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Inayah · Jan 11, 2008, 12:43 PM

Both our bathtubs are clogged and both toilets won't flush. We've tried Zepp in both tubs and one seemed to drain fine while the other one didn't. We then tried the snake and couldn't get it to go in the bathtub with the drain problem more than two feet or so. We were able to remove some hair from one tub (the other tub that drained ok) and more hair in the sink in the bathroom with the problem. We then tried plunging and we thought it was successful because the tub started draing perfect. Then we noticed the clog moved to the other bathtub. We continued plunging and now the toilet or toilets have backed up into the bathtub (very gross)! So were back to both bathtubs being clogged and the toilets not flushing as long as there is standing water in the tubs. Can someone please recommend something. I think I may have to call a plumber but I'm worried about the cost. Is this something we can fix ourselves or do we need to make that call?

doug238 · Jan 12, 2008, 06:41 AM

The main line is clogged, price different plumbers for clearing a main line. It should cost anywhere from 85 dollars up to 450 dollars, depending on who does it.

Inayah · Jan 13, 2008, 04:09 PM

Thank you, we did call a plumber because we couldn't even get it to drain at all after that. As soon as he walked in and saw what was backed up into the bathtub he knew what the problem was. He couldn't find the wash out drain and had to probe to find it but once found he ran about 70 feet (until it broke through to the city sewer) and when he pulled the line back it had tree roots on it the line was clear. So it looks as though tree roots were blocking the main line. The cost was not as bad as I thought it would be, after paying for locating the wash out drain and to clear the main line it was right under $300. Problem solved and we can shower again! Thanks again for responding. :)

speedball1 · Jan 13, 2008, 04:29 PM

For those pesky roots RootX or Robics Foaming Root Killer that contain Dichlobrnic are two products you could try.
A less expensive way would be to call around to garden supply stores and ask for fine grain Copper Sulphate. Put a 1/2 pound in your toilet and flush it down. Repeat in 6 months.
Hope this helps Tom

Inayah · Jan 13, 2008, 08:52 PM

Ok great we will do that!

doug238 · Jan 14, 2008, 04:47 AM

It is my opinion that roots in a line will represent a break in the line and a future problem. Did he mention where the roots were and if they are on the right of way or on your side of the line and how deep?

Inayah · Jan 14, 2008, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by doug238

it is my opinion that roots in a line will represent a break in the line and a future problem. did he mention where the roots were and if they are on the right of way or on your side of the line and how deep?

Actually he did not say how far in it was, my husband says he did mention that we could pour bleach down the toilet once every six months. I think we are going to take the advice of speedball1 and use the chemicals he has suggested.