I'm having several problems with my plumbing. House is connected to city sewer system. Problem started 1 week ago.
- While flusing the toilet, bubbles comes up from the bowl. Sometimes it requires 2-3 flushes... and sometimes it overflows.
- When I continue to flush and/or use plunger - the water backups into the bathtub.
- Looking at the cleanout(s): The both 4 inch tubes are filled. I had a plummer come out -- and he stated that the problem was with the cleanout that is from the house to the city's main. He used a auger - and pulled out some strands of root... and the water in the lateral sewer pipe cleared.
- That evening - the problem returned... called the plummer the next morning and he came out and augered the pipe again -- a little moer root strands came out -- and the water from the clean out drained.
- Two days later - same problem. This time he augered "further" and got a good chunk of root.
** However, I still get bubble coming from my toilet bowl. And when I look in the cleanout(s), both are filled... but eventually drains out.
** What is the problem -- a) is there more roots in the laterals? b) Is there secondary problems in the lines in the house (clogged toilet/laundry line)?
** I'm planning to call the plummer again for the fourth (4th) time.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
//RussA

Hi Russ,

The plumbger failed toput out enough cable . Not once but three times. Since a lot of roots get into the pipe at the city raiser it's important to run the snake all the way to the street to be sure the line's clear.

For immediate relief and to kill the existing roots and prevent further growth you can purchase RootX or Robics Foaming Root Killer that contain Dichlobrnic.
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.
Let me say that sooner or later you're going to have to bite the bullet and replace that old sewer line with PVC. Good luck, Tom