At long last, here's what it's come down to. After a couple inches of drain cleaner sat on top of the salt jam for several days now, some of it must've been absorbed because the level kept going down; but when I took the narrow metal conduit and gave a few mighty shoves this afternoon, barely a dint. About that time it dawned on me that even if I succeeded, I might knock off a big enough chunk to fall all the way down to the trap where it couldn't be reached but it would surely plug the pipe forever.
So tonight I removed as much drain cleaner as I could with the turkey baster. Started back with the boiling water. No luck. Tomorrow I'll carefully stuff some paper towels in to make sure nothing is in the liquid state before I try to move the machine over far enough to reach the pipe, say 2" above the floor, drill a test hole to make sure there's no liquid seepage, and then take my precious electric saw after it. I meant it for cutting wood, so pvc will probably ruin the blade. By then the ice jam ought to be gone on its own. I just hope the salt jam doesn't go down that far. I didn't put in all that much! God forbid the salt jam reached within 2" of the floor, but if it did I'll try the plumbers snake.
Then until I can fit a second section of pipe on to restore the original height, I'll have to drain the machine hose into a big plastic bin and haul THAT bucket by bucket to the bathroom sink. It will be great exercise. I should lose several pounds. Strengthen those 68-yr-old back muscles.
One thing for sure, I'll remember this the next time I get impatient or my head swells more than usual. It's amazing that after I escaped the dread burst pipes and missed all sorts of other disasters - plus the one I'm currently faced with might even be fixable on my own after enough blood/sweat/tears/swearing - I can still find enough energy to feel a little sorry for myself. But at least I'm not blaming anyone else, and I still wouldn't trade places with most people. And I'm warning the general innocent public not to do what I did. Maybe this sad experience has at least provided a shred of entertainment for onlookers. Maybe I'm addicted to any sympathic advice available.
Pass the rest of that bottle, would you, please?
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