How to Fix a Clogged Toilet Draining Into a Bathtub

A clogged toilet draining into a bathtub spells trouble.

A flushed toilet that drains into the bathtub might be disgusting, but it's also letting you know that you have a big problem. When a toilet backs up into a bathtub, it's an indication that there's a major problem with the main sewer line. The best way to clean out a main sewer line is with a piece of equipment called an electric auger. These bore through the sewer pipes, breaking up clogs with sharp claws at the end of a long, metal snake.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Pliers
• Electric auger

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Instructions

1. Locate the main sewer cleanout plug for your house. This will be located in either the front or side yard of your house or in your basement. The plugs are about 4 inches in diameter and have a square nut on the top.

2. Use a wrench or a pair of pliers to loosen the cleanout plug. Set aside.

3. Insert the claw end of the electric auger into the cleanout opening.

4. Feed the auger through the sewer opening and toward the house for a couple of feet or so.

5. Turn on the electric auger. Some augers may also have a foot control that allows you to control the power for the auger with your foot. This allows you to feed in the auger snake with your hands while keeping control of the speed with your foot.

6. Continue feeding the snake through the drain until you feel it hit the clog.

7. Turn the thumbscrew or nut to secure the snake in place. Turn on the auger power to break apart the clog while the auger claw stays in place.

8. Loosen the thumbscrew or nut and feed the auger slowly forward. Whenever you feel the clog, stop the auger, lock the auger in place and turn on the power to break up the clog.

9. When you no longer feel the clog, turn the auger in reverse and back the snake back a few feet. Then feed it forward again through where the plug was. Continue this several times until you feel that the plug is no longer there.

10. Flush the toilet and check that it is no longer backing up into the bathtub.

Tips & Warnings

• You can rent augers at your local hardware or plumbing store by the day or the hour.

• Wear gloves to protect your hands from sewage when working with the electric auger.

References

• 411 Plumb: How to Unclog a Main Sewer Line
• Smartplumber: Drain Cleaning
• Sewerjetgazette: Drain Cleaning
• Inspectapedia: Sewer Line Replacement