How to Get Rid of Sewer Backup in Bathtub: The Quick Guide

Dealing with a sewer backup in your bathtub can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience. Not only does it make it difficult to use your bathtub, but it can also lead to bad smells and potential health hazards.

But don’t worry. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can get rid of sewer backups in your bathtub for good. We’ll cover everything from the causes of sewer backups to how to prevent them in the future.

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What Causes Sewer Backup in Bathtub?

A variety of factors can cause sewer backups in the bathtub. Here are some of the most common causes:

Clogged Drain

A clogged drain is one of the most common causes of sewer backup in the bathtub. This can happen due to accumulated hair, soap scum, and other debris in the drain over time. As a result, the water in your bathtub may not be able to drain properly, leading to sewer backups.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can also cause sewer backups in the bathtub. Over time, tree roots can grow into the sewer line, causing it to become blocked. This can lead to sewer backups in the bathtub and other drains in your home.

Broken Sewer Line

Another potential cause of sewer backups in the bathtub is a broken sewer line. This can occur due to various factors, including aging pipes, soil erosion, and shifts in the ground. A broken sewer line can prevent wastewater from draining properly, leading to backups in your bathtub.

How to Get Rid of Sewer Backup in Bathtub

Now that you know the potential causes of sewer backups in the bathtub, let’s take a look at how you can get rid of them.

Use a Plunger

Using a plunger can be an effective way to get rid of sewer backups in the bathtub. Here’s how to do it:

Fill the bathtub with enough water to cover the plunger’s head.
Place the plunger over the drain, ensuring it forms a tight seal.
Push down on the plunger with force, then pull back up quickly.
Repeat this process several times, then check to see if the water has started to drain.

Use a Drain Snake

Another effective method for removing sewer backups in the bathtub is using a drain snake. Here’s how to do it:

Insert the drain snake into the drain, then twist it around until you feel resistance.
Continue twisting the drain snake until it breaks through the clog.
Pull the drain snake out, then run water through the drain to see if the clog has been cleared.

Call a Professional

If you cannot clear the sewer backup on your own, it’s best to call a professional plumber. A plumber will have the expertise and equipment necessary to diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring that your bathtub drains properly and the backups don’t return.

How to Prevent Sewer Backup in Bathtub

Of course, the best way to deal with sewer backups in the bathtub is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you prevent sewer backups:

Avoid Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items

Flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet can lead to sewer backups. Items like wipes, tampons, and paper towels should be disposed of in the trash, not the toilet.

Use a Drain Cover

Using a drain cover can help prevent hair, soap scum, and other debris from entering the drain and causing clogs. You can easily find drain covers at your local hardware store, which are simple to install.

Regularly Clean Your Drains

Regularly cleaning your drains can help prevent clogs from forming. You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean your drains. Simply pour the mixture down the drain, let it sit for a few minutes, then flush it with hot water.

Get Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Regular plumbing maintenance can help identify and fix potential issues before they become major problems. A professional plumber can inspect your plumbing system and recommend necessary repairs or maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sewer backups in a bathtub can be caused by various things, including a clogged drain or sewer line, tree roots invading the sewer line, or a damaged sewer line. Sometimes, a backup can also be caused by heavy rain or flooding.

A plunger is one way to unclog a sewer line in a bathtub. First, remove any standing water from the bathtub. Then, place the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down vigorously. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use a plumbing snake to clear the clog.

No, bleach cannot unclog a sewer line. While bleach can help clean and disinfect drains, it won’t dissolve or break up any clogs that may be causing a sewer backup.

To prevent sewer backups in a bathtub, you can take a few preventative measures, such as using drain covers to catch hair and other debris, regularly cleaning your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and getting regular plumbing maintenance to identify and fix any potential issues before they turn into major problems.

The cost to fix a sewer backup in a bathtub can vary depending on the problem’s severity and the clog’s location. In some cases, it may be a simple fix that only costs a few hundred dollars, while in other cases, it may require more extensive repairs that can cost several thousand dollars. It’s best to get an estimate from a professional plumber to determine the exact cost of the repair.

Yes, a sewer backup can make you sick. Sewer backups can contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants, which can cause various health issues, including stomach, respiratory, and skin infections. If you experience a sewer backup in your home, taking proper precautions and avoiding contacting the contaminated water is important.

Conclusion

Dealing with a sewer backup in your bathtub can be frustrating and unpleasant, but there are ways to get rid of them for good. By understanding the potential causes of sewer backups and taking preventative measures, you can keep your bathtub and plumbing system in good working order.

If you cannot fix the problem on your own, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can diagnose and fix the issue. Remember, prevention is key to avoiding sewer backups in the future.