[illimani]

Damsel in Distress, Help!

Leak #1: After 5 minutes of using upstairs shower, bedroom ceiling below starts to leak. Is this due to a broken pipe or a backup in the lateral? Note: toilet or sink do not backup.

Leak #2: After 2 minutes of running shower full blast, cracked vent pipe located in the roof of the garage directly below bathroom, starts leaking clean water. Again, no sewer smell or backed up toilet or sink-even after flushing. Water easily drains from both showers.

Can anyone help solve the mystery?

Had a plumber send a camera down the main line through the lateral. Camera stopped when it encountered some h20 backed up about 5 ft. from the main sewer line, but we could not see what was causing the stoppage. Of course, he started talking $$$$$$$$ and city permits etc. since the lateral runs under the street.

How can I be sure the pipe need replacing or trenchless repair, or if it's just roots or debris? Maybe it's not even a backed up lateral?!

HELP!!

[speedball1]

Leak #1: After 5 minutes of using upstairs shower, bedroom ceiling below starts to leak. Is this due to a broken pipe or a backup in the lateral? Note: toilet or sink do not backup.

Custom tile shower or manufactured shower base and enclosure? It the latter, does the floor give a bit when you step into it? Try this, Block the drain off and fill the base with about a inch of water. Watch the ceiling for fresh moisture. If you see any then drain the water. You have a ruptured drain lip seal. If that's the case let me know and I'll instruct you in the repair.

Leak #2: After 2 minutes of running shower full blast, cracked vent pipe located in the roof of the garage directly below bathroom, starts leaking clean water. Again, no sewer smell or backed up toilet or sink-even after flushing. Water easily drains from both showers.

If the pipe's cracked and leaking it should be repaired or replaced.

Had a plumber send a camera down the main line through the lateral. Camera stopped when it encountered some h20 backed up about 5 ft. from the main sewer line, but we could not see what was causing the stoppage. Of course, he started talking $$$$$$$$ and city permits etc. since the lateral runs under the street.

Sounds like roots to me.
If the problem's off your property and under the street then it's the citys problem. However, most roots enter the line at the raiser, ( where your sewer connects into the city lateral to the main) You don't have to replace the entire line for problem. Depending on how deep the sewer is it's a simple job to dig down and check and repair. In the meantime let me tell you how to control those roots. RootX or Robics Foaming Root Killer that contain Dichlobrnic are two products you could try.
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.
Hope this helps Tom