Several drains back up at once when there is a clog in a pipe they share, most often the main sewer line or a branch line serving one part of the home. The usual causes are grease, wipes, and paper products, tree roots, damaged or sagging pipes, and heavy storms that overload the city sewer.
Shared Pipes and Main Lines
Each fixture has its own drain, but those drains join into larger pipes. When one of those shared pipes is blocked, every fixture upstream of it is affected. A blockage in the main line affects the whole house, usually starting with the lowest drains.
Clues That Point to the Location
Notice exactly which drains are backing up. If only the fixtures in one bathroom are slow, the clog is probably in that bathroom’s branch line. If the basement floor drain or a ground floor shower fills with water when you flush upstairs, the main line is the likely problem. Gurgling sounds and sewer smells are also common clues.
Common Causes
- Grease from cooking that hardens in pipes
- Wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products flushed down toilets
- Tree roots entering older sewer lines through cracks
- Sagging pipes that collect debris
- Storms that fill city sewers and slow drainage
What to Do While You Wait
Stop using water as much as possible, especially the washing machine and dishwasher. Avoid plunging over and over, which can push water into other fixtures. Do not pour chemical cleaners into the drains either. In a multifamily home, let the other residents know right away.
A shared line clog needs professional tools to clear. With a cable machine, the blockage can be found and the shared line opened. Once the line is open, a drain care plan for your home helps prevent a repeat down the road. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.