One of the most perplexing moments is when your shower is not draining, and the toilet is not flushing. The worst is when the toilet and bathtub are clogged at the same time. This comprehensive blog can be your savior if you are looking for ways to fix a clogged toilet and bathtub.
In this blog, we will look into why your bathtub won’t drain and the toilet won’t flush, how to unclog the toilet and bathtub drain, and when to seek professional help.
Why is My Toilet and Shower Clogged
Your shower and toilet may be clogged due to several reasons. Common causes of your sewer line obstruction are :
- Excessive toilet paper
- Improperly installed toilets
- Blocked vent pipe
- Corrosion in unlined pipe
- Foreign objects and household debris stuck in the trap
- Clogged sewer pipes
- Hair and soap scum buildup
- Mineral buildup due to hard water
- Tree roots
How to Unclog Toilet and Bathtub Drain
If you’re wondering what to do when your toilet and bathtub are clogged, here are a few steps you can follow to unclog them:
- Use a plunger.
- A snake or Auger can help better break up and remove clogs that are deeper in both your shower and toilet drain.
- Using alternative cleaners like baking soda and vinegar can also work to break down organic matter and pipe scale.
- Chemical cleaners can also be used, but use them cautiously.
- Under the sink, there is a U-shaped pipe called the trap. Put a bucket underneath, unscrew the trap, check for clogs, clean it out, and reattach.
How To Unclog A Shower Drain
Unclogging a shower drain is an easy household task. Here are a few steps you can follow to unclog a shower drain:
- Remove Debris: If you suspect a shower drain, check for visible obstructions, use a flashlight, and remove the debris manually.
- Use a Plunger: If the problem persists, use a plunger to force the clog downward. Add water to create a seal around the drain, and then push rapidly for a few minutes.
- Natural Drain Cleaner: If a plunger doesn’t work, use baking soda and vinegar and let the mixture sit for a while before pouring hot water to dissolve the blockage.
- Boiling Water: Hot water is the best bet to get rid of soap scum in your drain. Slowly pour boiling hot water into the drains.
- Commercial Drain Cleaners: If natural cleaners don’t work, then go for chemical cleaners cautiously.
- Drain Snake: Utilize a drain snake into the drain to eliminate a deep clog.
How To Unclog A Toilet Drain
It is a very simple task and can be done with simple tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to unlock the toilet :
- Stop Flushing: To prevent further overflow, turn off the water supply valve located behind the toilet.
- Use a Plunger: Use a flange plunger for better suction. Place the plunger on the toilet bowl. Push down firmly and pull up rapidly; repeat until the clog is cleared.
- Add Hot Water and Dish Soap: If plunging does not work, try adding hot water with a small amount of dish soap to the bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then attempt to flush; this will help you break down the clog.
- Use a Toilet Auger: For deeper clogs, a toilet auger can be used. Continue turning and maneuvering in order to break up or pull out the debris.
Seek Professional Help
If your toilet clog is serious and can’t be handled via DIY, a professional plumber can resolve it by using advanced plumbing techniques like hydro scrub, trenchless technology(pipe lining or pipe bursting), video inspection, pressure testing, rooter tools, etc.
How to Unclog a Bathroom Drain in Five Minutes:
If My Toilet is Clogged, Can I Shower
If your toilet is clogged, you need to consider some things before you shower.
If the clog is restricted to the toilet trap or pipe, showering will not cause any issues. But if the clog is deep down in the main sewer line, showering may result in worsening the situation.
Likewise, If the sink or bathtub is bubbling, avoid using any water fixture because it is an indication of a severe issue in the sewer line. In case of a sewage smell, you should also avoid using the shower.
How to Prevent Clogging of the Plumbing System
If you’re dealing with a clogged shower and toilet drain, you should follow these :
- Use your garbage disposal in the right way.
- Use water softener to avoid pipe scale buildup due to hard water
- Use a drain strainer.
- Avoid pouring grease into your drains
- Prefer an enzyme drain cleaner to avoid future clogs.
- Regularly clean your drain trap
- Having a plunger in your home’s tool kit is a surefire way to avoid future clogs
- To prevent future clogs, flush with hot water regularly
- Use eco-friendly drain cleaners
- Consult a professional plumber to take care of the regular maintenance of your plumbing system, including any clogs or damages in the connecting lines and vent pipes.
When to Call a Professional
Many minor clogs in both your toilet and shower drain can be handled via DIY tricks or chemical drain cleaners. However, sometimes problems get out of hand and even worsen due to it. So it is better to call professional plumbers to avoid any inconvenience. Here are a few signs that indicate you should seek professional assistance :
Persistence Clogs
If you have tried to drain the snake and plunger, but it goes in vain, it’s time to look for a professional plumber. The main culprit could be a blocked sewer main line, or damaged pipes.
Multiple Fixture Clogging of the Plumbing System
If you’re dealing with multiple fixture issues like clogging the shower, bathtub, sink, and toilets simultaneously, there is something fishy out there in the main sewer line.
Call a licensed plumber to do hydro-jetting or other required protocols to resolve the issue.
Slow Draining Water
Slow-draining water in showers and other water fixtures at the same time is also an indication of a serious issue that can only be handled by a qualified professional.
Water Leaks
Water leaks in your plumbing system are a crucial problem to address; leaks can cause water damage and mold growth. A plumber can recognize and fix the source of the leaks.
Low Water Pressure
Consistently low water pressure can be due to corroded pipes or a problem in the water supply line. Experienced plumbers can recognize the issue and fix it.
DIY Attempts Fail
If all of your attempts to resolve plumbing problems on your own have been unsuccessful, now it’s time to call a qualified professional. Continuing with DIY tricks without the necessary expertise can result in further damage.
Renovation or Installation
When you are planning major plumbing renovations, installations or upgrades, it’s recommended to contact a plumber to ensure the work is done correctly and complies with local codes.
Final Thought
Here, we have discussed reasons why your toilet and shower are clogged and what to do when all toilets and showers are backed up. Seek professional help if DIY tips are not working, and regularly maintain your plumbing system to avoid future clogs.
Say goodbye to all clogged shower and toilet drains once and for all by hiring qualified plumbing professionals. If you live in Dallas, TX, Deluxe Plumbers is your go-to solution for getting connected with expert plumbers for all plumbing tasks, including clogged drains.
FAQs:
What causes both my toilet and shower to be clogged?
Toilets and showers can be clogged due to several reasons like a blockage in sewer lines, tree roots, flushing non-flushable items, grease buildup, hair and soap scum buildup and pipe deterioration.
What are the steps to clear a clogged toilet and shower drain?
To clear a clogged toilet, first use a plunger, position the plunger over the drain to create a seal and push vigorously. If that doesn’t work, try a toilet auger. Introduce it into the drain and rotate it to break the block. If all DIY tricks fail, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
For a clogged shower drain, start by removing any visible debris. If the clog persists, use a chemical drain cleaner carefully. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda with hot water.
If all these fail, use a plunger or drain snake. Otherwise, consult a licensed plumber to resolve the issue.
What is the method for unclogging a main sewer line?
A professional plumber unclogs a main sewer line using a plumbing snake or pressurized water jets. If you want to do it yourself, loosen the main drain cleanout cap, remove the lid, and let the water backflow. Now, insert the snake into the sewer line and run it to remove the clogs. Then, replace the sewer cleanout cap.
What actions should be taken when sewage backs up into the shower?
Stop using the water fixture to avoid worsening the backup. Avoid it yourself and contact an expert plumber promptly to assess and address the problem.