Sluggish drains

[laryb]

Our master bath toilet keeps getting blocked, sometimes even blocking the guest bath toilet. When I plunger it, we get a sewerage smell from the shower and sinks. When I shut the drains in the sink and plunge, it seems to help clear it. I have a feeling that this might be more of a problem with the vents. Anyone have a similar problem?

[retiredguy123]

It sounds more like the main drain has an obstruction, not the vent. You would need to run a snake down the drain to see if there is an obstruction.

[New Englander]

Our master bath toilet keeps getting blocked, sometimes even blocking the guest bath toilet. When I plunger it, we get a sewerage smell from the shower and sinks. When I shut the drains in the sink and plunge, it seems to help clear it. I have a feeling that this might be more of a problem with the vents. Anyone have a similar problem?

My opinion is, it's time to call a plumber.

[JohnN]

Mike Scott Plumbing

[Mortal1]

I've had to go outside and open the external entryway a few times and immediately after opening both toilets finally flush. I've a sneaky suspicion that when you flush both toilets at the same time you can get a stoppage as they converge at the same point and cause and air plug. Might be it's my mind that's plugged though.

[RaunchyRich]

Flush a couple Buckets of Hot soapy water down the Toliet! Dishwashing soap, is recommended... you most definitely have a clog in your main line.. many people make the mistake of pouring grease in their drains rather than capture it in a soup can..

[coffeebean]

My opinion is, it's time to call a plumber.

Call Roto Rooter, that's the name, and away go troubles down the drain.

[mike1946]

Go and get a few 2 liter bottles of the cheapest coca cola you can find ... the rougher the better - that stuff is about 68% phosphoric acid and will disolve things like hair blockages etc. Give your drain 2 liters a day for about a week ...Worked for me - saw it on the web !! Cheaper than a plumber.

[FromNY]

Was a nasty habit years ago that when building the workers threw lots of things down the drains. Actually took items out such as paint brushes. They even buried paint cans and garbage on the property. I would like to think this practice has stopped. 18years ago there were numerous builders in each neighborhood. Mike Scott is excellent. We normally put Clorax down shower drains once a month that seems to get the smells out.

[Gramadawn]

Our master bath toilet keeps getting blocked, sometimes even blocking the guest bath toilet. When I plunger it, we get a sewerage smell from the shower and sinks. When I shut the drains in the sink and plunge, it seems to help clear it. I have a feeling that this might be more of a problem with the vents. Anyone have a similar problem?

When we had a toilet replaced, they found that apparently
when they installed the tile floor they had cleaned off their tool by wiping it into the drain leaving only a small hole for the waste to go down. Since this was removed and the new toilet, no more problems

[Skunky1]

Time to call the guy!

[thevillagernie]

daaa call a plumber

[La lamy]

Was a nasty habit years ago that when building the workers threw lots of things down the drains. Actually took items out such as paint brushes. They even buried paint cans and garbage on the property. I would like to think this practice has stopped. 18years ago there were numerous builders in each neighborhood. Mike Scott is excellent. We normally put Clorax down shower drains once a month that seems to get the smells out.

Off topic, but yeah also check your air vents. Mine were full of dirt and construction crap.

[Jacksig]

You're not chewing your food right! :a040:

[xcaligirl]

Our master bath toilet keeps getting blocked, sometimes even blocking the guest bath toilet. When I plunger it, we get a sewerage smell from the shower and sinks. When I shut the drains in the sink and plunge, it seems to help clear it. I have a feeling that this might be more of a problem with the vents. Anyone have a similar problem?
Same problem! I asked around the neighborhood but nobody else seems to have the problem or can't smell it!! I finally convinced the hubby to call Mike Scott (we've always had them and we're terrific). They showed up, turned on every faucet in the house and garage, let them run for about 15 minutes, opened up the sewer out front and it flushed through.... He wouldn't put a snake down the drain to make sure there was no obstruction. In his opinion, it was "fixed" and his job was finished. About 2 weeks later, same smell, same problem. I know I won't be calling Mike Scott back to the house to turn on faucets...I'll try the 'coke trick' first...We never had bad service prior and haven't tried them again. Don't know if it was an isolated issue with the technician!

[crash]

Same problem! I asked around the neighborhood but nobody else seems to have the problem or can't smell it!! I finally convinced the hubby to call Mike Scott (we've always had them and we're terrific). They showed up, turned on every faucet in the house and garage, let them run for about 15 minutes, opened up the sewer out front and it flushed through.... He wouldn't put a snake down the drain to make sure there was no obstruction. In his opinion, it was "fixed" and his job was finished. About 2 weeks later, same smell, same problem. I know I won't be calling Mike Scott back to the house to turn on faucets...I'll try the 'coke trick' first...We never had bad service prior and haven't tried them again. Don't know if it was an isolated issue with the technician!

Call them back they should come out for free for the service call. Coke has phosphoric acid in it but not anywhere near 68% just look where it comes on the ingredient list. You need to have it snaked.

[nancyre]

I have had the blockage issue once SOOO bad it required snake "Mike Scott" from the outside all the way to under my master. Both my toilets are on the Far Side of the house. I had already done the everything on etc. I told them what it was and just had them snake it from the outside. AVOID Charmin, and the ULTRA toilet papers. 2 years later with all of this I got some ultra T-P no other options that were not tissue paper. It started to be an issue again. Purchased Green Gobbler waste line cleaner at Home Depot. Gave it 6 hours without running the water. It is enzymes rather than acid. ALL Good. The waste lines in the 466A area are 4" mains which open to 6" mains on the street side of the house trap. Too much acid over time and the pipes will take a beating. Next house I want to make sure my toilets and house trap are on the same side of the house. They can also scope the line and see if there are any things there that should not be.

[Gabi12]

Give our guy Mark the plumber a call. He’s honest for sure!
(847) 812-3528

[Hockey dude]

If you live in a new construction village, we had that problem as well in most of our neighborhood.

We called community watch and Scott plumbing. The plumbers ending up calling Jacobs and they sent out the the large “vacuum” truck and cleaned out the main sewer lines in the streets,

Took care of the problem. They also checked the “joint” line from the 2 homes to the street.

[Bill1701]

I had the same problem and called a plumber. He turned on a faucet and went outside and took the cap off the drain access to see what was happening. There was very little water flowing so that meant a partial clog somewhere before the access. He ran a snake up the pipe and found a piece of cloth. Pulled that out and everything was fine.

[willbush]

Our master bath toilet keeps getting blocked, sometimes even blocking the guest bath toilet. When I plunger it, we get a sewerage smell from the shower and sinks. When I shut the drains in the sink and plunge, it seems to help clear it. I have a feeling that this might be more of a problem with the vents. Anyone have a similar problem?
I put Drano Max down our toilets & shower drain every 3 months plus take off metal drain off shower drain and clean out hair which clog up near to of drain: no issues for 10 yrs;Also pour 1 gallon of warm water with bleach down A/C drain every 2 monts;again no issues in 10 yrs; neighbors who didn't do it all have had plugging up issues; preventative maintenance = no need for a plumber; Good Luck

[Whimsy]

Same problem in a Grandview. First two times Mike Scott unseated the toilet and snaked the line. Nothing really found. They said next time they would bring a camera. Since then I have been successful turning on the sinks and shower and plunging the heck out of it, getting water on the floor. I have wondered if the slope of the drain is too little.

[ithos]

I started using RV toilet paper during Covid because it was always available in the camping section of Walmart. I think I will keep using it to help avoid issues like this.

[lndcieri]

I am glad to know I am not the only one with with this situation. I have had back up even into the bathtub. I went to YouTube and several plumbers recommended putting very hot water (if water isn't too high) and then pouring in Dawn. The Dawn sinks down and after a while everything cleared.

I am in a CYV and wondering if you are. When I had a walk through with the plumber (4H Plumbing)13 years ago, he said that, due to the layout, the master bath would take a long time to heat. He was not kidding - it took a ton of water running a long time before it was even warm. Well, it turned out that the shower line was filled with sawdust and construction debris which, of course, slowed everything down.

Additionally, I had a leak in the pipes behind the wall twice. I have used Kiley and Sons and have been very satisfied with them. I am hoping I won't be needing them again any time soon.

[Villages Kahuna]

Call a plumber?

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

Our master bath toilet keeps getting blocked, sometimes even blocking the guest bath toilet. When I plunger it, we get a sewerage smell from the shower and sinks. When I shut the drains in the sink and plunge, it seems to help clear it. I have a feeling that this might be more of a problem with the vents. Anyone have a similar problem?

Any TP over 2ply I.e.Charmin and any flushable wipes will clog toilets here. Call a plumber before you get flooded

[Jerry Leinsing]

Heavy plunging can push seal out. Flush after plunging.
Nice easy drain cleaner is baking soda and vinegar. Maybe 1/2 -1 cup of BS in or kit or bath opening and add 1/2+ cup vinegar. Watch it bubble.
Venting always possible but with inspected work, not probable unless a homeowner did his own work (might/might not be legal here in Florida)
Have cleared nests In stacks that reduced air flow. Very rare but happens.
I need to do this today: I like to allow the sink stoppers to sit ON TOP of the horizontal lift bar of the popup instead of being trapped so it can’t be removed.
It will still seat fine but easier to get baking soda in there.

[DOGSAREKEEPERS]

We had same problem. Plummer found a separation in outside drain line. They dug in lawn found the separation made a new connection and we were good.

[Inspector Mark]

I recommend you the the sewer lines video scoped. It should only cost a couple of hundred dollars. This will show you exactly what's going on. You can have anything from a broken pipe, offset pipe joints, debris, grease buildup, etc. Before trying home made remedies it's best to see what is going on. Having the pipes, snaked, hydro jetted, or roto rootered could cause more damage depending on what going on.

[retiredguy123]

Any TP over 2ply I.e.Charmin and any flushable wipes will clog toilets here. Call a plumber before you get flooded
Scotts 1000 single ply is the best.

[greenflash245]

don't screw around, call roto rooter

[Inspector Mark]

I recommend you the the sewer lines video scoped. It should only cost a couple of hundred dollars. This will show you exactly what's going on. You can have anything from a broken pipe, offset pipe joints, debris, grease buildup, etc. Before trying home made remedies it's best to see what is going on. Having the pipes, snaked, hydro jetted, or roto rootered could cause more damage depending on what going on.

[arbajeda]

We had that problem. Found out that that the sewer drains for us and our neighbors converge to a 6 inch drain that goes to the street. Called CDD utilities (their number can be found here, Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Utilities/report_problem.aspx)) and they sent out a vacuum truck. They told us that if the problem was our drain line we would have to pay a service charge, but the problem turned out to be rocks in the 6 inch pipe that was forming a dam that kept the line from draining into the street. They removed rocks and other construction debris and we haven't had problems since. A plumber will not check this out and that's why it returns for some. And the people who came out for us told us that this is a common problem.

[wiltma]

We had the same problem with both our toilets. We replaced the one with the most
Problem with a more powerful flush from Lowe’s.

[dadoiron]

Was a nasty habit years ago that when building the workers threw lots of things down the drains. Actually took items out such as paint brushes. They even buried paint cans and garbage on the property. I would like to think this practice has stopped. 18years ago there were numerous builders in each neighborhood. Mike Scott is excellent. We normally put Clorax down shower drains once a month that seems to get the smells out.

Seems they threw concrete pieces down ours. The plumber (Mike Scott plumbing) roto rooted ours and there was a loud banging when it hits the concrete pieces. I saw them flow by in bits. He didn't want to say anything about it since the service was still within warranty and cost us nothing.

My experience is these builders are some of the worst around. They should be fired.

[OhioBuckeye]

Our master bath toilet keeps getting blocked, sometimes even blocking the guest bath toilet. When I plunger it, we get a sewerage smell from the shower and sinks. When I shut the drains in the sink and plunge, it seems to help clear it. I have a feeling that this might be more of a problem with the vents. Anyone have a similar problem?
Before we moved to TV our toilets flushed but very slow for about 5 yrs. I started getting a little discouraged about sewage or water going down so slow. I fought it for a week or 2, finally I got my extension ladder out & climb on the roof, low & behold both of our vent pipes still had the plugs in them. The builder came within 2 hrs. & took the plugs out himself. After that those toilets could flush a 10 lb. bag of sand down. All I’m saying is it could be some neighbor on the same line flushing wet wipes or tampons down their toilets. Hope you figure it out!

[DonnaNi4os]

In my opinion, it is better to call a plumber than deal with a catastrophic backup. I’ve heard of people who have had toilet waste back up into their shower. One thing I learned from years of having a septic system and 4 kids is to use single ply toilet tissue. Good luck.

[rmd2]

Same problem! I asked around the neighborhood but nobody else seems to have the problem or can't smell it!! I finally convinced the hubby to call Mike Scott (we've always had them and we're terrific). They showed up, turned on every faucet in the house and garage, let them run for about 15 minutes, opened up the sewer out front and it flushed through.... He wouldn't put a snake down the drain to make sure there was no obstruction. In his opinion, it was "fixed" and his job was finished. About 2 weeks later, same smell, same problem. I know I won't be calling Mike Scott back to the house to turn on faucets...I'll try the 'coke trick' first...We never had bad service prior and haven't tried them again. Don't know if it was an isolated issue with the technician!

It is NOT an isolated problem. I have a sewer smell coming from the shower and like you I called Mike Scott Plumbing. The plumber said there was nothing wrong and didn't do anything to fix it. The problem is still there! The only thing different is that I am out $200 for nothing. I have used Mike Scott Plumbing quite a few times but no more. Can anyone suggest a better plumber?

[rmd2]

Go and get a few 2 liter bottles of the cheapest coca cola you can find ... the rougher the better - that stuff is about 68% phosphoric acid and will disolve things like hair blockages etc. Give your drain 2 liters a day for about a week ...Worked for me - saw it on the web !! Cheaper than a plumber.

Thanks! I'll try this.

[PugMom]

I put Drano Max down our toilets & shower drain every 3 months plus take off metal drain off shower drain and clean out hair which clog up near to of drain: no issues for 10 yrs;Also pour 1 gallon of warm water with bleach down A/C drain every 2 monts;again no issues in 10 yrs; neighbors who didn't do it all have had plugging up issues; preventative maintenance = no need for a plumber; Good Luck

be careful--our realtor told us to not use that stuff, as our pipes are plastic, & could possibly eat through it

[msilagy]

Yes I had the same issue and called Mike Scott Plumbing.......I had backup in both toilets and when I plunged the master bath toilet it backed up in the shower. I live in a courtyard villa so the guest bathroom is closest to the street. That also backed up although I only use it on occasion. When the plumber got here he plunged the guest bathroom toilet (I never did that) over and over till it ran thru. Checked the master bath toilet and that flushed thru also. He said I should have plunged the toilet closest to the street as he did to clear the clog. I had only been plunging the master bath as that's the one I use mostly. I hope this works for you and saves a $109 repair bill.

[laryb]

Thanks for all the responses. I do realize that calling a plumber is the obvious solution, but sometimes the "obvious solution" isn't the only solution. This has gone on for the past 7-8 months, but only intermittently. Everything is fine for 3-4 weeks, then I have to plunge both toilets. We only use Scotts single ply paper, since we had septic up north and prefer it. Strangely enough, the drains in the bathroom sinks still work when this happens. I usually do most of the repairs in my house, as I worked in maintenance in a power plant for 30 years, so I know how to use tools, and like to solve problems myself, if I can. Problem is, I draw the line at snaking sewer lines. I'm going to try the Green Gobbler main drain cleaner, and if the problem reoccurs I'll call a plumber. I will let everyone know the results.

[llmcdaniel]

Maybe work quality is slipping since Mike’s death in a car wreck. I would bring your experience to whoever runs the company now.

[Alaska Butch]

Probably hair. Pull out the drain switch on the side of the tub. Clean hair out. You can try draino as well. Or pay $80 for a plumber.

[gbs317]

We had the same problem. CPM plumbing used a scope down the drain and found an obstruction in the sewer line. He snaked it out, actually did it with the scope which was weird but it worked. No more problems for three years now.
It seems the laborers who built the houses like to throw all sorts of junk down the open pipes.

[Marlene36]

Our master bath toilet keeps getting blocked, sometimes even blocking the guest bath toilet. When I plunger it, we get a sewerage smell from the shower and sinks. When I shut the drains in the sink and plunge, it seems to help clear it. I have a feeling that this might be more of a problem with the vents. Anyone have a similar problem?
We have an issue that our walk-in shower drain is not draining while showering. The water forms a puddle going out at least 12" from the drain. We can't remove the drain cover, it is caulked in - any suggestions?

[rogerk]

Kiley and Sons Plumbing ran a camera through my waste line to check for ant blockage. I also had them service (back wash) our tankless hot water heater. They also checked the vents etc. This was all part of their annual inspection program. Great service and reasonably priced.

[worahm]

You might try flushing about a cup of blue dish detergent (NOT dish washing machine detergent) down the toilet. Let let it stand for a few hours then flush a second cup of detergent. It worked great for me.

[Joelack99]

We had similar problem--eventually wound up with complete blockage. Mike Scott snaked it and came back with a bunch of fine roots--incursion from the tree in the front yard near the sewer line. Now I put a couple of pounds of ROEBIC K-77 - ROOT KILLER FOR SEWER down the toilet every six months--let it sit overnight and bingo. No more problems.

[vinnytalk]

Could be tree roots in the drain . Happen to a few I know.

[retiredguy123]

We have an issue that our walk-in shower drain is not draining while showering. The water forms a puddle going out at least 12" from the drain. We can't remove the drain cover, it is caulked in - any suggestions?
You need to remove the drain cover. If it is caulked in, just cut away the caulk with a utility knife. It should pop right off. Clean out the drain and add some heavy duty drain cleaner.

[Spsmith444]

Plumber time without question.

[wganderson13]

Disposable wipes are not disposable. Will lie there collecting grease, hair & soap scum to cause blockage. Do you use them? Time for camera.

[OhioBuckeye]

It is NOT an isolated problem. I have a sewer smell coming from the shower and like you I called Mike Scott Plumbing. The plumber said there was nothing wrong and didn't do anything to fix it. The problem is still there! The only thing different is that I am out $200 for nothing. I have used Mike Scott Plumbing quite a few times but no more. Can anyone suggest a better plumber?
I understand they won’t come for Free but come on $200.!

[rrman3536]

Same problem! I asked around the neighborhood but nobody else seems to have the problem or can't smell it!! I finally convinced the hubby to call Mike Scott (we've always had them and we're terrific). They showed up, turned on every faucet in the house and garage, let them run for about 15 minutes, opened up the sewer out front and it flushed through.... He wouldn't put a snake down the drain to make sure there was no obstruction. In his opinion, it was "fixed" and his job was finished. About 2 weeks later, same smell, same problem. I know I won't be calling Mike Scott back to the house to turn on faucets...I'll try the 'coke trick' first...We never had bad service prior and haven't tried them again. Don't know if it was an isolated issue with the technician!
try 1/4 cup of baking soda followed by 16 OZ white vinegar down the drain

[stadry]

we've 'heard' the slope of the waste line may not be to code - iirc, 1" drop in 10'

far's 'common line' to the street, haven't heard that 1

[retiredguy123]

try 1/4 cup of baking soda followed by 16 OZ white vinegar down the drain
I don't think a 1/4 cup of baking soda and vinegar is going to much to unclog a 4 inch main sewer drain line.

[Toddy]

I've had to go outside and open the external entryway a few times and immediately after opening both toilets finally flush. I've a sneaky suspicion that when you flush both toilets at the same time you can get a stoppage as they converge at the same point and cause and air plug. Might be it's my mind that's plugged though.

Your main outgoing sewage pipe could have been installed incorrectly. Have plumber
video your pipe. Mine has a belly in it, roots and I must flush it out every couple of months. It would cost $5,000 to have it corrected and so must live with it. Only use Scott Toilet Paper.

[dsgreen3]

We have an issue that our walk-in shower drain is not draining while showering. The water forms a puddle going out at least 12" from the drain. We can't remove the drain cover, it is caulked in - any suggestions?

It might just be a build up of hair and soap. An easy thing to try is with water pooled in the shower take plunger and gently push it down over the drain then rapidly pull it up trying to create suction to lift the gunk back through the holes in the drain. You will have to pull the hair back out with your hands when it starts to show through the drain holes. My wife's hair builds up in our drain over time and this clears it every time. I saw this on a pluming video years ago if done right it creates an enormous amount of suction.