Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Bathroom Plumbing PROBLEMS!
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BGH
09-11-04, 07:13 AM
Hi All,
I have a plumbing problem in my single bathroom that includes the return pipe for the tub, toilet and vanity sink. To start, the home was built in 1953 with copper plumbing. I moved in 4 years ago and have had to occassionally plunge the toilet because all the waste would not discharge from the bowl. A few months ago I was married, and when my wife moved in, the extra toilet useage has exasperated the problem. What I am also finding now that I am plunging the toilet more frequently is an effect on the drainage of the tub and the vanity sink. For example, after plunging the toilet, it appears that the drainage of the tub takes longer - water collects due to this slow drain when I shower. When I plunged the tub drain, the slow drain appears to have moved onto the vanity sink.
I know there is a cycle going on here, and it probably involves the return pipe. Does anyone know what the overall problem might be? Any suggestions on how to alleviate the problem? Or any suggestions on ways to have a plumber fix the problem? I have found previous suggestions and advice received here to be helpful when talking to mechanics, contractors, etc. and hope to at least get a little educated on this situation.
Thanks in advance.
BGH
I have a plumbing problem in my single bathroom that includes the return pipe for the tub, toilet and vanity sink. To start, the home was built in 1953 with copper plumbing. I moved in 4 years ago and have had to occassionally plunge the toilet because all the waste would not discharge from the bowl. A few months ago I was married, and when my wife moved in, the extra toilet useage has exasperated the problem. What I am also finding now that I am plunging the toilet more frequently is an effect on the drainage of the tub and the vanity sink. For example, after plunging the toilet, it appears that the drainage of the tub takes longer - water collects due to this slow drain when I shower. When I plunged the tub drain, the slow drain appears to have moved onto the vanity sink.
I know there is a cycle going on here, and it probably involves the return pipe. Does anyone know what the overall problem might be? Any suggestions on how to alleviate the problem? Or any suggestions on ways to have a plumber fix the problem? I have found previous suggestions and advice received here to be helpful when talking to mechanics, contractors, etc. and hope to at least get a little educated on this situation.
Thanks in advance.
BGH
Mike Swearingen
09-11-04, 08:01 AM
Sounds like you have a partial clog in your main drain line.
Rent a heavy-duty plumber's snake, open a clean-out plug, and snake the main drain line from your home to the street or your septic system.
If that doesn't do it, you probably have a sectional cast iron drain line which may be allowing rootballs into it. That will require a roto-rooter, but it will only last a year or two. Replacing the drain line with glued plastic (which won't allow roots in) would be the only permanent solution.
Good Luck!
Mike
Rent a heavy-duty plumber's snake, open a clean-out plug, and snake the main drain line from your home to the street or your septic system.
If that doesn't do it, you probably have a sectional cast iron drain line which may be allowing rootballs into it. That will require a roto-rooter, but it will only last a year or two. Replacing the drain line with glued plastic (which won't allow roots in) would be the only permanent solution.
Good Luck!
Mike
BGH
09-12-04, 10:06 AM
Mike,
Thanks for your response. I neglected to mention that the bathroom where these problems occur are on the second floor. I do not have any problems with the drainage on the first floor or basement. Do you still think there is a partial clog in the main drain line?
BGH
Thanks for your response. I neglected to mention that the bathroom where these problems occur are on the second floor. I do not have any problems with the drainage on the first floor or basement. Do you still think there is a partial clog in the main drain line?
BGH
Mike Swearingen
09-12-04, 12:35 PM
Yes, but it obviously is above the drain line for the downstairs.
The easiest way to clear it, if it is in the main stack, may be snaking the stack from up on the roof. You can run a snake from top to bottom, and then flush it down with a water hose sprayer to see if that will clear it.
If it doesn't, you may have to pull the toilet, and snake form here.
Good luck!
Mike
The easiest way to clear it, if it is in the main stack, may be snaking the stack from up on the roof. You can run a snake from top to bottom, and then flush it down with a water hose sprayer to see if that will clear it.
If it doesn't, you may have to pull the toilet, and snake form here.
Good luck!
Mike