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Author:
shellielatham (OK)
All of my plumbing is basically on the backside of my house. The washer/dryer-kitchen sink/dishwasher and toilet. When I run the washer &/or dishwasher the bathroom floods from the toilet. It doesn't overflow it floods from the base of the toilet. Where it sits on the floor. I have done everything I am capable of that was suggested, this side of hiring someone. (single mom of 3 living on $25k/yr) I have poured muriatic acid down the toilet and changed the wax seal under the toilet. It has gotten so bad that now you can't use the toilet at all. If you flush it floods the bathroom. The house was built in 1925 to my knowledge. I have read about a drain pipe on the outside. Could it be on the back side of the house? Not actually venting into the ceiling? Any help is GREATLY appreciated! I will answer any questions to the best of my ability.
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
It's not the vent. The drain pipe is full of water, either due to a clog or a full septic tank. You will need a heavy duty drain cleaning machine to clear the clog, or if you're on a septic system you need to remove the lid and see if the water level is over the incoming pipe. The wax seal also needs replacing, the flange may be lower than the floor requiring a flange spacer or extra thick wax seal.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
I would recommend have a professional drain cleaner come to assess the problem. As my friend from NC has said, it is your main drain or a septic tank. While he mentions a professional drain cleaning machine, I don't recommend that you attempt to tackle the problem yourself. The drain equipment required to get the job done is heavy and dangerous to run, and it isn't worth you getting hurt over since you don't have the skill set, and it is VERY easy to get hurt with that equipment. You have 3 kids to consider, and they need their mother in one piece without broken wrists. A professional can probably have your problem assessed within 10 minutes, and the drain cleaned within the hour. If you have to have the toilet pulled, you can request that you pull it so that there aren't additional charges if you would like. Personally, I am more than happy to let other people pull their own toilet if they wish. Be sure to get a reputable drain cleaner that guarantees his work. Best of luck.
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Author:
packy (MA)
KC, your advice is usually very good. BUT, this one is not. it is EXCELLENT advice.
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Author:
shellielatham (OK)
Sorry I haven't been back to respond. Do I have a septic tank if I live inside city limits? I'm on city water. I am planning on ripping out the bathroom floor and re-doing the plumbing under the whole house. I had my brother come look and he said it looks like people have just added pieces over the years and never actually repaired stuff. For example he said there are several elbows coming off the bath tub. The pipe under the tub has completely fallen off too so when we shower it is just draining out under the house. The sewage smell in the house is indescribable.
Also now when you flush the toilet you can hear the kitchen sink gurlging? It sounds like the toilet is flushing down thru the sink drain if that makes any sense.
I appreciate everyone's courtesy. I don't know anything about plumbing so I'm learning as I come across the issues.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Most homes inside city limits don't have a septic tank, but that doesn't hold true for many very small towns, large estates, and very old properties. Before you worry about replacing the plumbing, you need to get the drain clear, then you will have to get some plastic sheeting down to work in the crawlspace. After the job is done, GET A RESPIRATOR!! and quicklime and cover all the area where sewage has contaminated the ground. DO NOT DO THIS WITHOUT A RESPIRATOR, a dust mask isn't sufficient.
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Author:
shellielatham (OK)
Under my bathroom looks like a pool right now. I thought if I let this dry it would do the least damage? I was thinking that if i make it to where the water can flow away it will take the dirt with it and compromise the foundation? if you could email me I would be so grateful. It is difficult to dig up posts here to see if there are any new comments. shellielatham@gmail.com
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Author:
shellielatham (OK)
I had someone look under the house and all the plumbing is busted or loose and some is even just kind of resting in place and supposedly someone has just added pieces instead of doing correct repairs. I was told there are several p-traps(spelling) and bends coming off of the tub alone.
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