I own a motel and in one building with 4 rooms in it, the shower in 2 of the rooms is clogged up and its the 2 rooms back to back. I tried to run snake but if i put snake in one shower, it comes out of another shower. Called the pro to do the job and he tried snaking from the roof pipe opening and all other openings but no use. He even blocked all the openings and tried 80 pounds air pressure. repeated it 4-5 times and drain cleared up a little but again got clogged as soon as we turned the water on in shower. pro says it has to be jack hammered now. any suggestions

Hi John,
Great Name! Joseph asked me to stop by and talk to you, hopefully help you.

It sounds like you have done everything possible for most homeowners and now all that remains is hopefully getting your snake to go through. Quite often that proves to be difficult even for an experienced plumber with an electric powered snake. If you cannot get the snake to go through the compressed air cartridge is an option and you will need to stuff a rag in the overflow to block it and hold it in position while you blast it. However if drain cleaners were already used I would not do it. The chances of getting them slashed in your face and eyes is a concern. Throwing in the towel and calling a plumber is another option. Your chances of success are slim at this point.

You can cut the bent cable out of the cable and bend the end in a “P” shape like in this picture.

Make sure that going down the overflow is a straight shot at the tral and the drain does not go out under the tub drain or out the rear. Apply steady pressure trying to push the cable through the trap while turning the snake. 1/4″ diameter cable works good in this application and it is probably what you have. Do not have too much loose cable out or, it will tangle up and kink again. Sometimes you have to play with the shape of the bend until it goes through easily. If you don’t succede all that is left is calling a pro.

Hope this helps,
Johnny

Hi John,

You either need a stronger more durable snake OR your not pushing hard enough to make it through the p-trap.

Also have you tried cleaning the tube shoe?

Let me know if you need more help.

Joseph

I took my overflow cap off and tried to fish the snake down but it gets stuck about 20 inches down. I tried forcing it further and ended up bending the snake in the process, still with no success.. I’ve tried chemical Drain-o’s and the like and still nothing. It is a really old house (built in the 50’s) so I’m wondering if maybe there is just a different trap type altogether.. Any advice?