Downstairs shower backs up when I use upstairs shower

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Downstairs shower backs up when I use upstairs shower
Author: Ecca (NC) When I use my upstairs shower, dirty water backs up into my downstairs shower and my downstairs toilet starts gurgling. I figure this is more than Draino can fix. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This is my first older home purchase (1963) and I just bought it a week ago, so I'm still learning! Thank you!
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Re: Downstairs shower backs up when I use upstairs shower
Author: steve (CA) Forget Drano or other chemicals. The main drain or branch needs to be mechanically cleaned. Best to get a professional in for this procedure. Is the house on a public sewer or private septic?
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Re: Downstairs shower backs up when I use upstairs shower
Author: packy (MA) yeah, if it was a small size drain, you can buy or rent a small snake set-up and cleanit yourself. but once a toilet is involved it means a big pipe is clogged and really needs a pro with the heavy equipment.
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Re: Downstairs shower backs up when I use upstairs shower
Author: North Carolina Plumber (NC) Hopefully it's just that the main line is clogged, if you're on a septic system, keep your fingers crossed that there's nothing wrong with it. Since this is a recent purchase, did you have a home inspection ?
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