I have been having a problem with all of the toilets bubbling. I have been able to fix the problem with a plunger but the problem keeps recurring. Today the toilets started bubbling and I was only running the washing machine. Again, the plunger fixed the problem. Last week while trying to plunger the toilet, the water backed up in the shower. I tried drain cleaner but I'm still have the same problem.

Is this a problem I can fix with a snake or should I get a plumber in to clean out the entire system.

PalmMP3

First of all, bubbles (as opposed to gurgles) is a sign of a [partial] blockage. So you're on the right track here: yes, a snake will help - if you do it properly, that is. Although you ask about it in the end of your post ("Is this a problem I can fix with a snake"), I noticed no mention of any previous attempts to snake the drain. Do you actually have a snake, and do you know how to use it? If you do, get back to us and we'll talk specifics about how and where you should be snaking from. If not, well... it ain't gonna help much to know how to do it if you don't have the equipment...

Cheers,
Moishe

jsg712

I have the equipment. Where do I start?

speedball1

That's a good question. Before you can start you gave to know where to start. City sewer or septic tank? Locate the cleanout out side your house. It will be directly above where the sewer exits the house and not over 18" from the foundation. When you locate it, open the cover and cycle the wash machine. Is there a puff of sewer gas and a backup out of the open cleanout? If so that's where you'll snake from. One last thought. If you're on a septic tank and it needs to be pumped this will give you the problem that you're experiencing. Regards, tom