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Author:
Xenaite (GA)
When I do laundry or flush the toilet in my basement level, it is backing up in the shower and toilet on the ground level of the house above it. The sink in the ground level bathroom drains fine, but the toilet and shower are stopped up and the water rises up in them when the laundry is done or toilet is flushed in the basement. What could be causing this and is this something I can fix myself or do I need to call a plumber?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
The first thing you have to understand is that water ONLY flows downhill, so unless you have omitted something, there is no way water being used in the basement can even go upstairs to the first floor, much less "overflow" it.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Your basement would have to be on an ejector pump for this to happen. Regardless, you need a drain cleaning service to solve the issue. Their expertise and equipment can diagnose and solve the problem on site, which we here can currently do neither.
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Author:
Xenaite (GA)
We do have a sump pump in the basement, if that is what you mean by an ejecter pump. If that is malfunctioning, could that cause the backup?
Thanks,
Xenaite
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Author:
packy (MA)
generally a 'sump pump' would be used to pump out rain water while an 'ejector pump' would pump plumbing (sinks toilets showers) drain water.
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Author:
Xenaite (GA)
It is an ejecter pump then. If it malfunctions can it cause a backup like this, or does this sound like a clog to you? The shower and toilet that it is backing up in both drain very slowly and the water that is backing up in the shower has toilet paper in it. When the dishwasher is run, it also causes the backup in the shower and toilet. If it is a clog, can I clear it myself with drain-o or a snake, or should I call a plumber?
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Author:
packy (MA)
it is a main line blockage and someone with the proper equipment is needed to clear it.
forget about draino or small homeowner snaking equipment. they won't work..
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
There's nothing wrong with the ejector pump. The pipe is clogged downstream of where it ties in.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
Yes, you should call a licensed plumber. And mention this ad. A licensed plumber will know exactly what to do. Watch what they do and let them know that YOU want to know what caused the blockage.
Best Wishes
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