This one needs a licensed pro
Likely cause: a clog in the main drain or sewer line
When several drains are slow or gurgling at once, the clog is past this sink, in the main drain or sewer line. Call a plumber or a drain cleaning service.
Why this happens
Family Handyman says a clog in a main sewer or waste line usually affects more than one fixture, and is often too deep to reach with ordinary augers. This Old House lists the warning signs: several drains clogging at once, gurgling from toilets or drains, foul odors from the drains or the yard, and water backing up in the shower or tub when the washing machine runs. It adds that odd behavior from drains or toilets may point to a blockage or a venting problem, and names tree roots growing into the sewer pipe as one cause of blockages.
What to do right now
- Not sure whether the smell is sewer or gas? The American Gas Association says the odorant utilities add to natural gas smells similar to rotten eggs. If the smell could be gas, treat it as a gas leak: the association says to leave the building right away, not to turn appliances or lights on or off, and to call 911 or your gas utility from a phone away from the area.
- Cut back on water use until the line is checked. This Old House says that continuing to use water can push more wastewater into blocked pipes. If water has come up in any drain, tub or shower, even once, stop using water completely and follow the sewage backup steps. To find them, start this troubleshooter over and choose the first answer.
- Write down which fixtures are slow, which ones gurgle, and what backs up when something else drains.
- Hold off on drain cleaner. Family Handyman says caustic chemicals that do not work pose a danger to anyone who later takes the trap apart or uses an auger. Tell the plumber if any was used.
- Call a licensed plumber or a drain cleaning service. This Old House says a licensed plumber can inspect the sewer line, locate the blockage and recommend a fix.
- Ask a neighbor if they have the same trouble. The City of Minneapolis notes that, rarely, the obstruction is in the city sewer line, and says to contact the sewer department if neighbors are having similar problems.
When to stop. If dirty water or sewage comes up out of any drain, stop using water in the house and follow the sewage backup steps.
What to tell the plumber
- Which fixtures are slow or gurgle, and where they are in the house.
- What backs up when something else drains, such as the tub when the washing machine runs.
- When it started, and whether there is a sewer smell indoors or in the yard.
- Whether any drain cleaner was used, and which one.
- Whether your neighbors have the same problem.
Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.
Start this troubleshooter over
FourHome is our sister brand. Browse all FourHome replacement faucet and shower parts on the FourHome Amazon store. We earn from purchases made through this link.