Hello.I am having trouble with my toilet and shower. When I flush the toilet, brown liquid backs up into the tub. I had problems with this before and found a solution in plugging up the shower drain and flushing the toilet to build up pressure. I have had no problems for about 4 months since then. However, when I tried it this time (multiple times... ) I had no such luck. The liquid keeps backing up into the shower each time. Initially there was a lot of solid that backed up as well, but now it is mostly just a liquid.I am interested in trying the auger but do not know how to remove the toilet from the wall. (Heck, I don't even know how to shut off the water - the only knob in the bathroom that COULD shut it off changes nothing). Is it OK to go directly into the toilet through the bowl (I believe it is porcelain)? Or will this damage the pipes in the toilet?Would it be possible to go directly through the shower?Thanks for your response.Brian

You have a partial blockage in the main drain line of the toilet. You could try a closet auger but it is unlikely to reach the blockage. You will have to remove the toilet and snake the main drain. Obviously if you don't know how to turn off the water to the toilet, this is beyond your capabilities.

Call a plumber (or a handyman with a drain snake). This problem is not going to go away and will only get worse.