Maybe it happened when you decided to jump in the shower one night after a long day. Just as his stress was ebbing, he realized he was standing in ankle-deep water and still rising, and suddenly what was supposed to be a relaxing way to relax became a new stressor in his life, he wondered why why the water could be running back into the tub.
With kitchens and bathrooms being high-traffic areas in most homes, most people trust their plumbing systems to work properly day after day. When a part of the bathroom suddenly breaks down, it is a major disruption to the daily routine.
It's a relief when there's a simple solution to the problem, but unfortunately that's not usually the case when there's standing water in a bathtub. The most likely culprit for this particular plumbing problem is a clog in the main sewer line. Rather than being a nuisance, a sewer clog is a major problem that could actually be a health problem for everyone in your home that the average homeowner cannot diagnose or fix through DIY methods.
Sewer blockages are actually considered plumbing emergencies that need immediate attention, as they often result in raw sewage or even raw sewage backflowing into household pipes. In this case, no one should use the pipes in the house until the problem is resolved, as sewage and raw sewage pose a health risk to you and your loved ones.
If a clog in the main drain line is causing back-up to the tub or other related plumbing issues, or you just suspect it might be the cause, the best thing to do is call a reputable plumber to evaluate the issue as soon as possible. soon as possible. as possible. Plumbers can perform a video inspection of your pipes and sewers to identify the location and type of clog, then recommend the best and safest solution.
What are some other installation scenarios you might have as a homeowner, and what should you do when in such a situation? Read on to learn more about what to do when your toilet and drain are clogged, how to deal with water getting into your tub from your bathroom sink, if water getting into your tub from your kitchen sink is a big problem and what is likely to happen when both the shower and the toilet are clogged at the same time.
How to unclog a toilet and bathtub drain
If your toilet is clogged or drains slowly after you shower, it's usually not a plumbing emergency. However, if more than one plumbing problem occurs at the same time, the likely cause is a clog in the main sewer line. What are some examples of when this could happen?
Some warning signs that could indicate a clogged sewer line are:
- Water buildup in the shower or bath after flushing the toilet.
- Your toilet water bubbles or rises after you open the bathroom sink.
- When you turn on your washing machine, water runs into your shower or bath, or your toilet overflows.
- You notice the distinctive, unpleasant odor of raw sewage coming out of the drains.
As we mentioned earlier, if you suspect you have a problem with your main sewer line, you should immediately call a licensed plumber to have it checked out. Better yet, try to find a company that uses video technology to solve drain problems, as these types of serious plumbing problems require specialized tools and experience to solve successfully. It is better to hire a professional than risk doing one of manycommon installation mistakesThis can lead to pipe damage and additional time and expense.
Unfortunately, clogged sewers can cause significant damage to your home's walls, furniture, electrical systems, floors, and property. What could be causing these types of plumbing problems? Although there is onenumber of reasonsHere are the most common:
- aging systemsthey are to blame for at least part of the 3% annual increase in sewer remediation. Increasing development is putting more pressure on the more than 500,000 miles of sewer lines that exist in the US that are over 30 years old.
- multipurpose tubesThey can be overwhelmed by excess stormwater and raw sewage during storms, causing sewage to collect in drains and crawl spaces.
- tree and shrub rootsthey can break down drains and pipe joints as they grow and seek moisture in the soil.
- Residential urban sanitary blocksIt can happen when your city's main pipeline is secured. In most cases, these problems do not appear overnight, and there are usually warning signs of a problem, so these cases are rare.
When the water returns to the bathtub from the bathroom sink
Again, if you're using the sink and then see cloudy water from the sink flowing into the tub, that's a sign that something might be blocking the main drain line.
To understand the extent of a sewer line clog, it helps to understand how drains connect to the main sewer. Each drain in your house is connected to a central sewer pipe that runs from your house and connects underground to your city's sewer system (or to your septic tank, if you have one). This means that all the drains in your home, including kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers and bathtubs, and utility room drains, are connected.
If only one toilet or sink in your home is clogged, it could be a more localized problem, suggesting an easier fix. But if you have clogs in multiple areas at once—for example, not only your sink is affected, but your bathtub as well, or your toilet backs up with each flush—that's a sign the clog might be in your main pipe. sewer. This line runs underground and if it is blocked the repair can be very extensive and expensive.
Kitchen Sink Water Backs Up In Tub - Do It Yourself Or Call A Professional?
It can be quite alarming to discover water from the kitchen sink to the bathtub. This is another clear indication of a main sewer clog and it is best to call a plumber right away to inspect your pipes and drains to find the cause of the clog and determine next steps.
As we mentioned earlier, sewer lines sometimes clog due to tree roots growing in the pipes, or the pipes being old, cracked, or collapsed, conditions that are sometimes the responsibility of the property owner and other times the province of the state government. the city. More specifically, homeowners are generally responsible for any part of the sewer connection that runs from a home to the public right-of-way. Homeowners may choose additional insurance coverage to protect themselves against the costs associated with sewer rehabilitation.
There are certain steps homeowners can take to make drains less likely to clog:
- Do not flush anything down the toilet other than toilet paper.– no facial tissues, feminine products, wet wipes (even those that claim to be disposable), cotton balls or swabs, or anything else. thejustWhat can be safely washed down with human waste is toilet paper (and try not to use or flush too much at one time!).
- Don't pour grease or anything too greasy down the kitchen sink drain.Grease and grease will harden as they cool and clog over time.
- Don't throw too much in your trash can at one time.Only put in small amounts at a time, or better yet, use your compost bin or trash can to dispose of food waste.
- Don't throw away anything that becomes gummy when ground.such as rice, pasta or potato skin; too hard, like bones or fruit pits; or too stringy, like celery or rhubarb.
Toilet and shower blocked at the same time - what's going on?
A clogged toilet and shower at the same time can also be linked to a clogged main sewer line. Homeowners who want to take care of their pipes and drains can avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners that can damage their pipes, not flush anything inappropriate down the garbage disposal or toilet, and use enzymatic cleaners once a month to keep them clean. the drains. When used correctly, enzymatic cleaners can help remove sludge and grime from pipes. These products are less toxic than chemical drain cleaners, less damaging to your pipes, and more environmentally friendly.
ABC can solve your plumbing problems
Most homeowners can handle the occasional clogged toilet, slow-draining bathtub, or a handful of others.general plumbing problemsonly. But sometimes more extensive installation issues arise that really require the attention and expertise of a trusted professional. If you suspect a clog in your home's main sewer line or notice water pooling in multiple household drains, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services today. Our licensed professional plumbers can solve any plumbing problem, big or small. We save you time and make sure repairs are done safely and correctly.
FAQs
What causes standing water in tub? ›
Besides slow draining water, standing water is a primary telltale sign of a drain clog. The clog creates a tight blockage inside the pipe where no water passes. Unlike slow-to-drain water, standing water stays inside the bathtub or shower and doesn't move. Standing water is often unclean.
Why is my bathtub not draining but not clogged? ›Common reasons why a bathtub won't drain include soap scum, hair, bath bombs, cosmetic products, and damaged pipes. You can fix such plumbing problems using boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, a plunger, or a plumbing snake.
How do you fix standing water in a bathtub? ›- Remove any visible blockages from your drain – The first thing you should do to unclog your drain is remove all visible blockage. ...
- Plunge your bathtub – If removing the visible blockage didn't do the trick, then the next step is to plunge your bathtub drain.
When your tub won't hold water, it's almost always the bathtub drain stopper that's to blame. In most cases, the problem is that the drain stopper has become disconnected from the plug or spring that connects it with the linkage, which connects the drain stopper to the trip lever.
How do you get rid of sewer backup in bathtub? ›Call a Professional
A professional will use a drain snake or conduct hydro jetting to unblock the sewer line and get things back in working condition. If the obstacle blocking your drain line has caused any damage, you may also need your pipes repaired or even replaced.
- Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
- Next, pour a cup of baking soda and 1 cup water/1 cup vinegar solution.
- Cover with the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour boiling water down the drain again.
- Gurgling toilets and drains.
- Strong sewage smells.
- Sluggish drains.
As a rule, never pour Drano into an area with standing water. In the drain system, certain kinds of bacteria can be beneficial—good bacteria will gradually break down organic material. If you pour chemicals that kill bacteria down the drain, you're ultimately hurting your drains.
How do you get a bathtub drain up? ›- Set the drain to its open position.
- Lift up on the drain stopper's knob and turn it counterclockwise.
- After enough turns, the drain stopper should be unscrewed and come free from the drain opening.
An auger — also known as a plumbing snake — or flat sewer rod can clear blockages deep in drain lines. Chemical drain cleaners contain a high concentration of lye, bleach or sulfuric acid to soften and break up clogs.
Is it OK to plunge a bathtub? ›
You can easily unclog your bathtub drain with a standard cup-style plunger, but you have to seal the overflow drain first. Tubs essentially have two drains: There's the familiar one at the bottom of the tub that you close to fill up the tub with water.
Why is my drain not draining water? ›Most bathroom drain clogs result when dirt, skin flakes, and especially hair binds to soap scum on the walls of drain pipes. Over time, this gunk accumulates and reduces water flow. Troubleshooting: Remove and clean the drain stopper.
How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged? ›- Multiple Fixtures Are Draining Slowly. ...
- Gurgling Sounds in Different Drains. ...
- Plunging Becomes a Common Chore. ...
- Water Backs Up the Sewer Line Cleanout. ...
- Your Drains Are Starting to Smell. ...
- Your Yard Is a Mess.
Drano is not only ineffective, but it's also extremely damaging to your plumbing system. The heat created by the chemical reaction is more than your drains are designed to take. Corroded, aging plumbing can easily breakdown.
What causes your sewer to backup? ›The most common type of sewer backup is from clogged pipes. The combination of toilet paper, hair, soap scum and grease (as well as a two-year-old's fascination with what will and will not flush) are common causes of sewer backups.
Will a drain unblock itself? ›In some cases, drains can unblock themselves depending on the nature of the blockage. For example, if your drain has become blocked due to tree root ingress, it will not be able to unblock itself (and require an engineer to conduct a CCTV drain survey to assess the problem and identify a solution).
Can Coke unclog a drain? ›Does Coke Unclog Drains? Sodas like Pepsi or Coca-Cola can clean the grime off of pipes because of their acidity. However, this is not a quick solution because these sugary sodas leave behind their own film: sugar syrup.
Does bleach unblock drains? ›It is not a great drain clog remover. Bleach has no effect in dissolving the common culprits of household drain clogs, like hair, food scraps and grease. Also, pouring bleach can harm the integrity of your drains and pipes. It's a lose-lose scenario.
What happens if bathroom vent pipe is clogged? ›If your plumbing vent is clogged, the vacuum inside the pipes can cause water to get trapped inside of them instead of draining out through your sewage line. Since the water has nowhere else to go, it will eventually start to back up inside your sinks and drains.
What happens when plumbing vent is clogged? ›A clogged vent won't let air through and into the pipes, so the water remains stagnant in the plumbing system. Stagnant water can then accumulate in the pipes until the pipes can no longer contain them. This can then result in the water flowing back up and out of drains.
What is the best Drano for standing water? ›
If standing water remains, use Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover. It pours straight through the water and attacks the clog directly.
How do you clear a main sewer line clog yourself? ›- Loosen the Drain Pipe Cap (aka Sewer Cleanout Pipe) ...
- Remove Cleanout Cap, Allow Water to Backflow to Opening. ...
- Insert the Snake into the Sewer Line Pipe Opening. ...
- Run the Tool Until All Clogs are Gone. ...
- Clean Up and Replace Sewer Cleanout Cap (Don't overtighten.)
After 15 to 30 minutes, clogs are substantially minimized or dissolved. A final blast of hot water flushes away what's left of the clog.
Is the tub drain connected to sink drain? ›Your kitchen sink and bathtub have separate drain lines, but they ultimately all connect to a single line that leads into the sewer. If your sink is draining into your bathtub, something has definitely gone wrong somewhere in the plumbing lines.
Is there a trap in a bathtub drain? ›P-traps are S-shaped pipe components that keep toxic sewer gases from escaping into your residence. They are required on all plumbing fixtures, including sinks, tubs and showers. Toilets have built-in traps. Sink P-traps are usually accessible after installation, and are designed to be easily taken apart.
How do you snake a bathtub drain? ›Insert the pipe snake through the overflow until you feel the blockage, then twist. As you reel the snake back in, it should bring the clog with it. Screw back on the overflow plate, put the stopper back in place, and then run hot water to ensure all debris is cleared.
What liquid do plumbers use to unclog drains? ›Among the most common ingredients in anti-clog solutions is the Hydrochloric acid (HCI). Also known as muriatic acid, this power chemical is highly effective in dissolving any buildup in the pipes.
What will dissolve hair in a drain? ›Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar is a very powerful combination that can help clear nasty hair clogs. Besides helping dissolve hair in your drain, baking soda also has disinfectant qualities that can fight fungi and bacteria.
Your Drains Aren't Draining
But if the plunger is failing you or you are constantly dealing with the same problem drain, it's time to call in a plumber. You could be looking at a deep clog that you simply can't reach or bigger backup in your main sewer line.
Attempting to force a clog through a toilet with a plunger can often make the problem worse. Instead, create a seal and slowly push down on the plunger before pulling it back sharply. The suction can help pull the clog back up toward the bowl, breaking the blockage and allowing gravity to take over.
What causes standing water in shower? ›
Shower water which drains slowly – or doesn't drain at all – is called 'standing water', and it's a sure sign that your shower drain is clogged. A clogged shower drain could be caused by anything from a small blockage to a major obstruction in your main sewer line.
Should water sit in bath drain? ›Yes it's normal and what you want. It's called a P-trap and the water sitting in there seals out the sewer gasses.
How do you clear the drain if a tub is stopped up and there is no clean out? ›All you need to do is pour a pot of boiling water down the bathtub drain. Then pour a mixture of one cup baking soda and one cup vinegar into the drain. Insert the drain plug, or close the filter, and wait 5–10 minutes. Finally, flush the drain with another pot of boiling water.
What are reasons shower won't drain? ›What causes a drain to clog? Soap scum, skin, and long hair are the main culprits that lead to a slow or clogged shower drain. These substances naturally build up over time, eventually coagulating and sticking to the walls of the pipes until a blockage gets so large that it impacts the flow of water.
What happens if Drano doesn't work in bathtub? ›Baking soda and vinegar may unclog your drain better than Drano ever could. Start by getting rid of the standing water in your drain. If it will go down slowly, just wait until it's gone. If it isn't moving, use a cup or a spoon to get it out of there.
Why won't my tub drain after Drano? ›Have you already tried to pour Drano down your shower drain without luck? Most shower drain clogs are caused by hair, either from normal hair loss or shaving in the shower. The clog holds water, which dilutes the Drano and lessens its potency. Never mind that hair is hard to dissolve.
Can bleach unclog a drain? ›It is not a great drain clog remover. Bleach has no effect in dissolving the common culprits of household drain clogs, like hair, food scraps and grease. Also, pouring bleach can harm the integrity of your drains and pipes.
How do I know if my shower drain is clogged? ›- Bad Smells. Although your drains carry waste water away from your home, your pipes shouldn't smell. ...
- Slow Drainage. Your shower should drain water at relatively the same rate that it flows out of the faucet. ...
- Puddles of Water. Do you notice water pooling around your shower or tub?
- Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain. Right out of the gate, you'll want to boil some water to pour down the drain. ...
- Use a plunger. ...
- Try Baking Soda and Vinegar. ...
- Unclog the Drain By Hand. ...
- Use a Plumber's Snake. ...
- Try Chemical Cleaners. ...
- Call an Expert.
- Clear all the blockage from the drain. ...
- Remove all standing water from the sink or tub. ...
- Clear the overflow drain if there is one, then plug it with a rag. ...
- Begin plunging the drain, pushing in and out. ...
- Run hot water down the drain for 5-10 minutes to clear any other blockages.
Will a plunger help unclog a bathtub? ›
You can easily unclog your bathtub drain with a standard cup-style plunger, but you have to seal the overflow drain first. Tubs essentially have two drains: There's the familiar one at the bottom of the tub that you close to fill up the tub with water.
How much does it cost to unclog a bathtub drain? ›According to HomeAdvisor, the typical cost to clear a clogged drain is between $133 and $295, with an average cost of $201. These costs are split between parts and labor – with the latter costing between $45 and $150 an hour, depending on the professional and the region.
How long does it take to unclog a bathtub drain? ›About 80 percent of the time, you can fix slow-draining or clogged tub drains in about five minutes, without chemicals and without a $100 plumber bill. In most cases, you'll only need a screwdriver and a stiff wire or a bent coat hanger.
Can Drano make a clog worse? ›Further Pipe Damage
The chemicals in Drano may not solve all clogs, and they can lead to a worsening of pipe issues. Drano can build up in a clogged area, and corrode the pipe. With repeated use, these chemicals may eat their way through a pipe, and cause a leak or a collapse of the system.
When using plumbing tools, like a plunger or an auger, Drano can splash up and burn your skin, and get into your eyes and lungs. If even a small amount of Drano remains in the drain, and you use a chemical cleaning product soon after, the two products might react unfavourably to create toxic fumes.