If your shower and toilet are both “clogged,” there’s a good chance you have an obstruction deep in your sewer line. The permanent solution is definitely a DDIY job—Don’t Do It Yourself. We’ve seen this problem go from bad to worse when homeowners play plumber for the day.
Why is my shower and toilet are backed up?
If you see used water from the toilet backing up into shower or tub drains though, that’s a sign of a clogged sewer main. Since something is blocking the wastewater, it has no other choice but to back up. Since your toilet is set higher, the water is more likely to rise out of the lower tub or shower drain.
How do you unclog a toilet that’s backing up into the shower?
Push the drain snake into the curving pipe below, spinning clockwise on the way in and counterclockwise on the way out. If you’re successful, you’ll find the clog itself and the snake will draw it up as you spin it out. Clear the air: Occasionally, a blocked vent pipe will cause toilet water to back up into the shower.
Can shower drain affect toilet?
When the shower and toilet are both clogged, the obstruction will likely be downstream from the area where the shower and toilet connect with the underlying sewer main. Such simultaneously clogging is a sign the obstruction is so deep that it backs up both drains.
How do you unclog a main sewer line?
Hot Water to Loosen Sticking Debris
Allow hot water to run through your plumbing system for at least five to 10 minutes. The hot water helps to loosen debris such as deposited grease, oils, or any coatings on the walls of the drains. Doing this several times might best and easiest way to unclog that main sewer line.
Will Drano unclog sewer line?
Bust a Sewer Clog With Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner
It’s hardly ever a good idea to put Drano or a similar product in the toilet because it contains sodium hydroxide, which generates heat and can damage the pipes.
How do you know if your sewer line is clogged?
If you notice that water backs up in random places as you’re using water fixtures, you likely have a blockage in the main sewer line. Two common examples of this include: When you flush your toilet, water backs up into the bathtub/shower. When you run your washing machine, sinks or toilets start to overflow.
What is the best chemical to unclog a sewer line?
Best Overall Drain Cleaner: Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover. Best Drain Cleaner for Hair Clogs: Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer + Hair Clog Eliminator. Best Single-Use Drain Cleaner: Green Gobbler Drain Opening Pacs. Best Enzymatic Drain Cleaner: Bio Clean.
How do plumbers unclog drains?
A plumber inserts the hose and nozzle into your pipes and blasts high-pressure water through it to scour out the drain pipes. Not only does this move out clogs, but it also helps to remove hard deposits and hard water minerals. This is one of the most popular and safe ways of unclogging and cleaning out drains.
How do you unclog a main sewer line without a snake?
How to Unclog a Main Sewer Line Without a Snake
- Step 1 – Run Hot Water.
- Step 2 – Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner.
- Step 3 – Apply the Plunger.
- Another Way – High-Pressure Water.
- If Water Goes Through It Or To It, We Do It!
What does it mean when you flush your toilet and the bathtub gurgles?
When the toilet is flushed, the rush of water into the sewer is pulling air through the tub drain causing the gurgling noise. First, make sure the plumbing vents extend above the roof. In cold weather, simply run hot water to the sinks and look outside to see if steam is coming out of the roof vent pipes.
Why do plumbers say not to use Drano?
WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID USING DRANO. 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.
Will bleach unclog a drain?
Bleach Will Clean Your Drain, Not Unclog It
Bleach isn’t going to unclog your drain any more than pouring a glass of water down the sink. Bleach is great for sanitizing your sink and drain and killing smelly germs; it will not break down clogs.
What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains?
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid, otherwise known as muriatic acid, is commonly used by plumbers around the world to clear a clogged rain. It is a strong acid that can cause serious injury if it is not used with care.
What will unclog a shower drain?
Mix together 1 cup of vinegar (distilled white vinegar works best) and 1 cup of baking soda. First, pour boiling water down the drain to loosen; then follow with the baking soda-vinegar mixture and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with more boiling water.
Can plunging make a clog worse?
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.
