How do you unclog an upstairs bathtub drain?

Question

I tried plunging, but it didn't work. there is nothing visible and I've inserted a snake at least six feet into drain with no luck

Answer 1

When you tried the plunger, did you have somebody cover the overflow opening?

Your drainage assembly has two openings, the one that's at the bottom of the tub where you pull the plug & watch your water run out.  And another located about 12 - 16" above the normal drain, there's an overflow opening that probably has a decorative circular "cap" that hides the overflow opening.  This opening is located on the bottom of that cap.  The function of the overflow is exactly what it's name says.  In case you've run the bathwater too high the water will drain through this overflow.

When you first used the plunger on your clog, if the overflow isen't covered (with like your helpers hand)  the plungers suction is going to draw air right through the overflow.  Find where the overflow is (located between the faucet opening & drain), cover it and try the plunger again.

If that doesn't work, hopefully you live in a state where the plumbing code requires an access panel to your bathtubs shower valve & trap.  If you can get at the trap, remove it and empty the contents.  If nothing is in the trap, you've at least given yourself perfect access to run your snake again.  

If that doesn't work, try to find the cleanout opening of the stack that the tub drains into.  Open the cleanout & run the snake through that.  If that still doesn't work, get ready to write a big check and call a plumber.   Good luck.

Answer 2

you will need a power snake and go tru the rooftop vent.

if it's a toilet pull the toilet and try snakeing it.

last ditch effort which most plumbers frown on is muratic acid baught at a pool supply store.

When useing this chemical do not breath it open all windows and leave room for 20 minutes or untill smoke is gone.(and by all means dont get on you)

Safest thing to use is a strong plumbers store baught chemical but not knowing the source of the problem will be hard to determine which one to use.

Calling a plumber is expensive i know but if you cannot powersnake yourself (which you will need to rent one) then best advice is call a plumber.

Answer 3

Try pooring liquid draino into the hole a couple of times

Answer 4

I am faithful to muriatic  acid  but dont breath the stuff in and keep a bucket of water around  so u can dilute it in case it dont flow right away and ventilate the area if your gonna try it.

>>>>>BE CAREFUL USE COMMON SENSE IF YOU CANT VENTILATE THE AREA DONT USE MY ADVISE

Answer 5

pour some baking soda, and vinegar down the drain, then pour some BOILING water down, the chemical reaction should clear it, and not harm the environment or your drains.

Answer 6

Getting a home repair warranty, then a plumber will be free!

Answer 7

Drano works wonders, get the foamer kind it's in a Grey bottle with 2 separate liquids, they mix together when you pour it. I've unclogged mine numerous times with this stuff. works wonders.

Answer 8

a hose pipe to blast the dirt out .

Answer 9

bam its on tv

Answer 10

Have you tried Dran-o?

Answer 11

dran-o is magic :D

Answer 12

Dran-o, or call a plumber