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Author:
Helppp88 (IL)
First, I am not familiar with the plumbing lingo, so I am going to try an describe the problem the best I can.
I live in a one bedroom basement apartment. I have two big drains, one where the sump pump is located in the front of the apartment. Then there is one in the laundry room in the back of the basement. The problem is coming from the basement bathroom. First, there is an awful smell that seems to be there constantly. I was told that it is probably because there is a "p trap" missing. Second, the shower drain always backs up. Meaning there is poop and water constantly coming up through the drain. If I flush the toilet, it does it, if the upstairs toilet is flushed, it does it. I believe the handyman who did the job ( the bathroom and kitchen was added to the basement about five years ago ) connected the bathroom pipes to the drain that is in the laundry room in the back of the basement.
I have just graduated college and just moved out here to Chicago. I don't have very much money, being that I have no luck getting a job. So, is there some inexpensive fix that I could do? And I honestly have no idea where I find the traps and catches. I would be sooooo appreciative for someone to help me.
Thanks!!!! 
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Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
Don't want to insensitive to your situation, but should not your landlord be addressing these issues instead of the you, the tennant?
From your description, I can only guess that this handyman nightmare from hades violates plumbing codes and common sense on several levels.
First, it appears that the basement drains are below the main sewer run to the street, yes?
Sometimes, a sewage ejector pump is used to raise the drain water up to the sewer main. These are usually "closed systems" with a pump inside a sealed chamber.
Sump pumps refer to an open basin that has no sealed lid, and are never intended to be used for pumping sewage; only for draining groundwater seepage in basements.
There is probably a blockage or restricion somewhere that is causing the backflow of sewage into your shower; or a poorly perfoming pump that has too much trash in the sump well; and if there's no shower trap, you are kinda screwed. Call a drain cleaning pro to evaluate your situation. This is not a DIY project. No simple fix without being there to see what the problem is. Sorry. If you could post any pictures that may help the others here help you with a diagnosis.
Edited 4 times.
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Author:
Wheelchair
Your question implies that you are living in Chicago's Cook County. As an apartment dweller, you have no authority to make repairs. If your living conditions are truly affecting your health and well being, you should contact the health department- Cook County- and have them inspect your basement apartment for health code violations.
You can also, at your own expense, hire a licensed plumber to evaluate the plumbing conditions of your basement and document the violations. If you truly reside in Chicago, you can dial 311 and request for help from City Services.
If you live in Cook County, you can contact a number of television stations that will gladly document your plumbing problems and health issues and then display them on the 6 & 10 o'clock News.
Or, you can contact your apartment landlord with a list of plumbing issues and ask that they be properly resolved. All of the above is based on your written agreement with your landlord or leasing agency.
Best Wishes
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Helppp88 (IL)
Yes, the drains are below the main sewer. With my own testing to see which pipes drain to which big drain. I have discovered that the sink and toilet in the bathroom do not drain to the big drain in the front of the house, but everything else does.
I tried posting pictures, but still haven't figured out how to get them on here.
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Author:
Wheelchair
Again, if you are living in Cook County (Chicago) pick up your phone and call 311.
Best Wishes
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