DaringDamsel
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- Jun 27, 2009
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The drain in question is a vertical galvanized pipe, which drains into a horizontal galvanized pipe, and then into a cast iron stack. (Or so I believe. The drains are dull gray in color. The stack is black.)
I have worked for many hours with a snake to clear the drain for my bathroom sink. This drain was not used for a LONG time. Now, I am replacing the sink. (Thanks to this board, I was FINALLY able to figure out what I needed to do to hook up the drain properly.)
I have made progress with the snake. I think mostly the snake helped me to crumble the blockage. Most of the debris was removed by siphoning it out, using an old piece of hose. I know it is metal, because I tested it with a magnet. I have a new appreciation of those jailbreak movies, where a fellow digs himself out of jail with a teaspoon.
When I finally took a break, and read about galvanized pipe in a plumbing book, I read that it needs to be replaced after 50 years. My house was built in 1942, assuming that the plumbing was in place when the house was built, that means it is 65+ years old.
Anyway, should I just give up at this point, and replace the drain? How much longer might my pipes last? I am guessing that the pipes have outlived their expected lifetime, due to my water supply. Much of it is from snow melt and is extremely soft.
I think I am within six inches of the T to the larger drain. I know the horizontal drain is clear, because the sink is between the bathtub and toilet, and these fixtures drain okay.Now, I am having difficulty, because my short piece of hose just isn't as effective any more. It is not long enough to reach the floor, and so my maximum head is only six inches. I do not have another hose that will work. It is an old washing machine supply hose with one female connector. The other connector was cut off to fit it into the drain.
Anyway, should I just give up at this point, and replace the drain? Or do as my friend says, and call for a "roto-rooter?" How much longer might my pipes last? I am guessing that the pipes have outlived their expected lifetime due to my water supply. Much of it is from snow melt and is extremely soft.
( I know that I have invested WAY too much effort in removing this blockage. That is because my friend wanted me to call a professional to clear the pipe. So I thought that I had something to "prove." )
Meanwhile, I will look through my odds and ends of garden hose bits. Perhaps I will find one with a male connector and I can lengthen my siphon hose.
DD
I have worked for many hours with a snake to clear the drain for my bathroom sink. This drain was not used for a LONG time. Now, I am replacing the sink. (Thanks to this board, I was FINALLY able to figure out what I needed to do to hook up the drain properly.)
I have made progress with the snake. I think mostly the snake helped me to crumble the blockage. Most of the debris was removed by siphoning it out, using an old piece of hose. I know it is metal, because I tested it with a magnet. I have a new appreciation of those jailbreak movies, where a fellow digs himself out of jail with a teaspoon.
When I finally took a break, and read about galvanized pipe in a plumbing book, I read that it needs to be replaced after 50 years. My house was built in 1942, assuming that the plumbing was in place when the house was built, that means it is 65+ years old.
Anyway, should I just give up at this point, and replace the drain? How much longer might my pipes last? I am guessing that the pipes have outlived their expected lifetime, due to my water supply. Much of it is from snow melt and is extremely soft.
I think I am within six inches of the T to the larger drain. I know the horizontal drain is clear, because the sink is between the bathtub and toilet, and these fixtures drain okay.Now, I am having difficulty, because my short piece of hose just isn't as effective any more. It is not long enough to reach the floor, and so my maximum head is only six inches. I do not have another hose that will work. It is an old washing machine supply hose with one female connector. The other connector was cut off to fit it into the drain.
Anyway, should I just give up at this point, and replace the drain? Or do as my friend says, and call for a "roto-rooter?" How much longer might my pipes last? I am guessing that the pipes have outlived their expected lifetime due to my water supply. Much of it is from snow melt and is extremely soft.
( I know that I have invested WAY too much effort in removing this blockage. That is because my friend wanted me to call a professional to clear the pipe. So I thought that I had something to "prove." )
Meanwhile, I will look through my odds and ends of garden hose bits. Perhaps I will find one with a male connector and I can lengthen my siphon hose.
DD