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Why is There Sewage Coming Up Through the Bathtub?

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You know that sinking feeling when you step into the tub for a nice, relaxing bath only to find a nasty surprise waiting for you? Sewage backup is the absolute worst – there’s no denying how utterly revolting and unsanitary it is to have that foul wastewater invading your bathtub sanctuary.

If you’re a Chicago homeowner, unfortunately this disgusting situation is all too common thanks to the city’s aging sewer system and increased rainfall that can overwhelm those old pipes. When the wastewater has nowhere else to go, your tub drain can become an unwitting exit ramp for all that nastiness to back up into.

We don’t need to tell you the kinds of hazards we’re talking about here. Exposure to all sorts of harmful bacteria, pathogens, and who knows what else that could seriously jeopardize your family’s health. Not to mention the water damage that sewage can wreak if you let the problem fester.

As much as you might want to run away and pretend this isn’t happening, ignoring a bathtub full of sewage is simply not an option. We know it’s the last thing you want to deal with, but you’ve got to take action quickly before this disgusting situation spirals even more out of control. 

As unpleasant as it may be, don’t worry – we’ll walk through some steps to get that wastewater flowing properly again so you can finally use your tub without holding your breath!

Common Causes of Sewage Coming Up Through the Bathtub

Alright, now that we’ve covered just how disgusting it is to have sewage backing up into your bathtub, let’s dive into what could actually be causing this nightmare scenario. There’s certainly more than one culprit at play here.

Blocked Sewer Lines

Sometimes the backup is happening even before that sewage gets to your home’s pipes. We’re talking about clogs in the main sewer line running under the street.

Because of Chicago’s aging sewage infrastructure, it’s pretty common for tree roots to infiltrate those pipes over time and create nasty blockages. There’s also decades worth of accumulated debris that can cause sewage overflowing into homes.

Combined Sewer Systems and Heavy Rainfall

Speaking of Chicago’s outdated infrastructure, many homes here are still connected to combined sewer systems that handle both sewage and stormwater runoff. 

When we get pounded by one of our classic thunderstorms, all that extra water can straight-up overwhelm the system. With nowhere else to go, the sewage gets forced back up through the path of least resistance – you guessed it, your bathtub drain.

Backups From Pipe Damage

But maybe the clog is happening closer to home, like cracks or breaks in your own pipes caused by shifting soil, freezing temperatures, or just general aging and corrosion over decades. When those pipes are compromised, the sewage has no choice but to back up through your drains and into that inviting tub. That gurgling sound is never a good sign!

Clogged Vent Pipes

Last but not least, let’s talk about those oft-forgotten vent pipes that allow airflow for proper drainage. If these get clogged up from bird nests, debris, or just years of gunk and buildup (pretty common in older Chicago homes), it can completely disrupt the wastewater flow. Next thing you know, sewage comes bubbling up into your bathtub uninvited.

So whether it’s clogged city sewers, overwhelmed systems during heavy storms, cracked pipes around your house, or improper venting, there’s unfortunately more than one way sewage can end up making an appearance in your nice, relaxing tub. The real question is – what are you going to do about it?

DIY Methods to Address Minor Sewage Backups

Okay, so your bathtub has turned into an unwanted sewage pit – absolutely disgusting! But before you throw in the towel and call a professional, there are some DIY methods you can try to address those minor backups. 

Key word here being “minor” – we’re not trying to become sewage-wading superheroes or anything.

Using a Plunger or Drain Snake

For smaller clogs that haven’t reached full-blown Nightmare on Elm Street levels yet, a good old plunger or drain snake from the hardware store may just do the trick. Carefully cover the tub’s overflow drain with a wet rag, then get to forcefully plunging that backed up water. The pressure could be enough to dislodge that initial blockage.

If that doesn’t work, try snaking the drain with that flexible metal auger to grab any hair or gunk causing the clog. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves and avoid any, uh, sewage splashback.

Clearing Vent Pipe Blockages

If the issue seems to be improper venting rather than an actual clog, your next move is to check those vent pipes on the roof. Older Chicago homes can definitely have venting problems that disrupt proper drainage.

Carefully climb up and use a sturdy tool to dislodge any debris, nests or buildup that could be obstructing airflow. While you’re up there, scope out the vent pipes for any obvious cracks or damage that may need repair.

When to Use Chemical Cleaners (and When to Avoid Them)

For very minor, localized drain clogs, an enzyme-based drain cleaner could potentially help eat away at the blockage if used correctly. But we really can’t stress this enough – chemical drain cleaners are an absolute no-go if you’re dealing with an active sewage situation. Those caustic chemicals mixing with sewage is a toxic combo that’ll only further corrode your pipes. With Chicago’s aging plumbing, harsh cleaners could easily do way more harm than good.

At the end of the day, any DIY attempts should only be made for small, manageable backups. If you’ve got sewage flooding up from multiple drains or the situation seems out of control, it’s time to call in professional backup. Don’t be a hero – sometimes you gotta know when to throw in the towel on this one.

When to Call a Professional Plumber in Chicagoland

Look, we get it – getting your hands dirty with some DIY plunging or snaking is one thing, but once that sewage situation starts spiraling out of control, it’s time to hang up your wrench and call in the professionals. 

Trying to be a hero and power through a major sewage backup is just asking for an even bigger catastrophe on your hands.

Recognizing Severe Sewer Line Blockages

If you’ve got sewage erupting from every drain and tub, lingering rotten smells that could knock a skunk out, or water backing up every time you run the dishwasher or washing machine, those are neon signs that you’re dealing with a severe blockage in your sewer line.

For Chicago homeowners stuck with older pipes and infrastructure, your best bet is to call in a professional plumber who really knows how to handle these nasty situations.

Diagnosing Sewer Line Damage

The real pros don’t just come in blindly snaking any old drain. Using specialized camera inspection gear, they can actually see what’s going on deep inside those pipes – whether it’s cracked or collapsed lines, obstructive tree roots that have infiltrated, or just decades of built-up crud and debris causing the clog. 

With Chicago’s labyrinth of underground sewers and utility lines crisscrossing, you need a true expert who can properly diagnose the root cause.

Sewer Line Replacement and Repair

Once they have properly diagnosed the issue, a qualified plumber can walk you through all the options for repairing or fully replacing that damaged sewer line. These days they’ve got neat trenchless methods that don’t involve tearing up your whole yard. 

Of course, Chicago being Chicago, there’s also permits to deal with and city regulations around sewer work that only seasoned local plumbers really understand.

Listen, sewage isn’t something to mess around with – that nastiness can seriously damage your home and put your family’s health at risk if not handled properly. While a little DIY is fine for small backups, once that sewage hits the fan in a major way, it’s time to call in trained backup. Don’t let pride or sticker shock blind you to a potentially hazardous situation on your hands. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when you’re wading into sewer nightmares.

Sewage Flooding Your Chicago Home? Know When to Call the Pros

No homeowner ever wants to experience the utter disgust of sewage backing up into their bathtub or bathroom. But let’s be real – for those of us living in Chicago, dealing with sewer backups is practically a rite of passage thanks to the city’s aging infrastructure. 

You could try your hand with DIY methods when it comes to minor clogs, but once that sewage situation escalates into a multi-drain disaster, don’t wait… It’s time to wave the white flag and call in professional reinforcements from Precision Today Plumbing!

We have the specialized tools and expertise to quickly identify and knock out even the nastiest of sewer line clogs and damage. We’ll get to the bottom of your sewage woes and have things flowing smoothly again in no time, whether through state-of-the-art camera inspections, trenchless repair methods, or whatever it takes.

Don’t risk further destroying your home or jeopardizing your family’s health trying to muscle through a major backup alone. Spare yourself the stress and potential for an even bigger disaster by giving our team a ring at (630) 425-8995 stat! Our sewage backup experts have got your back, Chicago.

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