Why is my toilet and bathtub not draining?

Author: Prof. Donnell Swift V  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

This type of clog is almost always caused by debris going down your drains, whether that's items that shouldn't have been flushed down the toilet in the first place, hair that goes down the drain in your shower, or a simple build-up of much smaller debris.

What does it mean when your tub and toilet won't drain?

If your toilet backs up into your shower or bathtub, it can be a bleak reminder that the two systems are connected. If several kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers, toilets and other drains to the sewage system are backing up, then you might have a blockage in your main sewer line.

How do you unclog a bathtub and toilet?

A natural remedy of white distilled vinegar and baking soda can be just as effective, depending on the state of the clog. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Plug the drain using a drain stop or rag, and allow the mixture to work its magic for at least an hour.

How do you unclog a main drain line?

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out. ...
  3. Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe. ...
  4. Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond. ...
  5. Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable.

Why is both my toilet and shower clogged?

Hair and Soap Scum Buildup

The accumulation of hair and soap scum can cause a clog in both your shower and toilet. While you can clean the drain with a plunger or drain snake, if the clog is severe, it's best to contact Rooter Man for professional drain cleaning services.

Flush Toilet Backing Up in Shower or Tub / Fix Fast & Easy

How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged?

Signs You May Have a Main Sewer Line Clog
  1. Multiple slow-running drains. If more than one drain is running slow, it's probably not a coincidence, but an indication that one clog is causing issues for all of them. ...
  2. Water backing up into other drains. ...
  3. Gurgling sounds. ...
  4. Sewage odors coming from the drains.

Should I flush again if the toilet is clogged?

You'll need to flush your toilet to establish whether the clog has cleared. You might need to repeat the process until the clog clears. The clog will clear when your toilet makes a fast suction sound and drains naturally thereafter.

Will Drano unclog main line?

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. Pipes can split and the glue holding them together can disintegrate.

How do you unclog a toilet that's backing up into the shower?

While a plunger and a chemical drain cleaner are unlikely to yield results, a plumbing snake might do the trick if the blockage is a result of a foreign object being flushed or put down the drain. Most plumbing snakes can remove clogs that are up to 25-50 feet away from the tub or sink.

How long does it take to unclog a main sewer line?

How Long Does it Take to Clean out a Main Sewer Line? That is totally dependent on what the clog is. Clogs caused by tree roots can take minutes to several hours depending on the amount and length of the infestation.

Why is my toilet and bathtub overflowing?

After you flush your toilet, your waste travels through your pipes into the main sewer line. If water from the toilet begins backing up into your shower or tub, it's because something is blocking the main sewer line. The waste has no choice but to find the closest drain to escape, in this case, your shower.

Will a plunger make a clog worse?

Unfortunately, the pressure from a plunger probably won't break up a shower drain clog. Instead, it will only send the material deeper down the drain pipe completely intact. The clog still exists, but now it's even deeper into your plumbing system, causing your shower to drain slowly or not drain at all.

When I flush my toilet it fills up with water then slowly drains?

The most common causes for a slow-draining toilet are: A clog in the drain line. A blockage between the tank and bowl. Poor or Clogged Venting.

Can one clogged toilet affect another?

Yes, one clogged toilet can affect another. When a toilet is clogged, it can cause the other toilets in the home to back up and overflow due to an increased pressure on the plumbing system. This occurs when water has nowhere else to go except out of the drain pipe and into other areas of your home.

What is the best chemical to unclog a sewer line?

Our top pick, Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, is easy to find and use on common clogs, like hair, food, and grease. We also like the Rockwell Labs InVade Bio Drain Gel. This gel solution is extra-effective on drain flies and comes in a smaller container, making it good to keep around the kitchen.

Is it better to snake a drain or use Drano?

Using a snake is also more invasive and time-consuming than using a chemical cleaner is, and can often become a dirty job. When it comes to getting at and removing major clogs or clogs that are deep down in your pipes, however, a plumber's snake is your best bet.

What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a strong acid that is commonly used to dissolve clogs in drains. This acid works by breaking down organic materials such as hair, grease, and soap scum that can accumulate in pipes and cause blockages.

What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?

Caustic soda is a nasty chemical that can burn, but it's very effective for unclogging toilets. To use this chemical, you need to get some rubber gloves and eye protection. You can pick the chemical from the local hardware or grocery stores. Pour a ¾ gallon of cold water into a bucket, and add 3 cups of caustic soda.

Will a toilet unclog itself overnight?

Will a toilet eventually unclog itself? It sure would be nice, but it's fairly rare for a toilet's clog to clear up after a few hours. It can happen, but only in select circumstances.

What is the best liquid to unclog toilet?

The answer might surprise you: dish soap. Yes, that's right. Dish soap can be your savior when it comes to unclogging toilets quickly and efficiently. Simply pour some dish soap into the clogged toilet bowl and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.

Why is my sink backing up into my bathtub?

The most common reason for sewage coming up through your bathtub is a clogged sewer line. All the sinks, toilets, and tubs connect to a single drain pipe that leads to the sewer line under your house. This drain line carries all wastewater and sewage away from your home to the city's sewer system.

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.

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