Toilet Backing Up Into the Shower: How a Mankato, MN, Plumber Can Help

Do you have issues with your bathroom? Babe Plumbing is happy to help whether you need assistance with your toilet, shower, or both. Call (507) 443-3427 to start with us today.

When your toilet has issues flushing, that's its own set of problems. A toilet backing up into your shower is a far more inconvenient issue.

The ordeal backs up both the toilet and your shower in one fell swoop, almost always requiring a visit from a professional plumber. Clogged sewer lines can be a hassle, which is why one of Mankato's trusted plumbers at Babe Plumbing will explain what you can do when your toilet backs up your shower.

Why Does My Toilet Back Up My Shower?

Since your toilet and shower pipes connect, a clogged toilet can cause dirty water to bubble up in the base of your shower. With the entire sewer system connected, any objects in your toilet that cause it to clog can cause water to flow into your tub or shower, overwhelming the drain pipes and making a mess.

Once you've noticed that your toilet flush has caused a backup in your shower, it may tempt you to flush the toilet again but don't panic. Here are a few things not to do when you have a backed-up sewer system:

Don't Use Chemical Drain Openers

While chemicals can help loosen obstructions in your drain pipes, chemical drain openers won't help against a clog this size. If your toilet is so clogged that it's started to back up your shower, the clog is too large for a chemical drain opener to help. In fact, because of the nature of chemical drain openers, using some of the liquid in your pipes may actually cause more harm than good.

Don't Use a Plunger

You may be tempted to get out your plunger, just like with every other clogged toilet situation. However, a plunger will not solve this problem.

The difference between your typical clogged toilet and a clog that causes backup to appear in your shower is size. Your clog in the pipe is far too large and too far away for your plunger to be of much use.

What Causes a Toilet To Back Up Into the Shower?

Not just any object can cause a toilet to back up so severely that some water ends up in your bathtub. If you're having problems with your bathroom's pipe system, it may be because of some of these items in your pipes:

Hair

Since sewage backup consists of toilet and shower clogs, hair can become a twofold problem. When showering, you may often lose some hair as you scrub your scalp. Letting this hair go down the drain can create a problem for your pipes, especially if a significant amount builds up from both sources over time.

If you notice clumps of hair in your tub, try to fish them out before they end up in your pipes, leading to your toilet backing up into your shower.

Mineral Buildup

If you discover a clogged shower or toilet without understanding why, one reason may be because of magnesium or calcium buildup in your pipes. When you run your water, these kinds of minerals build up naturally inside your pipes, causing a solid buildup that can eventually clog your system.

To help prevent this, you can use chemical draining products or mixtures of vinegar and baking soda to use on your drain. Boiling water and other descaling methods can help you gradually lessen blockage in your pipes.

Oils or Fats

If you've poured grease down any of your pipes, it can cause buildup and blockage issues. Grease can cause clogs in your pipes once it dries and hardens. Soap, while not of the same severity, can also harm your pipes.

To reduce the likelihood of clogged pipes due to these issues, you should never pour oil, fat, or grease down your drain. To treat pipes for blockages like these, pour boiling water down your pipes at least once a month.

How To Prevent Your Toilet From Backing Up Your Shower

If you want to help prevent your toilet from backing up into your shower, there are a few ways you can slow the gradual buildup down:

Use a Drain Snake

Even for extensive clogs, a drain snake is an effective tool for getting blockages out of your pipes. Drain snakes are long cables with a hooking device at the end, whether it be a claw, hook, or corkscrew. You can use this device to remove clogs by carefully snaking it down the pipe, twisting the hook into the clog, and pulling the obstruction out. 

Use a Plunger

While a plunger can't help with a clog if it's already backed up your system, it can be effective as a preventative measure. Plungers are great for smaller clogs, helping loosen an obstruction even if you use it for your shower.

For both drainage systems, it works the same way: place the plunger above the hole that's clogged and press down until the air is out of the rubber end. Plunge gently so that you don't cause any damage to your pipes.

Let a Professional Do It for You

If none of your methods are helping, it doesn't hurt to call a professional to help. While DIY methods can help address an issue initially, nothing replaces the skilled hands of a professional.

With a skilled plumber, they'll have access to expert tools that you don't need to get the job done quickly and with relative ease.

Call Babe Plumbing for Expert Help in Mankato, MN

When you have a toilet backing up into your shower, it can be a stubborn battle without expert tools. At Babe Plumbing, we offer upfront estimates and expert service that can have your bathroom back to normal in record time. We believe that everyone deserves reliable services without having to pay more than you need.

No matter what plumbing service you need, Babe Plumbing can help you unclog a toilet and prevent future backups all in one visit. To schedule a visit, call (507) 443-3427 today.