Check out some similar questions!

Lumas · Sep 28, 2010, 05:42 PM

I have a reacurring problem of my sewer line backing up. About once a month I run a 50ft ribbion auger through my line which is just long enough to reach the spot.
The last time I did it I only pushed the clog further up the line.I had a plumber come out and he ran a snake from the toilet and an auger from the toilet. He suggested that I call a company with a camera. 2 days later I had a camera through my line. I went outside to watch and he ran across a spot that had some TP in it. He said it was a belly but didn't make it seem like it was that bad. There was no standing water but I could see a little bit of a dip. He told me he would have to go through my slab and replace about 6ft of line for about $5k. This work is not covered on my homeowners and I don't just have $5K to throw at this problem. Now the toilet that is on the other side of the house is a low flow with a low flush rating. I was told by the cameraman that could by part of the reason why its getting hung up because there isn't enough pressure behind it. If I replace that toilet with a different one ,say a champion 4 from american standard, would that help or hurt my problem.

Milo Dolezal · Sep 28, 2010, 06:08 PM

Hello Lumas, few questions first...

1. What is "TP" ? ( toilet paper ? )

2. If you have "belly" in your sewer line than there will be standing water all the time. Did they pin-point exactly where the low spot is ?

3. It doesn't cost $5K to replace 6' of sewer pipe - even if you got through concrete slab

4. Low flush toilet is probably not the problem. However, if you think it is than purchase regular Korky's flopper ( not designed for Low Flush Toilets ) and install it in place of the existing one. This way, you will get full flush ( 3.5 gallon ) each time toilet is used. I don't even think you can purchase full flush toilet these days.

5. If you are little handy and / or know a handyman, you can do it yourself or supervise the job. We can lead you through entire project, from A to Z. It can be done in 1 -2 days at substantiation savings.

6. Do not flush paper towels, feminine hygiene products, Q-Tips, make up pads... cause sewer problems

7. Do you have CD of the video inspection ? Did you actually see the "problem" yourself or do you rely on opinion of the attending plumber ? Any roots in the line ? What material is your sewer pipe ? Are you on septic or are you connected to the City sewer system ?

Back to you... Milo

ballengerb1 · Sep 28, 2010, 06:11 PM

I agree, a belly would have sewer water 24/7/365. Your tp probably means toilet paper and that camera needs to go further. Do not go with this outfit just yet. How far from the house to the city sewer?

Which 6' of sewer line, the first 6' or the next 6' he hasn't seen yet?

Milo Dolezal · Sep 28, 2010, 06:17 PM

Moreover: Toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water. If you leave piece of toilet paper in water for some time it will completely fall apart. You won't be able to even tell there was any... What you saw in your sewer during video inspection was probably paper towel or similar. Such products are designed to soak water in and hold it...

Lumas · Sep 28, 2010, 08:10 PM

Thanks for the responses.
Yes the TP was toilet paper with some water behind it. As far as flushing anything other than that down that toilet no. Our other bathroom is used for feminine hygiene products. This bathroom feeds into the sewer line before my belly from the cleanout. I did not get a video of the inspection but I was there when the problem was found. The technician told me it was about 50-55 ft in from the cleanout which is pretty much where my problem lies. I do have some settlement of the house as seen by some cracks in the drywall there so it made sense to me. As far as the toilet is concerned it was brand new just installed when we purchased the home 3 years ago. It flushed correctly for about the first year after that it just never really flushed correct. When the first plumber came out, the one who snaked and augered the line, he also replaced my flange which had broke loose also cast iron he said it was flushing correctly. I tried it after he left and I was not able to get a good flush until I plunged the toilet. Even then though I have to hold the handle down for a bit to empty it.
As it was explained to me by the tech with the camera the toilet paper wasn't breaking down due to it being pushed to the end of the belly and not having enough pressure to go any further. He never went past the belly as far as I saw just up to it and then said that was the problem. I am tied into the city sewer system and did not even know that I had a cleanout facing the street until about a week before the plumbers came out and saw the top of it through the dirt.
I can be handy as long as I have good directions.