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Got pic related and located a blockage about 3,5 meters (11 ft) into the 100 mm (4") diameter drainage pipe. https://pic8.co/sh/82x3Ke.jpeg Tried concentrated lye but didn't help much, it only dissolves organic matter really well. For scale I could use hydrochloric acid but I'd have to use a boatload, I reckon.

Years ago i helped replacing part of the pipe which was blocked in several places with what I guess was urine scale. Pipework is plastic and about 30 years old. The pipe of concern is behind tiles and I'd rather not knock these off, if I don't absolutely have to.

Borrowed a manual drain snake from a neighbor but it's meant for small diameter pipe and a little too wimpy for the job. Looking at something like this now: https://pic8.co/sh/kScVqO.jpeg https://pic8.co/sh/DeUQ3D.jpeg

Does anyone have experience with these and can recommend one that doesn't leave me with a stuck snake in the pipework? Other suggestions?

Got pic related and located a blockage about 3,5 meters (11 ft) into the 100 mm (4") diameter drainage pipe. https://pic8.co/sh/82x3Ke.jpeg Tried concentrated lye but didn't help much, it only dissolves organic matter really well. For scale I could use hydrochloric acid but I'd have to use a boatload, I reckon. Years ago i helped replacing part of the pipe which was blocked in several places with what I guess was urine scale. Pipework is plastic and about 30 years old. The pipe of concern is behind tiles and I'd rather not knock these off, if I don't absolutely have to. Borrowed a manual drain snake from a neighbor but it's meant for small diameter pipe and a little too wimpy for the job. Looking at something like this now: https://pic8.co/sh/kScVqO.jpeg https://pic8.co/sh/DeUQ3D.jpeg Does anyone have experience with these and can recommend one that doesn't leave me with a stuck snake in the pipework? Other suggestions?

(post is archived)

[–] • 2 pts (edited )

Have you tried renting a drain cleaner machine? Home Depot has them, as do other tool rental outfits. I should replace a section of my drain line, but $60 bucks and 90 minutes of time solves the problem now.

You have one in the last picture. It's easy enough even if you are not strong. The machine is heavy, is all.

[–] • 0 pt

Was looking into buying one (See pics in OP). Renting would be cool too. Any kind/type you'd recommend for this kind of job?

[–] • 2 pts

I rent what home Depot has, don't know the brand. As long as the line is 4" it's good. It's not for small lines.

The manual snake you used was just to small. Use the drill type for smaller in wall piping. Use the big machine for main drains.

They have several bits: - do the guitar pick one first to get water moving. - come back with the more aggressive one next for roots - rental will have a spring bit for baby wipes or some such in the pipe.

Hose the chunks off at home. Clean it with soap at the car wash before you return it. Full deposit will be returned for a clean machine.

[–] • 1 pt

Sounds like you're going to have to tear things up. Should you go that route, do yourself a huge favor- put the camera down the pipe at the far end of the cut to see a bit farther down the line. There could be another blockage or choke point and you want to make sure there isn't. Mineral deposits in a pipe means, goodbye pipe. Sounds like it's PVC, that stuff is very easy to work with. Measure twice, cut once, clean burrs off, use the stuff to clean, and glue back together. The bigger part of the job will be going through walls, God forbid, concrete. YouTube will familiarize you with working with the pipe, if you're inexperienced. Watch em and wall repair, unfortunately. Best of luck!

[–] • 1 pt

Not what I wanted to hear but if all else fails I'll have to go that route. And you're right, it's probably PVC, might be PP. How fitting :)

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

Somebody is gonna accuse you of fecal fixation

[–] • 2 pts

Believe me, after what I saw with that camera, I'd be rid of that right quick. Sheeeiiit!

[–] • 1 pt

eat less, shit less

[–] • 0 pt

Where does your pipe drain to? A sewer, or a septic system? If it's a septic, then you might have access to the pipe downstream of the blockage. Apply vacuum, if you can get it down to a few inches of mercury then you'd have about 150 pounds of air pressure pushing on the blockage from the upstream side.

Then again, drain pipe isn't rated for vacuum and you might just collapse the pipe on itself.

[–] • 0 pt

Sewer and it's not completely blocked, only about two thirds of the diameter. Thanks for taking the time.