Having a toilet that is backing up into your bathtub can be an irritating situation. And unfortunately, it is a challenge for many people in their homes. But there are several solutions you can use to unblock your toilet that is backing up into the bathtub.
In this article, you will learn why your toilet backing into the bathtub is clogged and the multiple solutions to the clog. Therefore read to the end to grasp all details.
This post is the step-by-step process on how to unclog a toilet that’s backing up into the bathtub.
How to Unclog a Toilet That’s Backing Up Into The Bathtub
Step 1: Inspect the Drain
The first step you need to take is to check the drain to find the cause of the clogs. You should use a flashlight to check for any obstructions in the gutter, and if there isn’t any block, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Use a Plunger
Among the various tools you can use to unblock a toilet backing into the bathtub, the easiest one to use is a plunger. First, you must fill the tub with enough water to cover the plunger cup fully.
Then, place your plunger on top of the train and start pumping using your plunger until there is resistance from the plunger. ( the pressure from the opposition is enough to remove the clogs from the drain).
Step 3: Try a Drain Snake
Suppose your plunger doesn’t remove the clog. Unlike the plunger, a drain snake is long and flexible, so you can insert it into the drainpipe and remove any clog or obstruction.
First, you must put the drain snake into the drain and twist it until you can feel some resistance. Then, rotate the snake clockwise to break and remove the located clog.
Step 4: Use Chemical Cleaners
If using a drain snake or a plunger doesn’t unclog your toilet, you must opt for chemical cleaners. However, you need to be extra careful with these cleaners as they contain strong chemicals that can cause harm to your skin and eyes, so ensure you follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. These chemical cleaners work by dissolving obstructions and clogs blocking your toilet.
Step 5: Contact a Professional Plumber
If none of these solutions work, contact a licensed plumber to unblock your toilet backing into the bathtub. Their experience lets them quickly identify why your toilet is clogged and the best solution to the clog.
You must follow the following steps to unclog a toilet backing into the bathtub successfully.
However, if you aren’t comfortable or are unsure, it is wise to contact a licensed plumber to avoid further problems with your toilet.
Why is it Causing My Toilet to Back Up Into My Tub?
There are various reasons why your toilet is backing up into your bathtub. Here are some of them:
- Clogged Drain Pipes: if your pipes are blocked, then water will not flow, which is likely to cause the backup to the bathtub
- Sewer Line Clogs: block of the sewer line will cause water to rush back to the bathtub
- Tree Roots: roots of trees can block sewer lines, which then causes water back to your bathtub
- Cracked or Broken Toilet Tanks: if your toilet tank is broken, then water will find its way to your bathtub
- Building Settling: if your home settles, it will cause your piles to become misaligned, forcing water back into the bathtub.
What will I do when my bathtub and toilet are clogged?
If your bathtub and toilet are clogged, it is wise to find a solution as fast as possible before the damage becomes more severe.
Here is what you can do to unclog your toilet;
1. Remove The Clog By Hand
One unpopular method to remove a clog is by using your hand if you can find and reach the clog.
After putting your gloves on, put your hand into the blocked toilet and reach out for the clog; carefully pull or break the clog.
Gloves are essential to prevent your hands from any direct contact with bacteria and dirt in the toilet.
You can also use a sewer auger or pliers to break stubborn clogs. However, you must be careful not to damage the drainage pipes.
2. Use A Drain Snake
Clogs far below the pipes require a bit longer tool to dislodge. Luckily, a drain snake is long enough to reach clogs you can’t get to by hand. You need to put the drain snake into standpipes, then twist it until you note some resistance. Once you do, turn it clockwise to break the clog.
You can also use chemical cleaners, hot water, or a drill to unblock your toilet if the clog is resistant to other forms. Still, if none of these work, it might be best to call your plumber to find a solution.
3. Use A Plunger
For clogs that are near the surface, you can use a plunger to remove them. Simply place the plunge on the drain, then plunge it to remove the clog.
However, before you begin plunging, you must seal the overflow hole in your bathtub with a wet cloth for the plunger to work effectively.
If the plunger doesn’t work, you must consider using more robust options like chemical cleaners that work perfectly on stubborn clogs.
However, you must read instructions and take protective measures like gloves and masks to prevent bodily harm. Most cleaners have harsh chemicals that can cause significant damage to your skin if you do not follow instructions.
4. Use A Pot Of Boiling Water
Clogs are often caused by soluble things like soap that can dissolve in hot water. Simply pour boiling water into a large pot and leave it on the stove. Once that is done, carefully pour the water directly into the toilet and bathtub drain to wash away or break the clog.
However, if the clog is because of a tangible item like plastic or a piece of metal, you may opt for an auger or a drain snake because solid objects will not respond to hot water.
5. Use A Natural Drain Cleaner
Sometimes, your toilet could clog because of hair build-up or soap scum, among other debris. Therefore, before opting for a drain snake or other chemical and natural tools, you can begin with a homemade natural cleaner.
To clean your toilet using a natural mixture, follow the following steps:
- Add about ½ cup of baking soda into your bathtub or bathroom, then pour 3 cups of white vinegar.
- The clog will begin to dissolve once the mixture starts to bubble or fizz.
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before flushing your toilet.
6. disconnect the Drain Trap from your toilet or bathroom wall
Before anything, you must turn off the water supply to prevent further damage as you repair the drain trap.
Then, loosen the nuts on both sides of the trap to carefully detach it from the wall. You can use a wrench to loosen the nuts.
Once the trap is loose, carefully empty any present dirt and clean it with hot water. Finally, return the trap to the wall, turn the water back on, and ensure your toilet is unclogged.
7. Call A Plumber
If you have tried all these methods, but the clog still won’t dislodge, call a licensed plumber to check it out further. Their experience allows them to quickly identify the clog and find the solution in no time.
Ensure the plumber you ask for assistance is licensed to avoid further damage to your toilet or bathtub. Also, ensure you find out the cost beforehand for proper planning.
What Does It Mean When You Flush The Toilet And The Bathtub Gurgles?
If your bathtub gurgles after you flash, it means a clog in the pipes separating the two. The gurgling sound results from air trying to escape the lines because of the block.
So, if your bathtub is gurgling, you must find and remove the clog as soon as possible to avoid damaging your drainage system. If the clog is near the surface, you can use your hands or use a plunger. However, if the block is far beneath, you must use a drain snake and chemical cleaners for resistant clogs.
If none of these options work, you might need to call a plumber for a quick fix.
To prevent further blocks, you should avoid flushing large blocks, oils, grease, and other particles that can cause an obstruction.
You should also use filters to catch hair and other particles that could be present In the bathroom.
Can I Clean a Main Sewer Line Clog Without Calling a Professional Plumber?
You can clear a clogged sewer line with manual tools and chemical solutions. For starters, try a plunger to dislodge the clog. Ensure the plunger you use is specific for toilets and not sinks.
If the plunger doesn’t work, move on to a drain snake or an auger. Put the tool into the drainage until you feel resistance, then turn it clockwise to break the clog.
If those tools don’t work, progress to chemical solutions that dissolve the clog. You need to note that these chemical drain cleaners are harsh and can cause your great harm. Therefore, ensure you use protective gear as you clean your sewer line.
Why. Is My Toilet And Bathtub Not Draining?
If your toilet and bathtub are not draining, they are likely clogged or blocked. You could be dealing with a stuck piece of soap or hair in your drainage system.
Therefore, you should use a plunger, a drain snake, boiling water, or chemical cleaners to remove the clog.
1. How Do I Know If My Main Line Is Clogged?
It’s pretty easy to tell when your mainline blocks. Usually, you will start to notice a few things;
- Your sewer line might start to smell
- The toilets might start producing a gurgling sound
- Your bathtub or toilet will start draining slowly.
Once you notice these signs, you must immediately check your toilet to prevent further damage. You can repair it yourself using a plunger, drain snake, or chemical cleaners, or you can call a professional to fix it.
2. Multiple Slow-Running Drains
If multiple drains are blocked, the problem may come from the mainline. To fix that, you should use a plunger, chemical cleaners, auger, or boiling water to clear the clog from your drainage system before it worsens. But, if these solutions don’t work, you should call a professional to solve the problem.
You must be careful of the materials you drain or flush. The reason is that large chunks, oils, and grease are the major causes of clogs, so you should avoid pouring them into the toilet to avoid blocks.
You can also use filters to catch hair or debris that could cause your toilet to block.
3. Water Backing Up Into Other Drains
Usually, this problem is caused by a block in the mainline. To clear it out, use an Auger, plunger, hot water, chemical solutions, or a drain snake to remove the clog. However, you must carefully note what you pour into your toilet to avoid future blocks.
4. Gurgling Sounds
Gurgling sounds in your drainage indicate that your pipes are clogged, and the air is trying to escape from the blocked pipe. So, you should use chemical cleaners, a plunger, boiling water, or a drain snake to sort it out.
If none of these options work, call your plumber, who will fix your drainage quickly.
5. Sewage Odors Coming From The Drains
An odor from the sewer line is a sign of a block on the mainline that needs immediate attention. You should check it out and use the following tools to clear it:
- Boiling water
- Chemical cleaners
- A plunger
- Auger
- Drain snake
If the clog does not respond to any of these, call a professional plumber to help you fix it. However, the best remedy is to avoid pouring or flashing large materials, oils, and grease into the toilet, as they could easily cause a clog.
