New bathtub drain completely clogged

19 years ago

Our contractor's plumber just finished connecting the drain to our new tub. This was done after the tub was grouted and tiled in place. The water was also connected and when tested, the tub did not drain at all. This is not just a slow drain..there is NO drainage at all. Our contractor indicated that this must be a pre-existing problem. It is not. Our original tub drained perfectly. We only changed it because we wanted a smaller size instead of the corner tub that was actually too large for the space. Now why he didn't test the drainage before tiling/grouting the tub in place is beyond my comprehension. The new drain was moved about 3 feet to accomondate the new tub. They have tried snaking with no results. I wasn't home when they snaked the drain but it is obvious (from the new scratches)that they went through the clean-out. Also, due to the snaking and plunging, there is now a 1/4" crach in the acrylic next to the drain and several more scratches. While cleaning up and bailing out the tub after the plumbers left, I found several small particles of black plastic in the plunged water. Could this clog be caused by construction debris, or maybe a clogged/capped vent? Is this a situation where we should seriously think about suing the contractor since he has given up and told us we need to take (and pay for) more drastic measures? I hope someone out there can give us some advice as to what our next step should be.

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Comments (5)

dchall_san_antonio
19 years ago
Do I understand that they snaked through a clean-out rather than snaking through the drain itself?
jason1083
19 years ago
the OP is saying they went through the clean out on the tub.
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bus_driver
19 years ago
I assume that they really mean the overflow on the tub. That is the proper place for snaking a tub drain. Don't pay the contractor until all is right.
dan07
19 years ago
First, I cannot believe the contractor has dismissed your problem so easily. I think the problem lies in the relocated drain. It is not easy to relocate a drain and have it work flawlessly. But it is quite obvious the plumber is less than competent. I would never have snaked through into an acrylic tub. What is better is buying a 1.5" rubber "balloon" from a hardware store and screwing it onto a garden hose then pushing it down into the drain of the tub far enough so that when the water is turned on it will swell and blow out the obstruction. But it has to be past the overflow tube or it will just back up through that. Sometimes when new tubs or shower floors are installed, mortar, grout, sand, gravel, etc accidentally falls into the drain and clogs it up. Blowing it out with water is the easiest way to resolve the problem. I've installed new tubs and showers for years.
BUT. I would call the state licensing board and tell them what your contractor said. In many states they will give him a last chance to resolve the problem with you, then fine him or suspend his license if he doesn't.

Licensed Contractor
asolo
19 years ago
This is so stupid. Your contractor is totally on the hook for it. Amazing to me that they would even attempt to buck you on it. Take no prisoners. Save every receipt....and document your own time.