Hello,

I need some advice on a floor drain backup problem. Three years ago we had our line inspected with a camera and it showed the floor drain line, also has the basement toilet connected to it, had some backflow. The floor was jackhammered and the "Y" where this line connects to the home sewer line was found angled (not level) towards the floor drain. It was adjusted and life was fine until a month ago. We are again having the floor drain backup, so we had the line inspected with a camera. With the camera inserted into the basement clean out for the master bath, begins the home sewer line, we now see two problems. First, the angle of the pipe from the master does not appear to be enough based on viewing the water flow rate and "debris" in this section. Second, with the camera positioned just upstream (looking away from the master clean out and towards the direction of flow) of the "Y" where the floor drain/toilet line connects we see significant backflow in the sewer line towards the master when the basement toilet is flushed. This means the discharge of basement toilet has some water flowing towards the master and some flowing in the correct direction. Everything was cleaned out and we placed some toilet paper in the upstairs master toilet and flushed it. Just this amount clogged the line at the "Y"! We place some toilet paper in the downstairs toilet and flushed it while watching the camera. It took three flushes to see the paper finally flow through the "Y". The distance between the toilet and the "Y" is only 15 feet. To me this indicates the floor drain line has backflow.

It is the opinion of the plumbing company that the sewer line was installed incorrectly 6 years ago when the house was built. They have suggested replacing the master toilet with a "power" toilet. This may be a great option, but this does not address the fact it took three cycles to get the paper into the line from the basement toilet. Also, wouldn't flow from the master exit the "Y" towards the floor drain if the line is lower?

So my question is this; should I try the new toilet option in both bathrooms or investigate opening up the basement floor again and having all the piping upstream of the "Y" reworked/replaced. How likely is reworking the pipe to create problems downstream of the "Y"

I'm open to options and appreciate your time.

"So my question is this; should I try the new toilet option in both bathrooms or investigate opening up the basement floor again and having all the piping upstream of the "Y" reworked/replaced. How likely is reworking the pipe to create problems downstream of the "Y"

I have doubts about the plumbers recommendation that installing a power flush will solve your backup problems.
Sure a power flusher will get the discharge out of the toilet and into the drain line but if the drain line has back fall and doesn't carry the Ka-Ka away then all you have done is purchase a expensive potty. IMO your plumber suggested a "bandaid" repair and not a very good one at that.
To avoid drainage problems in the future the cement should come up and the drainage reinstalled with the correct fall, (1/4" to the foot). But then, I'm guessing, you already knew that. Good luck,Tom