You probably did not expect to see sewage coming up through your bathtub drain recently, even if you smelled it right away and realized something was wrong. It is critical to understand that the problem is with your sewer line, not your bathtub, in order to resolve it and prevent it from recurring. Why Is Sewer Showing Up in Your Bathtub?

Diagram of a Bathroom Drain

When you have raw sewage or suspicious water in your tub, the problem isn’t with the tub itself, but with what’s beneath it–your sewage system line. When your plumbing system is in good working order, your bath tub drains tub and shower water down your pipelines and into your drain. Your bathtub and toilet drain through separate pipelines until they reach the main sewer line, which is the main pipe to which all drains in your home lead. Eventually, all of the drained pipe materials combine and are dislodged from your home through a single line: the drain main. When there is a clog in the drain line, all of the pipes leading to that drain may be affected. If the main sewer line is obstructed in some way, all the water that stopped draining properly in the pipes (including raw sewage) can accumulate, eventually surfacing in unexpected places, such as your bathtub.

How to Unclog a Clogged Main Drain

It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to clear a clog in your sewage system line. There are several things you can try to ensure that any type of blockage that may exist in smaller connecting pipelines is removed. Nonetheless, several of these methods pose a risk of causing damage to your plumbing system. When it comes to pipes, it is always much better to call in the professionals.

Turn off the water supply

Turn off your primary water supply when you notice the first signs of a sewer line blockage. You don’t want additional water to flow directly into areas that are currently blocked. The main shutoff valve is usually located in your basement or in a utility room. If your house has an outside sewage system cleanout line, removing the cap will release the pressure in the line and also force any sewer backup down the blocked drain Reading.

Take a look at your air vent pipeline.

When air vent pipes become clogged, your sewage system line is unable to drain properly. Look for your vent pipe, which is most likely over your bathroom, on your roof. Check the pipeline with a flashlight to see if there is anything that could be blocking it. Pull out any blockages close to the leading with an access tool.

Drains should be snaked

When it comes to removing obstructions in your sewer line, drain pipes snakes can be extremely useful. Feed a bathroom drain snake down the commode, rotating clockwise as you go. Be cautious with this method because it can cause long-term noting on the commode surface. Spin the snake counterclockwise as you pull it out. Next, unscrew the shower drainpipe cover and pull it off. Push the drain snake down the bathtub drainpipe using the same technique. If your drainpipe snaking is successful, the snake will break the source of the blockage, and both your toilet and tub will drain efficiently.

Make a backup call

Is it still clogged? If your bathroom and bathtub remain obstructed after attempting each of these solutions, you most likely have a larger problem on your hands. Reading plumber will undoubtedly discover the source of the blockage. Whether your clog is caused by tree roots or cooking oil, our skilled plumbers have the tools and knowledge to restore your home’s pipes.