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June 4, 2008
Bklyn Plumber to Snake a Drain?
Hi!
I have a clogged train in my bathtub.
I have tried Drano and some industrial strength stuff the hardware store recommended but it only remedies the problem for a day or two. Is the next step to call a plumber to get the drain snaked? (Sorry, I know this might sound like an elementary question) If so, how big is the process and do you have anyone that is affordable and quick to recommend?
THANKS!
Comments
Python Drain Cleaning is by far the best I know of.
(718)605-0930
http://www.pythondraincleaning.com/services.html
Posted by: Master Plvmber at June 4, 2008 11:28 AM
Thanks!
Do you know what a reasonable price is?
Posted by: Ann123 at June 4, 2008 11:43 AM
I have had some success using a normal toilet plunger and using hydralic pressure to unblock the drain...worth a try before calling in a professional IMO..
Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 12:26 PM
I'd call the MTA to get the train out of my bathroom.
Sorry... I had to!
Have a great day
Posted by: howrealnyc at June 4, 2008 12:43 PM
I 2nd Master Plvmber's Python rec. I used them recently to snake a clogged main sewer line and they were super quick, super professional and very reasonable. After hours call out was $369.
Posted by: fauxvic at June 4, 2008 1:52 PM
$369 oh my God, are you kidding me? I guess you own the place as you're paying for the plumber. First, I woulnd't use draino, especially if you live in an old Brownstone as it can destroy your plumbing. Second, find yourself a handyman who will do this for $60 or less. It takes about 10 minutes tops. Or, go buy yourself a snake from Lowe's it's not that hard to do yourself and it will probably happen again in the future.
Posted by: Brooklynnative at June 4, 2008 2:42 PM
I used RotoRooter http://www.rotorooter.com/ to snake out my tub drain.
Cost me around $370 also. It's ridiculous but I had to get it done because the slow draining tub was getting on my nerves. Took them 10 mins to run their power tool and swipe my card.
I'm in the wrong business.
Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 3:22 PM
IF YOU ARE AT ALL HANDY -small hand-held electric snake by general or milwaukee pays for itself after one use - this should handle sinks, lavs, tubs and toilets (as long as blockage is in toilet). This works about 90% of the time.
not much different than using a drill or a kitchen top cake mixer although not as pleasant
Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 3:42 PM
It really all depends on what kind of clog you have. Some years ago, I had a clogged sink drain and asked a friend of mine, a plumber's assistant to come and clear it for me. After his chemical treatment and manual snaking proved unsuccesful, my drain was even more clogged; he gave up and advised me to call in a plumber. The plumber showed up with an electric hydraulic snake -- which failed as well. He called for his boss. The boss arrives and determines that its time to completely remove the drain pipe and replace it. Explanation offered to me was that, after 100 years of grease and debris going down the drain and compacting, the pipe could not be saved. (Yes, I was shown the compacted pipe). Charge to me for repair? $1500! And that didn't even include the cost of tile repair! I suspect I may have been taken for a ride. But, ever since then, I have taken great care not to pour cooking grease down my drains and I will never simply dismiss a clogged drain problem -- especially in this old house.
Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 4:26 PM
Call Rich at 347-760-8623, he's efficient and inexpensive.
Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 4:26 PM
I've used these guys multiple times and they are great: http://www.a4995.com/ I was skeptical at first thinking they would try to tack on a bunch of fees, etc. but any upselling was minimal. They will come and put a snake down your drain for $50. After tax and a fuel surcharge (kind of BS but whatever) it comes to $60. There's a 10% off coupon on their website.
from what I understand it is the same price 24 hrs a day, no after hours charges but you can ask when you call.
Also, don't try a plunger if you have standing water and you've used drano, it can splash up and seriously hurt you.
Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 4:52 PM
before hiring a plumber, go out and buy a $15 manual snake and try it yourself. It's easy and kinda fun and the snake is good to have around.
Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 8:40 PM
I second trying the manual snake. A $25 one from the hardware store works on tubs, sinks, etc.
In a different direction - what type of drain "plug" do you have? We had one bathtub that we could not unblock with snakes, drano, etc, and it turned out that it was the plug. It was one of those ones with the up/down lever about 12 inches above the drain. When I pulled it out, the tub drained fine. Turned out that the mechanism had lowered over time - adjusting it back up (which just involved twisting it a few times) fixed the problem.
We used Python for snaking out a blocked sewer main across the basement to the street. It involved working in a (nasty) flooded area and I was very happy with their service. The price was around the ones quoted above.
Posted by: Heatherie at June 5, 2008 9:13 AM
UPDATE:
Just had Roto Rooter come in for a free estimate. They said $375 to snake it, I told them that I had another quote of $185 + tax to do it...so the guy said that he would do it for $190 on the spot. I had him do it.
Thanks for all the information!
Posted by: Ann123 at June 5, 2008 12:38 PM
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