Slow Running Drain Question

[Bill2905]

I have a second floor bathroom sink drain that initially drains ok but then starts to back up into the sink after the water runs for 30 seconds or so. When the water is shut off, it slowly drains down. When the water becomes flush with the opening of the drain, the drain will belch an air bubble and then I can hear the drain clearing quickly. I have taken the following steps in an attempt to clear it but with no success.

1. Removed and cleaned out the trap
2. Verified that there is no obstruction above the trap
3. Ran a snake down the drain line 3 or 4 times, probably 20 ft, slowly rotating it while advancing it and then again while retrieving it.

I'm about ready to call a plumber. Any ideas or suggestions before I take the next step?

 

[Timjoebillybob]

I have a second floor bathroom sink drain that initially drains ok but then starts to back up into the sink after the water runs for 30 seconds or so. When the water is shut off, it slowly drains down. When the water becomes flush with the opening of the drain, the drain will belch an air bubble and then I can hear the drain clearing quickly. I have taken the following steps in an attempt to clear it but with no success.

1. Removed and cleaned out the trap
2. Verified that there is no obstruction above the trap
3. Ran a snake down the drain line 3 or 4 times, probably 20 ft, slowly rotating it while advancing it and then again while retrieving it.

I'm about ready to call a plumber. Any ideas or suggestions before I take the next step?

Vent pipe most like sticking out of your roof.

 

[jerrob]

Vent pipe most like sticking out of your roof.

This
Most likely a critter has an obstruction in your vent stack, usually a bird's nest but can be about anything stopping or restricting it from drawing air..........................to the roof!

 

[Timjoebillybob]

This
Most likely a critter has an obstruction in your vent stack, usually a bird's nest but can be about anything stopping or restricting it from drawing air..........................to the roof!

Yeah, this is why I was going to talk to the plumbers about an inside vent when my plumbing was totally replaced. But of course I forgot.

 

[Frosty]

Yeah, this is why I was going to talk to the plumbers about an inside vent when my plumbing was totally replaced. But of course I forgot.

They make guards to cover the vent pipe. My parents house is surrounded by hickory trees, I’ve cleaned that pipe many times

 

[jerrob]

Bill2905, did ya get your plumbing problem figured out?

 

[Bill2905]

Bill2905, did ya get your plumbing problem figured out?

I will need to call a pro. If it is an obstructed vent, I have neither the proper ladder nor the courage to access it from a steep pitched second story roof. Maybe a skilled plumber has other ways to address this. When it comes to this kind of stuff, I miss the old days of living in a single story ranch with an easy pitch to the roof.

 

[dudley0]

If you only have one vent and this is the only problem drain maybe that's not all of the problem.

I have one stack going outside that controls two drains. The rest are vented via generic studor valves. The building inspector suggested using them. Code says one roof penetration, but doesn't care about the rest of the drains. Mine are set up so if I do have a failure I can tie them in to the main vent easily enough with lots of extra pipe.

Never had a problem.

Maybe you can check into how the drain is plumbed and see if adding a mechanical vent is an option?

 

[blain]

For a few bucks, you might try a drain bladder (Lowes or Home Depot). I use them on drains that start to slow.

 

[Bill2905]

I finally had a plumber come out last week. Turns out that my slow running drain was just another typical clogged drain pipe. The plumber said that my hand crank snake probably just poked a hole through it but couldn't clean the line. His machine took care of the problem in short order.