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harleyangelbrat · Jul 30, 2010, 09:55 AM

My tub has been unusable for a few years, but only because it kept getting clogged. It hasn't had any backups in years. All of a sudden water started appearing in the tub and filling it with smelly, brownish water. I cleared all the water out, and tested all the sinks, shower, and toilets, but it's not coming from inside. What could be happening? Is it a city problem or mine?

massplumber2008 · Jul 30, 2010, 10:01 AM

Hi Harleyangelbrat...

To test to see what exactly is happening I would ask you to fill all sinks and tubs/showers (except the one in question) to the rim with water.

Then you'll want to flush the toilets a few times and then, at approximately the same time, drain all the sinks and tub/showers...

See if any water shows up at the tub in question here. I'm here for a 1/2 hour.. go try this out! Let me know what happens and I can tell you more...

Mark

harleyangelbrat · Jul 30, 2010, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi Harleyangelbrat...

To test to see what exactly is happening I would ask you to fill all sinks and tubs/showers (except the one in question) to the rim with water.

Then you'll want to flush the toilets a few times and then, at approximately the same time, drain all the sinks and tub/showers...

See if any water shows up at the tub in question here. I'm here for a 1/2 hour..go try this out! Let me know what happens and I can tell you more...

Mark

We did what you said and no more water came up. It still has the same amount that appeared this morning after I had cleared all the water out last night. Thank-you for your fast reply, Mark. Marilyn

massplumber2008 · Jul 30, 2010, 10:20 AM

Hi Marilyn:

You filled every fixture up and flooded the drainage system and nothing backed up into the tub..

Is this tub the lowest plumbing fixture in the house? If not, what is the lowest fixture?

harleyangelbrat · Jul 30, 2010, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi Marilyn:

You filled every fixture up and flooded the drainage system and nothing backed up into the tub...?

Is this tub the lowest plumbing fixture in the house? If not, what is the lowest fixture?

What do you mean, the lowest? It is the hallway bathroom. We have a shower in the master bedroom. Would that make it the lowest?

massplumber2008 · Jul 30, 2010, 10:23 AM

Any fixtures in the basement... washing machine, etc?\

Also, how close is the washer to this tub?

harleyangelbrat · Jul 30, 2010, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Any fixtures in the basement...washing machine, etc?

No basement. We have a washing machine in the utility room out the outside. It is used a lot. There are 12 people living here... my kids and their kids. LOL! I did what you said and no water came up.

massplumber2008 · Jul 30, 2010, 10:27 AM

Well, at this point I would watch things carefully... especially when water is at PEAK use. I would also check the tub drain the next time the washing machine is used as sometimes the volume of water coming out of these washers can overwhelm the drain system... especially over time!

Otherwise, I got to tell you... doesn't sound like the drain is clogged and I have to honestly start wondering if it is possible that someone (of the 12 :)) poured something down the tub drain and hasn't spoke up to it... yet... hmmmm..?

Just a thought!

Mark

harleyangelbrat · Jul 30, 2010, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Well, at this point I would watch things carefully...especially when water is at PEAK use. I would also check the tub drain the next time the washing machine is used as sometimes the volume of water coming out of these washers can overwhelm the drain system...especially over time!

Otherwise, I gotta tell you...doesn't sound like the drain is clogged and I have to honestly start wondering if it is possible that someone (of the 12 :)) poured something down the tub drain...hmmmm...??

Just a thought!

Mark

:eek: That may be possible... something like Drano or something? Could that make it come up? My daughter's husband doesn't usually do much around here, but it's possible he did that... :D

massplumber2008 · Jul 30, 2010, 10:31 AM

Draino could certainly cause this issue... especially if the tub drain hasn't been used in a longgg time like you said. Check with him... ;)

Pop back with questions... anytime!

Mark

harleyangelbrat · Jul 30, 2010, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Draino could certainly cause this issue...especially if the tub drain hasn't been used in a longgg time like you said. Check with him...;)

Pop back with questions...anytime!

Mark

Thank you very much! I appreciate your quick response. I will do that. Have a nice day, Mark.

Marilyn

massplumber2008 · Jul 30, 2010, 10:32 AM

:)