Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    LanceB's Avatar
    LanceB Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jul 13, 2007, 09:29 AM
    Floor drain backup
    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.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Jul 13, 2007, 12:00 PM
    "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

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Septic odor backup from first floor shower drain [ 9 Answers ]

There is a terrible septic odor increasing daily in my shower drain for the past week. Prior to this, I have never had an odor from this or any other drain in this five year old house. I do know that the closest entry point to my septic system is this first floor shower. One time a few years ago,...

2nd Floor, Floor drain backing up with water in restroom [ 1 Answers ]

I have a second floor restroom at my workplace and there is a little bit of water backing up and some sewer gas smell. There is rarely anything that goes down that drain but there is a little water in it that I can see. Also it seems that the urinals in the same restroom are draining very slowly....

Backup in drain [ 1 Answers ]

I snaked my basement toilet drain - removed some baby wipes from it - thought it was clear, the water subsided - then I drained the upstairs bathtub and the basement toilet drain flooded again - what could be the problem? Emergency - please help asap.

Sewage backup in condo unit on 11th floor [ 2 Answers ]

I purchased a new condo on the 11th floor and I've been having plumbing issues for the last few months. The building contractors seem unable to help. Basically, I get sewage discharge coming up through my bathroom sink drain and when I flush the toilet the pipes in the shower make a gurgling or...

Raising a floor drain in concrete floor [ 2 Answers ]

I have an old concrete floor with a newer pvc type drain. The floor slopes about 1.5" over 2' around the drain so I would like to raise the drain in order to level the floor to install ceramic tiles. I'm still going to ensure the floor slopes toward the drain just enough. I figure I need to...


View more questions Search