How Do You Unclog A Toilet That’s Backing Up Into The Bathtub?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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To clear the clog, you can

use a plunger on the toilet to break it loose

. To make this step more effective, seal off the drain in the shower and then plunge the toilet up and down several times. Then quickly break the seal by yanking the plunger up.

Why is my toilet water going into my bathtub?

If you see used water from the toilet backing up into shower or tub 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.

What causes toilet water to come up in bathtub?

If your toilets, kitchen sink and tub or shower are all backed up, you probably have

a clogged sewer line

. … When you flush the toilet, water backs up into or comes up in the tub or shower. When your sewer line is clogged, the water can't go down the drain.

What do you do when water backs in the bathtub?

If a blockage in the main sewer line is the cause of water backing up into the bathtub you should

call a professional plumber to assess your issues

. You should be aware that when dirty water occurs, you cannot solve it by using a plunger. Plungers do not solve the problem and can aggravate the situation more.

How do you unclog a main drain line?

  1. Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. …
  2. Allow any sewer buildup to come out of the drain. …
  3. Gently feed the auger cable into the main line drain. …
  4. Run the auger until the clog is broken up. …
  5. Hose out leftover debris. …
  6. Pull the auger cable back out of the main line drain.

How much does it cost to unclog main sewer line?

Average Cost to Unclog Main Sewer Line Average range

$350-$650

Minimum cost


$65

Maximum cost


$3,000

How do you know if your sewer line is clogged?

  1. Gurgling sounds coming from the toilet. …
  2. Multiple slow-running drains in your home (low water pressure)
  3. Water coming out of your shower when using the washing machine.
  4. Foul odors coming from your drains.
  5. Sewage coming back up through drains.

What are signs of sewage backup?

  • Sewage-Like Odors Coming From The Drain. The purpose of your drains is to transport wastewater away and outside of your house. …
  • Bubbling Drains Or Toilets. …
  • Slow Draining in Multiple Fixtures. …
  • Clogs In Multiple Drains At Once. …
  • Sewage Coming Out Of a Cleanout Pipe.

How do you know if your main drain is clogged?

  1. Dark Water. One of the signature symptoms of a main-drain clog is water backing up in your tubs or showers. …
  2. Slow-Moving Drains. Take a minute to think about the drains in your home. …
  3. Gurgling Sounds. …
  4. Clogged Plumbing Fixtures. …
  5. Turn Off the Water. …
  6. Call a Plumber.

How do you unblock a bath with water in it?

Use a

plunger

Use enough water in the bath or shower tray to submerge just the plunger head. Plunge with a vertical up-and-down motion, keeping the handle straight and vertical. After 20 seconds, take a look at the results. Repeat this process a couple of times until you see some results.

Why is my bathtub not draining water?

What Causes a Tub to Drain Slowly? Typically the cause of a slow-draining bathtub is

a clog that is restricting water flow

. Clogs are usually made up of knotted hair, dirt, grease, and/or soap. They can be difficult to remove because hair can wrap around parts of the drain.

How do I stop sewer backup in my house?

  1. Maintain your sewer lateral. …
  2. Dispose of grease properly. …
  3. Dispose of paper products properly. …
  4. Consider plastic piping. …
  5. Correct illegal plumbing connections. …
  6. Consider a backwater prevention valve.

Will Coke unclog a drain?

Coke. Coke is a lesser-known fix you can find in your refrigerator. Pour a 2-liter bottle of cola — Pepsi, Coke, or generic brand substitutes —

down the clogged drain

. Coke is actually quite caustic and effective at clearing away buildup in your drains, but it's far milder than commercial drain cleaners.

How do you unclog a main sewer line without a snake?


Combine 1 part baking soda and 1 part vinegar, then pour

it into the sewer cleanout opening. Wait at least 1 hour before flushing it with hot water. The baking soda and vinegar will start reacting and fizzing immediately. Pour it into the pipe as quickly as possible.

Can toilet paper clog a sewer line?

Eventually, toilet paper or other debris gets snagged on the roots, further preventing water from flowing through the main sewer drain line. Flushing sanitary products, such as paper towels, facial tissues, feminine hygiene products or even extra-thick toilet paper,

can also clog your sewer line

.

Where is the main sewer line in a house?

It can typically be found in

the basement, crawl space or garage

. You will want to search for a pipe that is approximately four inches in diameter with a screw cap on the top that has a notch or square knob at the top. Note that some homes have an indoor sewer cleanout point, while others may be located outdoors.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.