Why is poop coming out of my shower drain?

Author: Eulah Bernier  |  Last update: Friday, October 3, 2025

A clogged sewer line is easily the most common reason for sewage coming out of your shower drain. All of the sinks, tubs, and toilets in your home are connected to a single drain pipe. This pipe leads to the main sewer line beneath your home, which carries all sewage and wastewater to your local sewer system.

Why is sewage coming out of my shower drain?

Your sewer is most likely plugged. When the sewer plugs, the fixture with the lowest drain will show the most signs. Floor drains, showers, toilets are most common.

How do you get poop out of shower drain?

If you need to get rid of poop from a shower drain: Remove any solids using gloves. Use a plunger or plumber's snake for any remaining blockages. Flush with hot water.

Why is toilet waste coming up in my shower?

There is a partial blockage that doesn't permit the immediate drain of the toilet water. It will come back up in the tub or shower. If it is draining eventually then the partial blockage can be mechanically removed. Call a plumber to have this fixed as you do not want sewer gases coming into your home.

How do I prevent sewer gas from coming out of my shower drain?

The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that holds water to prevent sewer gases from escaping into your bathroom. If your shower isn't used often, the water in the P-trap can evaporate, allowing odors to seep into the air. Running water through the drain periodically can keep the P-trap filled and prevent this problem.

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

What are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning?

Irritated eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system, including tearing of eyes, cough, or shortness of breath. Effects may be delayed. Severe eye and respiratory irritation such as coughing and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be accompanied by headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and more.

Why is sewage bubbling up in my shower?

A clogged sewer line is easily the most common reason for sewage coming out of your shower drain. All of the sinks, tubs, and toilets in your home are connected to a single drain pipe. This pipe leads to the main sewer line beneath your home, which carries all sewage and wastewater to your local sewer system.

How do I unclog a main sewer 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.

Are toilet and shower drains connected?

In almost all cases, no. Plumbers do not install toilet pipes directly into shower pipes. Doing so could create a health hazard for you and your family, should wastewater from the toilet seep up into the shower. However, both drain pipes eventually connect to a primary drain line in your sewage system.

How do you clear a clogged shower waste pipe?

Use baking soda and vinegar:

Firstly, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and then after a few minutes pour a cup of vinegar down the drain as well. After a couple of hours you can turn the shower on and see if the blockage has been dissolved. Then add boiling water again to clean out thedrain.

How do I get rid of bathroom drain sludge?

The combination of baking soda and vinegar proves effective on just about any slime. The chemical reaction of the baking soda and vinegar, which has antibacterial properties, can break up the slime. If you pour in boiling water after you dump in the vinegar and baking soda combo, it will wash away any leftover slime.

Can poo block drains?

If you experience a blockage

Home drains are usually no more than four inches wide (100mm). So anything that isn't pee, poo, or toilet paper will block your drain.

How do plumbers clean shower drains?

For the toughest of clogs, a plumber may use a hydro jet. This tool sends pressured water through pipes to break down drain build-up. This tool is often faster and more efficient than a typical drain snake. Hydro jets get rid of the clog, but they're also effective for cleaning drains.

Why is poop coming up through my bathtub drain?

The main sewer line can be clogged due to the accumulation of debris, tree roots or grease buildup, or other materials. Another possible cause is a collapsed pipe. When this happens, your toilets and sinks won't be able to drain properly. This is when sewage starts backing up through the bathtub.

How to get poop out of shower drain?

You can use a regular plunger to unclog your shower and sink drains. After removing the drain cover, run a bit of water to cover the bottom of the plunger cup. Then, move the plunger up and down (like you are unclogging a toilet) to unclog the drain.

How much does it cost to fix a clogged sewer line?

You will likely pay around $350 to $650 to have a plumber unclog a main sewer line unless you have complications like serious damage to the line.

Why is sewage coming out of my shower and toilet?

This could be an early indication of a clogged sewer line. -Migrating Wastewater—If your wastewater is coming back up through other drains, like your tub/shower or your laundry room, this is a warning sign that your sewer line is backed up and needs professional attention.

Is shower drain a plumbing issue?

Shower drains are complex plumbing systems that are essential for safely transporting wastewater out of your home. Homeowners should know five key components: the strainer, the riser, the P-trap, the vent stack, and the drainpipe. Common shower drain issues include clogged P-traps and dried P-traps.

Does shower drain go to sewage?

You may think of your shower drain pipe as just a drain opening through which water escapes. But your shower system has many components that work together to ensure the effective travel of water to your sewer drain through your pipes.

How do I know if my sewer line is clogged?

10 Signs Your Sewer Line Is Clogged
  1. Multiple Fixtures Are Clogged. ...
  2. Flushing the Toilet Causes Water to Come Up Elsewhere. ...
  3. Water Draining From Your Washing Machine Causes an Overflow in Other Locations. ...
  4. Drainage at the Cleanout. ...
  5. Slow-Draining Sinks or Toilets. ...
  6. Frequent Plunging. ...
  7. Bubbles in Your Toilet Water. ...
  8. Dark Water.

What is the best way to unblock main drain?

#1: Use baking soda and vinegar

Simply mix one-third of a cup of vinegar with one-third of a cup of baking soda and when it starts to fizz, quickly pour it down your clogged drain. Let it sit for an hour or more (or overnight if you suspect the blockage is really bad) and then flush with hot water.

Can vinegar unclog a sewer line?

A completely clogged drain will require the help of a professional plumber, but baking soda and vinegar might be a quick fix for a partially clogged drain. This solution will dissolve and push the sludge through the pipes to allow water to flow through easily. Let hot water run for a minute to warm up the pipes.

How do I get rid of sewer gas in my shower drain?

Vinegar, Baking Soda and Hot Water

A concoction of white vinegar, baking soda, and hot water will help to eliminate odours from smelly shower drains effectively, as well as removing a buildup of grease, bacteria, and any other biological material residue (as long as the blockage is not severe).

How to clear a main sewer line clog yourself?

You can tackle a clogged sewer line using other strategies if you don't have a snake on hand. First, you can run hot water down the drain for 5 to 10 minutes to see if that helps break up the clog. If it doesn't, pour equal parts of vinegar and baking soda into a bowl and then pour that mixture down the drain.

Why is my toilet backing up with poop?

The most common cause of toilet backing up is basic human waste. When mishandled, waste and toilet paper will clog the main drain of a toilet. In most cases, this type of clog clears well with a plunger. Call a professional if standard plungers don't stop your toilet from backing up.

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