Toilet Question

[edgemar]

Hey Plumbers!

Occasionally my sewer pipe gets clogged with debris before it hits the main line and backs up out of the 1st floor toilet...yuck!

The 2nd floor toilet has gotten a lot of use lately. My theory is that the low flow toilet isn't able to flush all the debris to the main and some of it gets hung up and eventually blocks the line.

My question is....would one of those toilets with a pressure tank make a difference in breaking up the debris and sending it down the pipe with less possibility of clogs?

TIA!

[john70t]

Get a rootorooter and a camera inspection done for a few hundred bucks.
Cast iron pipe will de-laminate inside and curl inwards. That might fix it for a while.
There might be a break which is filling up with tree roots, or a sag/settling in the pipe.

There are 50ft snakes at the box stores or probably some type of power flushing procedure, but the problem will probably return.
The washing machine and shower tub dump should be able to flush normal debris I would think.

A new main to the street might be $7-15k depending. Spring or fall to save any plants in the front yard.

A new high flow toilet is probably a bandaid. Sorry to bear bad news.

[edgemar]

thx for the info... I'm in a multi - unit bldg.

We just jetted the (shared) main lines and ran a camera....so things are good there.

I definitely will get the pipes inspected for my unit.

[plumb4u2]

Something is wrong with the drain for it to be doing that! I would not recommend buying a power flush toilet to try and solve the problem, inspecting and fixing the drain is your best option to save yourself from headaches

[john70t]

That narrows it down considerably.
There may be another unit above flushing tampons, or cramming cantaloupe rinds through the sink grinder (like someone I know).

This might be a shared-cost situation i.e. Common Elements.
Bureaucracy and neighborly hard feelings may result..
It's just an unknowing mistake for now.

A good start is having the controlling authority notify them soon in writing about what the proper procedures are.
"Don't put anything down the sink which is not edible"

[Dantilla]

Power flush could mean power sploosh when the downstairs toilet overflows.

Proceed with caution.

[look 171]

How old is the building? You upstairs or down? What part of town? Its the pipes. If its a condo, the building is on the hook for the fox because you own the inside only. That's the way I understand it.

What did the footage show and did the plumber explain anything to you as to why its clogged?

[john70t]

Just a thought: It could also be a problem with the city main.

If other first floor units have also had the same problem, you are all in the same boat, and the solution rests with the city response.
Document and notify as always.

1st world plumbing problems has been happening since the Roman times.

[edgemar]

Originally Posted by look 171

How old is the building? You upstairs or down? What part of town? Its the pipes. If its a condo, the building is on the hook for the fox because you own the inside only. That's the way I understand it.

What did the footage show and did the plumber explain anything to you as to why its clogged?

built 1979 - 6 unit 2 story townhouse side by side. I'm on the end nearest to the city main. Could low flow toilets be the issue...since they didn't exist when the plumbing was put in?

I saw the camera footage of the main line and everything was clear to the city sewer. The pipes in the unit didn't get jetted since that was a non HOA.

I fairly sure it was within my unit because my wife got something and was running to the toilet A LOT.

Looks like it is time to get in a plumber with some experience.

Thx everyone for their input!

[look 171]

Your neighbor having the same issue? I think its toilet paper stopping p right before it enters the main line. What kind of low flow toilet? There are lot flow and there are low flow toilets. Many of them don't work that well.

Video shows clear, that's it? No explanation on why it clogged or cause of the back flow? No breakage on sewer pipe?

79 is pretty new, so it should be good. Cast iron pipes?
Cheapest way is to install a TOTO toilet. Not cheap, but at 400 bucks, its cheaper them opening walls or cut the slab to get at the pipes. If its clear and good from the camera, then its more likely toilet paper.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by edgemar

Could low flow toilets be the issue...since they didn't exist when the plumbing was put in?

Low-flow toilets should be negligible to showers dishwashers and washing machines I would think.

Originally Posted by edgemar

I fairly sure it was within my unit because my wife got something and was running to the toilet A LOT.

There are different brands of TP.
-Some are like cloth and will clog anything quick.
-Some dissolve easily and are made for RVs and are rated "septic-field friendly".

My ex used quite a bit, and the house once got a clog/backup as well, perhaps as a result. Whatever.

I still suspect the issue is still downhill though.
As a safety measure you probably can install a 1-way backflow prevention check valve at the exit of your unit.

[edgemar]

I've got a TOTO right now upstairs. It looks like it has at least a 2.5 gallon tank... I agree it is stopping up right before the main line.

Yes, the building has cast-iron pipes.

Hey Look..know of any good plumbers in LA area?

[look 171]

Yeah, big he's a bit difficult to deal with. Typical trades guy and don't deal with home owners too well but a nice guy and good plumber. Pita to get hold of and don't always show up on time unlike the Smell Good Plumber you hear on the radio. I am not a big fan of those bit outfits because they folks they hired don't care too much. I have use him for a long, long time. I just know how to deal with him. From what you are saying from the camera result, then I think its really just TP but that should happen once in a very long time, to none.