In this video, “Why Water Might Be Coming OUT of Bathtub Drain Instead of Going Down – Plumbing Pipe Problems,” Gregvancom explains the main reason why water may be coming out of your bathtub drain after using another plumbing fixture. He discusses how all the plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and bathtubs, drain into the main line, and if there is a clog in the pipe, the water is unable to flow and will start to rise. As the water level increases in the pipes, it will eventually come out of the lowest fixture, which is usually the bathtub. However, if there is a clean-out in the drain line, you can open it up and use a snake to remove the clog and prevent this problem from happening again.
Gregvancom then provides a cutaway view of a plugged pipe to illustrate how the water level rises and comes out of the bathtub. He explains that if there is a partial clog, the water level in the bathtub or toilet will start to lower as the water works its way past the clog. He also mentions that if the water drains out of the toilet or bathtub and you can use these fixtures without any issues, the clog may have cleared itself due to the water pressure. However, if the problem persists, it is recommended to either rent a plumbing snake or contact a plumber for assistance. By the end of the video, you should have a good understanding of why water could potentially be coming out of your bathtub drain.
Reasons for Water Coming Out of Bathtub Drain
Clog in the Plumbing Pipe
When water is coming out of the bathtub drain instead of going down, one of the main reasons could be a clog in the plumbing pipe. The plumbing system works by allowing water to flow through the pipes and drain into the main line. However, if there is a clog somewhere in the pipe, it can prevent water from draining properly. As a result, every time you use another plumbing fixture like a sink or a toilet, you end up filling the pipes with water. As the water level rises in the pipes, it eventually comes out of the lowest fixture, which is usually the bathtub.
To resolve this issue, you can check if there is a cleanout located somewhere in the drain line. A cleanout is a access point that allows you to open it up and run a plumbing snake down the drain to get rid of the clog. By doing this, you can hopefully get rid of the clog and prevent water from coming out of the bathtub drain in the future.
Higher Water Level in Pipes
Another reason for water coming out of the bathtub drain could be a higher water level in the pipes. This can occur when there is an increase in the water level inside the plumbing system. There are several causes for this, including using other plumbing fixtures such as sinks or toilets.
When you use plumbing fixtures, the water drains into the main line and increases the water level in the pipes. As a result, if there is a clog in the pipe, the water has nowhere to go and ends up coming out of the bathtub drain. In some cases, if the water level gets high enough, it may even overflow from the bathtub or the top of the toilet.
It is important to address this issue to prevent any potential water damage. If you notice that the water is coming out of the bathtub drain, it is recommended to stop using the other plumbing fixtures and seek professional help to resolve the issue.
Possible Leaks in the Toilet
In some cases, the water coming out of the bathtub drain may be due to possible leaks in the toilet. The concept of a positive seal plays a role in understanding this issue. A positive seal refers to the tight fit between the bottom of the toilet and the top of the floor.
If there are leaks in the toilet or if the positive seal is not intact, water can slowly drain out of the gap between the bottom of the toilet and the top of the floor. This can cause the bathtub to fill up with water an inch or two and eventually drain out of the bathtub drain.
It is crucial to address any leaks in the toilet to prevent any potential water damage and ensure proper functioning of the plumbing system.
Different Effects of Fully Plugged and Partially Plugged Pipes
Understanding the difference between fully plugged and partially plugged pipes can provide insights into the effects they have on the water coming out of the bathtub drain.
When the pipe is fully plugged, meaning that there is a solid clog that does not allow water to flow through, the water will not drain out of the bathtub. If you continue to use the sink or the toilet, the water will keep coming out of the bathtub drain. In this situation, it is essential to address the clog to prevent further issues.
On the other hand, when the pipe is partially plugged, the water level in the bathtub or toilet may start to lower as the water works its way past the partial clog. This can give the impression that the clog is resolved as the water starts to drain out of the pipe. If you can use the fixtures without any problems and the water drains properly, it is possible that the clog is gone. However, if you experience the same problem again after some time, it is recommended to seek professional help or rent a plumbing snake to resolve the issue.
Understanding the different effects of fully plugged and partially plugged pipes can help determine the best course of action to address the water coming out of the bathtub drain.
Effects of Water Pressure on Unclogging
Water pressure can play a role in unclogging the pipes and resolving the issue of water coming out of the bathtub drain.
When there is a clog in the pipe, the pressure from the water can potentially unclog the drain, especially if it is a partial clog. As the water fills up in the pipes and exerts pressure on the clog, it may dislodge or push the clog further down the pipe, allowing the water to flow properly.
Signs of a resolved clog include the water draining out of the bathtub and being able to use the plumbing fixtures without any problems. If the clog is successfully unclogged by the water pressure, it is possible that you may not have to worry about the issue again. However, if the problem persists after a few hours or days, it is advisable to consider other options such as renting a plumbing snake or contacting a professional plumber.
When to Seek Professional Help
In some cases, resolving the issue of water coming out of the bathtub drain may require professional help. If you have tried addressing the clog using a plumbing snake or other methods but the problem persists, it is recommended to contact a professional plumber.
A professional plumber has the expertise and tools necessary to accurately diagnose and resolve plumbing issues. They can use specialized equipment such as drain cameras to identify the root cause of the problem and provide a suitable solution.
Alternatively, if you prefer to try resolving the issue yourself, you can consider renting a plumbing snake from a local rental yard. A plumbing snake is a flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to break up or remove the clog. However, it is important to use the plumbing snake correctly to avoid causing further damage to the plumbing system.
It is crucial to seek professional help or use the right equipment and techniques to address the issue effectively and prevent any further damage.
Conclusion
Water coming out of the bathtub drain instead of going down can be a frustrating problem to deal with. However, understanding the various reasons behind this issue can help you take appropriate steps to resolve it.
A clog in the plumbing pipe is one of the primary reasons for water coming out of the bathtub drain. By identifying the location of the clog and using a plumbing snake, you can remove the clog and prevent it from happening again.
Higher water level in pipes can also cause water to come out of the bathtub drain. Identifying the causes of increased water level and being mindful of water usage can help prevent this issue.
Possible leaks in the toilet can contribute to water coming out of the bathtub drain. Ensuring a positive seal and addressing any leaks promptly can help prevent water damage.
Understanding the effects of fully plugged and partially plugged pipes can assist in determining the severity of the clog and taking appropriate measures to resolve it.
Water pressure can play a role in unclogging the drain. If the water pressure successfully resolves the issue, you may not have to worry about it again. However, if the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek professional help or use specific tools such as a plumbing snake.
Knowing when to seek professional help or rent a plumbing snake can be crucial in resolving the issue efficiently and preventing any further damage.
By addressing the various reasons for water coming out of the bathtub drain and taking appropriate action, you can ensure the proper functioning of your plumbing system and prevent any water damage.