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KristinHI · Feb 9, 2012, 09:02 PM

Hi, for the first time I heard a loud gurgling sound so ran to the bAthroom to see the water in the toilet go lower (it was gurgling) but my shower drain was quickly filling. So much so that I could see and feel the pressure of the water coming up from the drain. This was happening while the washer just outside was draining. After washer stopped I was bailing out shower, then neighbors upstairs were cleaning their bAthtub and the water stArted to rise again, though slower.
I have snaked my shower, which was clear, and did the same with toilet. Both seem to drain and work properly.
What are my next steps? I haven't tested running the washer again yet. I also put Drain Care down my toilet, shower and the sink in the laundry room, which I believe is an enzyme based cleaner/de-clogger.
Any help please? This is my first time dealing with this. Thanks so much!

speedball1 · Feb 10, 2012, 06:57 AM

Hi Kristin and Welcome to The Plumbing Page. At AskMeHelpDesk.com.

I heard a loud gurgling sound so ran to the bAthroom to see the water in the toilet go lower (it was gurgling) but my shower drain was quickly filling.

You have more the just one problem here. The gurgle and the toilet bowl level dropping indicate a blocked vent, This must be snaked from the lavatory roof vent.
The backup in your shower indicates an blockage downstream from the shower, This can be snaked through the shower drain. I wish I could give you a magical repair for this but it's going to take some work. Good luck, Tom

KristinHI · Feb 10, 2012, 07:20 AM

Thanks Tom. If the water from the washing machine was coming up through the shower then does that mean the blockage is downstream from both shower and washer vs. there just being a clog at my shower? I thought it would be better snaked from the mainline clean out? Thanks again!

speedball1 · Feb 10, 2012, 07:32 AM

[QUOTE]does that mean the blockage is downstream from both shower and washer [/QUOTE Yes.

I thought it would be better snaked from the mainline clean out?

That wouldn't reach your blockages. Roof vent for gurgle and low bowl level and shower drain for blockage. Good luck, Tom

KristinHI · Feb 10, 2012, 07:44 AM

The shower was already snaked with a 25 ft snake and came back clear. Maybe should we try snaking from laundry room? Or you really think try from shower again? Thank you!

speedball1 · Feb 10, 2012, 07:57 AM

If the shower's backing up then there's a blockage down stream from it. There's just no other explanation. Perhaps your snake was so small it simply drilled a hole through the blockage, I don't know but you still have a blockage that must be cleared. Good luck, Tom

KristinHI · Feb 10, 2012, 07:52 PM

Hi Tom, just thought I'd report back on this. Plumber came out and snaked the main sewer line from the clean out outside the house. Found two obstructions and now its all clear. Yay!
Thanks for your help!