While we don’t like to think about it, when we flush the toilet, that water has to go somewhere. Usually, it drains properly out the sewer. But, when there is a problem, it can backup into the shower. Sorry—sometimes plumbing is just gross. This problem is unpleasant, but it is also very unsanitary. You do not want to use a shower that sewage has backed up into, and you should get this issue corrected right away. Most likely, you have a major block in your drain or sewer. Here are the potential problems, what may have caused them, and how your plumber can help.
Drain Blockage
The drain line from your toilet and your shower connect and continue down to the other drains in your home and then your sewer line. If the toilet flushes and water comes up in the shower’s drain, that likely means that the pipe where these two drain lines meet has an obstruction. A partial or complete clog will prevent the toilet water from draining properly. But, the power from the flush will force the water to go somewhere, and its only option is up the shower’s drain line.
If the drain is completely blocked, the water may settle into the pipes or sit in the shower but not drain even slowly. With a partial block, the water from the flush may slowly drain down.
Sewer Blockage
Drain line clogs are most common. However, it is also possible for your sewer to have a clog, which then forces the toilet water to splash up the pipes and into the closest shower. Typically, this means that there is a lot of collected toilet water from the clog up to this point in the pipes, and you may be able to smell it. Just as with a drain clog, this can be a partial or complete blockage. Both need immediate attention.
How Can a Plumber Fix This Problem?
Your plumber will first assess the situation and attempt to locate the clog. If it is close to the toilet or shower drain, then it will be simpler to find and clear away. If the clog is further into your sewer, it will be more challenging. Either way, plumbers have pipe inspection equipment. It’s a camera on a long, thin line that they can run down into the pipes to locate the issue.
Depending on what has caused the clog, your plumber will select equipment that can break it down and clear it out. This is simple for close, soft clogs like those made from the grease and fat in foods. But it is more complex for far away or hard clogs, like those made from tree roots or objects which were flushed down the toilet.
Avoid At Home “Solutions”
Most of the at home “solutions” recommended for pipe clogs do not work or run the risk of doing more damage to your pipes. Avoid adding chemicals to your pipes or using other at home methods to clear your pipes. It may make the work more challenging for your plumber or more expensive for you.
