Siouxie

Today I went down to do my laundry and went to rinse the sink that the washing machine drains into - and the water didn't go down.

I have put hot water in the sink and plunged it multiple times, all that happens is that I get pockets of air coming up (rolling boil). The sink in the bathroom - directly above and connected to the same drain - works fine, as does the sink in the kitchen, so I don't think it's a vent problem.

I have tried to undo the u-bend under the sink but it's been glued fast (pvc) and I am worried that I will break it if I try to use any force (plus I don't have the right tools). No male or strong woman available so it's all down to me.

My toilet has also been acting up for a week but after a quick plunge flows ok for 24 hours.

I don't have any money to get a plumber and I have a washing machine full of water and clothes and am at a loss what to do next.

Ideas anyone, please? Any quick fixes?

Help!

dbd33

Drain cleaner, about $20.

Snake, about $20.

Spanner to undo joint, $40+.

I'd buy the spanner and pull the trap apart.

Piff Poff

I've got the same problem, but it's going down the drain and back up into the floor drain and puddling all over the floor, we've got the septic people coming out this afternoon, they just called to find out how far on the grass the septic is as they don't want to get bogged down in the mud due to all the rain we are having - it chose this weekend to rain didn't it

Souvy

Odd that a trap would be glued. Have you considered the possibility that you might be trying to unscrew it the wrong way? That is not as silly as it sounds.

Animal

Does the washer drain directly into the sink or it it plumbed straight into the PVC pipework ?

If it is hard plumbed in then you could disconnect the drain pipe from the PVC and have it drain into the sink (which is blocked so you'll end up with a sink full of water). At least you can get the washer empty and your clothes out.

It is unusual to have the PVC pipes glued though as they are normally a screw with a rubber washer.

Siouxie

Thanks for the replies..

I definitely would but unfortunately I don't even have that much money right now, sigh, plus the trap is glued so that would mean buying the parts to replace it.

I did try it both ways (oooh er missus) before I saw the dried glue - I think whoever put it in was an idiot!

The other problem is my hands are not particularly strong these days.

Any home remedies anyone can think of that don't include me having to spend any money at all or use brute force?

Animal

I don't vouch for any of these (but can see how they may help) as got them online but may be worth a try.

Pour one half cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar down the drain. Wait one hour and then chase it with a kettle of boiling water.

You can also try putting three Alka Seltzer tablets down your clogged drain, followed buy a cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes and then run hot water.

If the sink is clogged with grease, pour a cup of salt water and a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by a kettle of boiling water. The grease will usually dissolve immediately and open the drain.

Animal

Have you got anything like one of those wires used for net curtains hanging around ?

A wire coat hanger isn't really felixible enough

Jingsamichty

When you fill the sink with hot water, can you feel from temperature of the uPVC pipe where the blockage is?

Got any caustic soda at home?

Animal

Good idea - forgot that one

I thought of that but not the sort of thing many people have lying around (though I think I've got some at home) - sh1tty stuff to work with if not careful

Simon Legree

Just remember the Irma Bombeck quote " The grass is always greener over the septic tank". That will tell them where it is !

Siouxie

Thanks, I will give them a try

Unfortunately not, sigh.

The pipe is warmish right to the point where it reaches the main drainline.

No, not something I have in, sigh.

Thank you so much for the suggestions.

Now just to add to it, the two taps have started leaking at the heads.

Never rains but it pours!

I will try those suggestions and if all else fails will have to go and get some liquid plumbers mate stuff.

Thanks again!

Almost Canadian

It's usually greener over the septic field, not the septic tank. The tank simply holds

Simon Legree

It's in Drano which you can buy in your local supermarket in the cleaning section. Word of warning. NEVER PUT WATER ON THE DRANO CRYSTALS OR IT WILL EXPLODE ! Read the directions carefully.
Another option is Liquid Plumber.

Siouxie

It will have to be one of the liquid plumber concoctions that can be used in standing water I think, I have half a sink full of water and whilst I could scoop some of it out I don't think I could get it all.

Thank you