Clear the Blockage — Call a Professional Plumber
Part of project
How to Troubleshoot a Toilet That Gurgles When a Shower is Draining · Step 6 of 6
In this video
With the snake inserted, the plumber activates the tool, causing the cable to rotate and advance into the pipe. He pushes and pulls the cable back and forth to work it through the drain line. You may feel resistance when you hit the clog. Continue working the snake until the standing water begins to drain, indicating the blockage has been broken up. Once the main clog is cleared, continue to run the snake further down the line to ensure the pipe is fully cleared.
Goal: Break up and clear the drain clog
Used in this video
- Power Drain Snake (brand: Milwaukee, Tool Type: Drain snake, Power Source: Cordless, Head Type: Bulb auger) — To mechanically clear the clog from the drain pipe
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FAQs
How long does this project typically take for a beginner, and what's the hardest part?
The initial steps like plunging and snaking the shower drain might take an hour or two. However, the most challenging and time-consuming part is often inspecting and clearing the plumbing vent stack on the roof, which could take half a day including setup, safety precautions, and cleanup. Patience and a systematic approach are key for a beginner.
What are the most important safety precautions I should take, especially when working on the roof or with drains?
Always wear safety glasses and heavy-duty gloves to protect yourself from drain debris and potential splashing. When accessing the plumbing vent on the roof, ensure you use a stable ladder and, if possible, have someone spot you for safety. Avoid using harsh drain chemicals, as they can be dangerous and may react adversely if you later need to snake the drain.
What's a common mistake people make when trying to fix a gurgling toilet, and how can I avoid it?
A common mistake is only focusing on clearing the toilet or shower drain and overlooking the plumbing vent stack. Even if a shower drains slowly, a gurgling toilet often indicates a negative air pressure problem caused by a blocked vent. Ensure you systematically check and clear the vent stack if initial drain clearing doesn't resolve the gurgling issue.
Do I really need all the listed tools, especially the drain auger and pipe wrench, or can I get by with just a plunger?
While a plunger is your first step, a drain auger (plumbing snake) is often essential for effectively clearing deeper clogs in the shower drain. A pipe wrench is important if you need to open the main sewer line cleanout to inspect for blockages. You'll also definitely need a sturdy ladder, flashlight, and garden hose for inspecting and clearing the vent stack on the roof.
Clear the Blockage — Call a Professional Plumber
Part of project
How to Troubleshoot a Toilet That Gurgles When a Shower is Draining · Step 6 of 6
In this video
With the snake inserted, the plumber activates the tool, causing the cable to rotate and advance into the pipe. He pushes and pulls the cable back and forth to work it through the drain line. You may feel resistance when you hit the clog. Continue working the snake until the standing water begins to drain, indicating the blockage has been broken up. Once the main clog is cleared, continue to run the snake further down the line to ensure the pipe is fully cleared.
Goal: Break up and clear the drain clog
Used in this video
- Power Drain Snake (brand: Milwaukee, Tool Type: Drain snake, Power Source: Cordless, Head Type: Bulb auger) — To mechanically clear the clog from the drain pipe
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this project typically take for a beginner, and what's the hardest part?
The initial steps like plunging and snaking the shower drain might take an hour or two. However, the most challenging and time-consuming part is often inspecting and clearing the plumbing vent stack on the roof, which could take half a day including setup, safety precautions, and cleanup. Patience and a systematic approach are key for a beginner.
What are the most important safety precautions I should take, especially when working on the roof or with drains?
Always wear safety glasses and heavy-duty gloves to protect yourself from drain debris and potential splashing. When accessing the plumbing vent on the roof, ensure you use a stable ladder and, if possible, have someone spot you for safety. Avoid using harsh drain chemicals, as they can be dangerous and may react adversely if you later need to snake the drain.
What's a common mistake people make when trying to fix a gurgling toilet, and how can I avoid it?
A common mistake is only focusing on clearing the toilet or shower drain and overlooking the plumbing vent stack. Even if a shower drains slowly, a gurgling toilet often indicates a negative air pressure problem caused by a blocked vent. Ensure you systematically check and clear the vent stack if initial drain clearing doesn't resolve the gurgling issue.
Do I really need all the listed tools, especially the drain auger and pipe wrench, or can I get by with just a plunger?
While a plunger is your first step, a drain auger (plumbing snake) is often essential for effectively clearing deeper clogs in the shower drain. A pipe wrench is important if you need to open the main sewer line cleanout to inspect for blockages. You'll also definitely need a sturdy ladder, flashlight, and garden hose for inspecting and clearing the vent stack on the roof.