Expert: Dana Bostick - 11/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Both toilets won't drain and they both gurgle when when somebody is taking a shower or the washing machine is draining. What can I do?

ANSWER: Hi Tony,
Sounds like a venting problem. The system is trying to get air through the toilets.  Either a vent is clogged or one of the drains is clogged, possibly the shower, and is blocking its vent.  Time to do some snaking.
Best,
Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the first question. I looked down
the vent pipe & I can see water down it. I also snaked both toilets with a 25ft snake & didn't do anything

Answer
Hi Tony,
I'm thinking you should not see water.  If the pipes are properly sloped, they should drain completely. It might take a longer snake. If it is only a partial blockage, the line will drain in time and not appear to be clogged.  When you use it, it backs up again enough to block the vent. Plumbing drains are designed to only have water in the bottom third of the pipe when in use. If a blockage causes the pipe to fill completely, it can block a vent.
You might need to call in a plumber with a good main line snake.
Good Luck,
Dana