Could lateral line be callapsed? Basement floor drain backs up periodically, but now has backed up 3 times this week. Main stack has been cleaned out twice this week using 100' snake with 2 1/2" cutting head. First clean-out removed a few tree roots about 70' out; water receded and problem seemed corrected. Drained backed up 2 days later and was snaked out, but no obstruction was found. Water level in basement floor drain rises about 2" when basement toilet is flushed. Basement toilet gurgles when upstairs toilets are flushed. Water level in downstairs toilet bowl is now higher than normal. One day later, drain backed up (3rd time) after washing several loads of clothes. Must get this resolved so basement remodel can be completed. HELP!

By "first clean out" do you mean the house clean out? City sewer or septic tank?
When you are backed up is there standing water in the housed clean out? Let me know, Tom

By "first clean out" do you mean the house clean out? City sewer or septic tank?
When you are backed up is there standing water in the housed clean out? Let me know, Tom

Yes, "first clean out" was through the main drain and so were the subsequent clean outs. We're connected to the city sewer line.

When you are backed up is there standing water in the house clean out? How far from the house cleanout out to the curb?
Please answer. Tom

Yes, "first clean out" was through the main drain and so were the subsequent clean outs. We're connected to the city sewer line.

Forgot to answer your next question about standing water. Yes, we have standing clear water - no waste.


When you are backed up is there standing water in the house clean out? How far from the house cleanout out to the curb?
please answer. Tom

Our house is about 50-60' from the curb.

Don't guess: do Sewer Video Inspection. It will tell you exactly what the problem is. Act accordingly...

Don't guess: do Sewer Video Inspection. It will tell you exactly what the problem is. Act accordingly...

That makes sense... In St. Louis, the going rate for video inspections is $250-$300. Sound reasonable?

Got a hunch you'll find your clog out atv the street raiser at the curb. That's mostly where roots enter if the rest vof the line's OK. If I were going to dig that's where Id start. In the meantime let me give you some relief on those roots.
If you wish to control 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 and thank you for rating my answer, Tom

We started doing video inspections free of charge about 3 years ago. It is free if we do the repair job. Otherwise we charge $135.00 .

But in any case, it is worth it, even if you pay $350.00. It tells you exactly what's wrong. You see the problem on the screen in front of you.

However, I would first try to call the plumber who installed the new sewer and connected it to the existing one. He may do it for free. We would...