We live in an older home, built in the early 70's.
About a month ago we had backflow into our home. Called the plumber who said that there were no blockages and blamed it on the 3 inches of rain seeping into the city's system. About a month later, we started seeing the signs of blockage: bubbling toilets when the shower drained, washer backing up into the bathtub, slow moving drains, disposal backing up into the sink. We didn't want another backflow situation so we called the plumber again, who cleared a "hard blockage". When he left, everything worked great for 3 days. Then all of the sudden, the tub stops draining and the toilet starts bubbling and up comes the water... no real warning signs. Called the plumber back who said that there was another blockage in almost the same spot as 3 days prior.
What would cause such sudden blockages in the same area of the house that often? It's not like the 2 of us are pouring anything down the drains or doing anything unusual!
Thanks!

Hi Missy...

What did the plumber find the first time.. Was it tree/bush roots? Was it... unknown?

Either way, it seems to me that it may be a good idea to have your drain line video taped to see exactly what is causing the issues down the drain line.

Almost all drain cleaning companies have cameras for this purpose. It can be expensive ($200-$400.00), but will let you know exactly what the issue is and exactly where the issue is in the yard. That in itself justifies the price... ;)

Let us know if you want to discuss more here... O.K.?

MARK

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Both blockages were described as "hard blockages" but definitely not tree roots. That has happened in the past but in a different spot. We have been informed that others in our neighborhood have been experiencing similar troubles so we have contacted the city to determine if there is extra debris making it into our sewer somehow.
In the meantime, we have been advised to located our lines in the yard so the don't have to dig up the whole yard when it happens again (yikes!)

Update on the situation... The plumbers have been out at least once a month and twice this week, so we have made the decision to replace our main sewer line. We are pretty sure that the original pipe is orangeburg (sp?) and we know that it only lasts about 40 years, so we know it's time. Luckily, my husband and his family farm and lay pipe all the time, so it's going to be a fun family affair!
Nonetheless, are there any quick tips you have concerning the replacement? I have already called the utilities to mark all underground lines and called the city about a permit (which wasn't needed). Anything else I should be aware of?

Hi again... :)

Biggest concerns here will just be to dig the trench a little deeper than needed and then add/compact a 6 inch layer of pea stone or sand before laying the new pipe. Once the new pipe is laid they will want to lay pea stone or sand to about 6" above the pipe...

Absolutely no LARGE ROCKs in the trench... ;)

Otherwise, it sounds like your family has done a few of these...


Good luck!

MARK