My kitchen sink has been draining very slowly for a few weeks. I've been getting by when there's a clog by putting baking soda and vinegar then flushing with boiling water. Anyway, the clog is getting worse. I've tried chemical products "guaranteed" to fix my clog, plunging, and today I bought a 15ft snake auger and thought I got past the clog, but when I ran the water, I discovered it was not fixed. I really don't want to spend the money on a plumber, but am wondering... am I going to have any luck if I rent the 50ft snake from the hardware store. Please help! Thanks!



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you will certainly have 'better' luck with a 50 foot snake than with a 15 footer.
you need to trickle some water as the snake is spinning. just loosening the clog does no good. you need to loosen it and wash it away into the big pipe.
usually a second run thru with the snake is beneficial and a third can do more good than harm..

Is there damage that can be done with the snake?

Ok, first of all I want to be clear that I don't doubt either your tenacity, or ability to learn. That being said, hiring a professional drain cleaner will probably be a much cheaper route to take in the long run. If this were a tub drain, or a floor drain, I would try to take you step by step, but lavatory drains past the p-trap and most kitchen sink drains aren't generally stopped up with a simple wad of debris that a snake will grab and let you remove; they generally are full of soap and grease buildup that is similar to a mixture of lard, coffee grounds, and axle grease; it is a huge mess, it stinks, and it isn't easy to get the clog out. The method is simple, but the technique is time consuming and isn't generally easy for the average person to do; if you want to try, let me know. A professional can clean the drain and guarantee their work, and do it for a fair price generally, but it is more than what the rental on a machine is. This is similar to what is generally inside

I think I'm gonna call a plumber. I woke up this morning and water is now pooling in my dishwasher. I appreciate your all your help.

HAVING a snake, and knowing how to use it properly are two completely different things, so we cannot tell you if adding to the "useless" expense you have paid, and will pay, (instead of having used it for a plumber), will solve your problem.

You have done your best, without success. I truly hope you saved your receipts for the drain cleaners that did not work. Time for licensed and professional intervention. In the end you will have functional drains... and peace of mind.

Best Wishes