Bad gurgling sound takes a turn for the worst...

[sallyc]

We recently bought a a 1964 split level and the drain in the bathroom one level up (about five steps) from the kitchen has always gurgled a bit when you use the kitchen sink or dishwasher, but tonight after doing a huge sudsy sink full of dishes my daughter reported the bathtub had bubbles coming up from the drain! Is this obviously a vent issue? I don't even know where the main vent is! water and bubbles traveling against gravity can't ever be good.....Any help would be much appreciated...

[Gene Bickford]

Depending on how your home drains are set up, I'm guessing your main line is partially clogged, perhaps roots.

[Gene Bickford]

Was the home empty for some time before you moving in?

Do you notice when a large volume of water is used the "gurgling" is worse?


Do you have a basement clean out?

[sallyc]

Thanks for answering back...it wasn't vacant and yes the gurgling is worse when large volumes are being used. I have no idea where the basement clean out would be...it's a tri-level split so the lowest floor is the family room (a sort of partial basement, maybe 1/2 of it below grade.) Is that the same as a household trap?

[Gene Bickford]

In my area household traps are common in older homes. Your area I'm not sure.

Is the bathtub the lowest drain in your home?

[sallyc]

It's not the lowest, that's the problem -- it's on the top floor -- above the kitchen

[Gene Bickford]

So we have narrowed it down to one floor and eliminated a main line blockage.
Good.

any other drains on the same floor causing a backup into the tub or causing gurgling sounds?

[Gene Bickford]

OK Sallyc I'm guessing your problem will get worse, but you have logged off.
Good luck!
Call Roto-Rooter:D

[sallyc]

Thanks so much! It's just the one drain and yes, we need to take care of it before it gets worse!

[toolaholic]

Sally, Please don't use Drano! It's bad for the environment, destroys the drain cables [You
can be billed for this] and can burn the skin and clothes of the drain clearer! Ask Your friends for the name of a drain clearing [ small outfit ]Co.in Your area, that has a good reputation. Large National Co. are getting a Rep. for tacking advantage of Good folks.
Ask about Jetting the lines,It clears soap scum real good .Good luck ,Tool P.S. Please Report back! We'll be of good help next time!