
If you have dealt with older plumbing like this could you tell me if the stopper could be my problem? How would I remove it to be able to adjust it?
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (11)
klem1
6 years agohana_louise00
6 years agoThanks for the reply. I actually have a separate set of handles for the shower. The handle marked drain does stop the water from draining at all when turned to the right. When turned to the left some water drains but very slowly. When I have tried to snake the drain it hits the stopper and won’t go any further. Here are some more pics!
Related Discussions
clogged bathtub drain
Comments (1)wow, okay... I always try to avoid chemical drain openers, because they often don't work and make the problem worse by somewhat "melting" the clog... just enough to really clog things up. Not to mention can damage pipes and fixtures (and tubs). I wouldn't let the plumber off the hook for the damage done to your tub -- and I'd get a different plumber. That said, two things can be very effective: 1. a plunger used to "suck" the clog. Partially fill the tub (or sink) with water. Collapse the plunger to get the air out of it and then seal it over the drain. Pull up on the plunger (hard and sometimes up and down a bit). the idea is that you are pulling water backwards through the drain and this will often open it. Repeat this several times. You may have to cover the overflow with a wet rag to seal it. 2. electric snake - which you've tried. Some older plumbing used a drum trap for the bathtub - it was typically so you could access the trap from the same floor as the tub. These type of traps are impossible to snake and have to be opened to be cleaned....See Moreclogged bath tub drain
Comments (6)This reaffirms once again that plumbers chase cars and lick themselves in public. IMO,the guy is liable for ruining your tub. If you want to hear more on that,say so. A self respecting professional would have used a sump pump to remove the mess created in the standing water. It would be realy presumptuous to say I know how to fix it when I havn't seen the place but anyone calling themself a plumber should after examining the home. To answer your question "is there really a "TRAP" that clogs up?????",yes it's common and usually requires only a plunger to clear. If you decide to remove your neighbor's ceiling you might try this first. Ask at the hardware store for a device that is attached to a garden hose and forced as far as possible into clogged pipe where it swells and pressurizes when water is turned on to hose. Remove the plate from end of tub between drain and facuets to expose the pipe for insertion. There is some risk of pressure disjointing a pipe and wetting downstairs ceiling but you were going to replace it anyhow. There is far better odds the pipe will be cleared without incident and you save yourself lots of ceiling repair. Kousea,before you try this,instead of pushing hose blaster into pipe,stuff a wet cloth into it then plunge the drain opening in bottom of tub....See MoreNew bathtub drain completely clogged
Comments (5)First, I cannot believe the contractor has dismissed your problem so easily. I think the problem lies in the relocated drain. It is not easy to relocate a drain and have it work flawlessly. But it is quite obvious the plumber is less than competent. I would never have snaked through into an acrylic tub. What is better is buying a 1.5" rubber "balloon" from a hardware store and screwing it onto a garden hose then pushing it down into the drain of the tub far enough so that when the water is turned on it will swell and blow out the obstruction. But it has to be past the overflow tube or it will just back up through that. Sometimes when new tubs or shower floors are installed, mortar, grout, sand, gravel, etc accidentally falls into the drain and clogs it up. Blowing it out with water is the easiest way to resolve the problem. I've installed new tubs and showers for years. BUT. I would call the state licensing board and tell them what your contractor said. In many states they will give him a last chance to resolve the problem with you, then fine him or suspend his license if he doesn't. Licensed Contractor...See MoreNew freestanding acrilic tub won't drain.
Comments (0)Tub has been used a max of 5 times. Zero possibility of hair clogging it. What would be the safest way to unclog? the drain pipe is plastic. So far I've tried to vacuum out standing water, the tub is empty but whatever is obstructing the water drainage is still there. Any advice is appreciated....See Moreklem1
6 years agoUser
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoSarah
6 years agoUser
6 years ago
Travis Bohon
5 years agoDid you figure this out? I have the exact same set up in a 1921 house. I just had to do some work and found out they are speakman faucets. My drain is accessible behind the
drawers in my closet. I think mine is missing parts. Someone rigged it with a lamp cord...roarah
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoI have the same set up in my 28 bath tub. It is the drain not a diverter. We had a leak and slow drain issue upon moving in and by changing out our very corroded original plumbing pipes, via a closet access, the drain suddenly now works great. Here is your tub's long lost older sister ;)
drain is bottom middle between the hot and cold for tub spigot and shower temp controls above.
Jennifer Silberschlag
last year
Related Stories
HOUSEKEEPINGIt’s Time to Clean Your Gutters — Here’s How
Follow these steps to care for your gutters so they can continue to protect your house
Full Story
PETSIt’s a Dog’s World in These Hardworking Laundry Rooms
Canine amenities include pet beds, crates, bowls, washing stations, doors and even a designated pet water bowl filler
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNRoom of the Day: Renovation Retains a 1920s Bath’s Vintage Charm
A ceiling leak spurs this family to stop patching and go for the gut
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNHow to Choose the Best Drain for Your Shower
Don't settle for a cheap fix when you can pick a shower drain that suits your style preferences and renovation codes alike
Full Story
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGWhy Is There a Bathtub in the Backyard?
Nope, it's not waiting for bulk trash pickup. These days outdoor tubs are serving soakers, beer drinkers and even the fishes
Full Story
HOUSEKEEPING4 Secrets to a Shiny-Clean Bathtub
Learn how to get your bathtub sparkling clean and keep it that way
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNShould You Get a Freestanding or Built-In Bathtub?
If you know you’re a bath person but aren’t sure which type of tub to get, these questions can help you decide
Full Story
PHOTO FLIP71 Dream Bathtub Views
Soak in the sights with this collection of tantalizing tubs and inspiring vistas
Full Story
BATHTUBSWould You Take a Soak in an Outdoor Bathtub?
An outdoor shower is refreshing, but an outdoor tub can be bliss. Would you strip down for a soak alfresco?
Full Story
FUN HOUZZIn Honor of Inky’s Daring Escape: Octopuses Around the House
The slippery New Zealand sea creature has the internet abuzz, but an octopus as a conversation starter is nothing new to designers
Full Story
hana_louise00Original Author