Help! I'm a first time home owner with an Eichler built on concrete slab from the 1950s in Northern Cal. My kitchen sink is draining into my shower tub up through the drain. The shower then takes *hours* to slowly drain away. Meaning we can't wash dishes or us! Bathroom sink and toilet drain just fine. And the kitchen sink doesn't appear to back up at all. I washed dishes the first night without realizing the problem until the next day.

Reading through the forum I have the idea that I'm going to have to snake something, but not a clue how or where to start. Should we just break down and call a plumber?

At some point, the tub drain and kitchen sink will meet. The clog is somewhere beyond that.

I do suggest calling a plumber if you don't have - or have never used - an electric snake; Even if you rent one, you may be a half or full day trying to get it where it needs to go.

Hi Lady,

You have a blockage downstream of the shower. This clog can be reached several ways. Through the kitchen roof vent, the lavatory roof vent or through the shower drain. Rick gave you good advice when he advised you to get a plumber to do it but some home owners prefer to rent a power snake and do the work themselves. I'm just giving you that option. Good luck, Tom

Many thanks gentlemen. That's what I suspected but it's always nice to have a professional confirm it. Tom, I think I'll do as you recommended to another member - call the plumber, stand over his shoulder and ask lot's of questions. I'm learning something new everyday!

Have a Merry Christmas, a great New Year and thanks again for getting back to me so lightening fast.

Jen