Sewer line issues on 1/2 side of house

6 years ago

Hello to all,

Recently [last 2-4 days] I have had to plunge stopped up toilets on 1/2 side of the house. House was built in 2005, I am assuming all PVC pipes, 3-full, 1 half bath [2 upstairs[ girls and guest, 2 down 1 master and 1/2 bath]. The guest bathroom and master on one side have required 1-2 plunges for each one.

The clean-out is on the other side of the house [4" PVC] of guest and master. Is there anything you can recommend I can do to:

Determine if there is a blockage? If so, how?
If there is a blockage, what do you recommend I do to remove it?
Finally, should sewer lines be periodically cleaned out w roto-rooter type device?

Thank you very much and let me know if you have any questions/

Regards, tstex

Comments (10)

User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
There is nothing that an amateur should try, other than hot soapy water and a closet auger. If you have tried that and failed, then call a plumber. And no, drains should not need blade angering on a regular basis unless there is a design flaw in the system or something is broken, allowing root infiltration. Roots can not penetrate properly solvent welded PVC.
tj starkey
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you Sophie.

I have not attempted anything other than a good sold toilet plunger. However, if this is a meager attempt to something that requires much better tools and knowledge, then I believe I am up for the challenge.

I've replaced toilets, replaced 224ft of old galvanized lined w PVC and inside house w cpvc and pvc, replaced a submersible pump on a well, replaced a tank, replaced a bladder, replaced 2 propane heaters and one electric water heater, replaced a propane stove and numerous toilets guts and faucet valve stems. Not sure this qualifies me to remove the toilet and perform a deeper grade cleaning of the sewer systems, but I've done when removing the sink hardware and cleaned out their lines and the shower lines in the master bathroom. However, I am always humbled to learn new things to tackle new problems. Thanks - tstex
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User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Go buy a simple hand powered closet auger. No power anything. It passes through the P trap of the toilet. No need to remove anything. And check your vents as well. Leaves and debris in vents cause issues, whether or not that is a contributor here or not.
trickyputt
6 years ago
Air vent check? You got a vacuum issue?
tj starkey
Original Author
6 years ago
if it worked ok for X yrs, and periodically does this, more on this side, could an air vent get blocked on and off ?
User
6 years ago
Yes, vents full of junk can cause issues. Especially if they don't have the proper roof caps.
tj starkey
Original Author
6 years ago
We had a new composition roof installed this spring. Our HOA enforces that all the roof caps/etc match the shingles. I did am inspection when completed and all was good. This is a very reputable roofing company and they were not low bid.

If there's anything I need to ck. Pls advise. Thank you
Vith
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I would not run your auger through a trap. Either straight through the clean out or pull a toilet. Possible to also bring it from the vent up above if you have long enough auger.

If you have children they like to shove stuff down the toilet so check trap of toilets as well.
tj starkey
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks / if when I run the auger, I would surely pull the toilet.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.
trickyputt
6 years ago
I have seen towels flushed by children in my rentals.

Sewer line issues on 1/2 side of house

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Sewer line issues on 1/2 side of house

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