[kayvo]

Hi there. I've looked through the postings here and although I've found some useful information, I haven't seen anything that seems to address our specific plumbing issue.

Since we moved into out townhouse 3 months ago, we've had a problem with our three toilets backing up whenever they are used for, um, anything solid. They flush fine when filled with liquid and all of our other plumbing is draining properly. We had 2 of the 3 toilets snaked (we weren't aware that the 3rd bathroom on the bottom floor had the issue as it was rarely used), and the problem cleared for a couple of weeks but now it is worse. We are able to plunge successfully each time, but that's getting kind of old. We rent from a company that is responsible for maintenance, but they are trying to charge us for the snaking because the plumber saw toilet wipes in our house (which we use for cleaning- we don't put them down the toilet), so they are trying to blame the problem on us, and so I'd really like to try to figure out the issue so that it can be taken care of correctly.

What I'd like to know is if this sounds like something that could be fixed by snaking (and where), or if you might be able to suggest another cause so that it can be fixed properly. The townhouse is less than 5 years old and I don't know about any history of plumbing issues. Each toilet is on a different floor and nobody has checked anything near the sewer. The toilets fill to the rim instead of draining, the water will slowly drain if left to sit but will not clear without a lot of plunging. Again, liquid and paper go down fine and all of our other plumbing drains without issue.

Thanks so much for any suggestions.
-k

[ballengerb1]

Since all 3 toilets have the same issue but are on different floors I am perplexed. If the main drain were plugged the lower level toilet would over flow when the other toilets or sinks were used. On the other hand all 3 toilets being individually clogged at the same time doesn't make much sense to me either. Here is the bottom line though, keep on the management company to get the rodding done properly and completely. They can not charge you for a toilet back up unless they can prove intentional abuse. Read your lease, they can only charge you for what your lease allows.

[Knucklez]

What is the make and model of the toilet? Perhaps being a new building all the toilets were the same, and all were purchased at the rock bottom price of $5 each (due to manufacturer problem).

Just a guess..

Also, is there a jet hole near the main drain exit at the bottom of your bowl? This jet is used to start the water swirling drain action. If it is plugged, then your drain won't work so well for solids, but liquids probably OK. This jet hole can be plugged also with just calcium build up (especially if you do NOT have a water softtner).

Knucklez

[speedball1]

Knuckles is on to something here with the jet. Read on. I have one that most repair plumbers miss.. Look down at the bottom of the bowl. If there is a small hole, then that is a jet that starts the syphon action. If it's clogged the water will just swirl around and slowly go down leaving solids behind. Take your finger,(UGH! ) and run it around the inside of the opening. Over the years minerals build up and cut down on the syphon (flush) action. If it is rough or you feel build up, take a table knife and put a bend in it to get around the curve in the bowl and chip and scrap it clear. Next take a coathanger and clear out the holes around the rim. They start the swirling action. And last, check the water level in the tank. It should be 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. And speaking of the overflow tube, Make sure the small 1/8" tube from the ballcock to the white overflow tube is connected so it discharges in it and that it's flowing when the ballcock fills. This is what raises the water level in the bowl. For a good solid flush they all have to work together. Hope this helps . Tom