| Author | Content |
saulm
Johannesburg
(za)
October 23, 2007
1:36 PM | I've got a problem which has been going on for a long time. I live in an old apartment block. Every so often the drain in the bath starts bubbling up furiously, making a loud sound, spitting (presumably) dirty and sometimes smelly water into my bath. I've told the janitor, and he has had the apartment's drains cleared with a "drain snake". I'm not sure if this temporarily resolves the problem or not, but if it does it really doesn't last long.
I know it's not a problem with the pipes in my apartment because I'm not even using the water at the time. I also had my apartment's pipes cleared by a plumber. However, when I hear the bubbling, I can normally hear water running down one of the pipes which I presume is from upstairs.
Can anyone advise me what may be the problem or what I should do to diagnose?
| BackyardZoo
Poquoson, VA
Zone 7b
October 26, 2007
10:32 AM | Since no one else has chimed in, I'll give it a shot - disclaimer: I am not a plumber.
But I believe the problem is most likely of design - in other words, not one you'll be able to fix yourself.
The two things I can think of are either a too-narrow drain pipe (or connecting piece) that cannot handle the amount of water being sent through it or else not enough venting causing it to drain too slowly & back up into your bathroom before it can manage to make its way down the correct pipe.
I'm not sure how to diagnose these. Neither would be very easy to fix - both would involve walls being punched through to get to the pipes.
The venting problem would be easiest if they would allow an island vent to be put somewhere inside - this kind of vent allows airflow only one way so that it can be used inside without letting sewer gases stink up the house. It's POSSIBLE that you could do this from an access panel for your tub, if you have one. Apartment codes - or the plumbing design - may prevent even this, however.
Otherwise - I think I'd just keep the tub drain closed at all times except when you're showering to prevent the water coming up. | romsia
alaska
(us)
December 4, 2007
7:54 AM | I think it is a problem of a too-narrow drain pipe (or connecting piece) that cannot handle the amount of water being sent through it or something unusual thing coming . Between the way of a drain pipe inserted between and making a flow , so water is flowing but gradually and doing overflow.
For getting out this problem the only walls being punched through to get to the pipes and this is not the easy way so the only solution is if they would allow an island vent. I think this will solve your problem so well.
| rikson
December 8, 2007
2:27 AM | Use chemical drain cleaners sparingly. They can damage your pipes and can be hard on the environment. Use only in a well-ventilated room and don't let chemicals come in contact with your skin, even when diluted with water. Never use the plunger and chemicals in combination: Caustic water could splash your skin. Wear rubber gloves, eye protection, and be sure to read all the labels and follow directions carefully. Some products are alkalis that cut grease, others are acids that dissolve clogs. Look at [HYPERLINK@www.pittsburghpaplumbers.com] you can get all the informations about plumbing here.
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