not sure what is happening here

cprao · 06-15-2010, 12:13 AM

Both my kitchen and Washer looks like connected to same drainage line.

This is just started happening.. both my kitchen water and Wahser water does not look like getting drained. Water is coming out of another drain line (it is open). I am not sure why this drain line is desined here. Please see photo.

I don't know where do I start to understand the problem.

Any clues ? I am not sure I explained the problem also well.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/v...n/P6140271.jpg
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/v...n/P6140273.jpg
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/v...n/P6140272.jpg

Just Bill · 06-15-2010, 07:05 AM

That doesn't look right at all. Drain water should not be coming out the side of the house!!!! No way to tell what you have from here, I suggest a plumber.

COLDIRON · 06-15-2010, 07:17 AM

Could that be a outside clean out that the cap or pipe rotted out??

cprao · 06-15-2010, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COLDIRON

Could that be a outside clean out that the cap or pipe rotted out??

Ok. I can close that with some thing.. then I am worried about how the drain water will behave in that situation.

cprao · 06-15-2010, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Bill

That doesn't look right at all. Drain water should not be coming out the side of the house!!!! No way to tell what you have from here, I suggest a plumber.

I agree with you.

Scuba_Dave · 06-15-2010, 09:30 AM

Yeah, seems like a clean out that rotted out
Is there a basement below ? Or is this on a slab ?
If it was the only drain you would see a LOT of water coming out when the sink was on
Washer water - dishwasher or washing machine ?

Test - plug it up with a rag & turn the kitchen sink on full blast

cprao · 06-15-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

Yeah, seems like a clean out that rotted out
Is there a basement below ? Or is this on a slab ?
If it was the only drain you woudl see a LOT of water comingout when the sink was on
Washer water - dishwasher or washing machine ?

Test - plug it up with a rag & turn the kitchen sink on full blast

This is on Slab.

Let me understand you.. you say - 1) close the cleanout with a rag (?).
2) open Kitchen water on full blast.

But how do I ensure that problem is solved ? does the water come out from some other place ? or from the kitchen itsef ?

Thurman · 06-15-2010, 10:51 AM

IMO-Picture #2 shows a "clean out access" with a plug with square cap broken off. This is allowing backed up drainage water to come out of this cap. The problem is you have some sort of back-up in your drain line. IF you're drain line was clear and working correctly the water would not be coming out of this clean out even with the cap removed. The plug needs to be removed without breaking it apart any more, the line(s) needs to be cleaned, and a new plug installed. Unless you have experience with this--call a plumber. David

cprao · 06-15-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thurman

IMO-Picture #2 shows a "clean out access" with a plug with square cap broken off. This is allowing backed up drainage water to come out of this cap. The problem is you have some sort of back-up in your drain line. IF you're drain line was clear and working correctly the water would not be coming out of this clean out even with the cap removed. The plug needs to be removed without breaking it apart any more, the line(s) needs to be cleaned, and a new plug installed. Unless you have experience with this--call a plumber. David

Thank you..
1)Is there a way I can remove the plug without breaking it ? Any tools suggested ? I am not experienced guy.

2) If I open the plug, would I be able to clean the main line which looks like choked.

3) Would you suggest me to drop some drain liquid from the kitchen sink to loosen the choke ?

Please help.

Scuba_Dave · 06-15-2010, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cprao

This is on Slab.

Let me understand you.. you say - 1) close the cleanout with a rag (?).
2) open Kitchen water on full blast.

But how do I ensure that problem is solved ? does the water come out from some other place ? or from the kitchen itsef ?

The Test would be to see if the drain is clogged up enough for water to back up into the sink

If you do get the cover off I would toss a hose in there to flush it out if your water pressure is high enough

COLDIRON · 06-15-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

The Test would be to see if the drain is clogged up enough for water to back up into the drain

If you do get the cover off I would toss a hose in there to flush it out if your water pressure is high enough

Me to

cprao · 06-15-2010, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

The Test would be to see if the drain is clogged up enough for water to back up into the sink

If you do get the cover off I would toss a hose in there to flush it out if your water pressure is high enough

Ok. Let me first close the drain and see whether water can be backed up to sink or not ?

jogr · 06-15-2010, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cprao

Ok. Let me first close the drain and see whether water can be backed up to sink or not ?

No, that's pointless. You already know two things:
1. You have a broken cleanout plug that needs replacing.
2. You have a blockage somewhere downstream of that cleanout.

# 1 is minor, you can just replace it and even if you didn't there's no big harm other than bad odors can come out of it. It's already broken so you don't need to worry about breaking the plug - you just don't want to damage the threads the plug goes into.

#2 requires prompt attention and needs to be augered out (through the outside cleanout after you get the plug out). A place like Ace Hardware or some tool rental yard will often rent out big powered drain augers that you can use. These can be tricky to use and you can even hurt yourself on them so don't do it unless you are sure you can handle it safely. Seems like I saw a rental for around $50. Or you can call a plumber. Prices can vary significantly so talk money on the phone so you aren't surprised by the bill.

cprao · 06-15-2010, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jogr

No, that's pointless. You already know two things:
1. You have a broken cleanout plug that needs replacing.
2. You have a blockage somewhere downstream of that cleanout.

# 1 is minor, you can just replace it and even if you didn't there's no big harm other than bad odors can come out of it. It's already broken so you don't need to worry about breaking the plug - you just don't want to damage the threads the plug goes into.

#2 requires prompt attention and needs to be augered out (through the outside cleanout after you get the plug out). A place like Ace Hardware or some tool rental yard will often rent out big powered drain augers that you can use. These can be tricky to use and you can even hurt yourself on them so don't do it unless you are sure you can handle it safely. Seems like I saw a rental for around $50. Or you can call a plumber. Prices can vary significantly so talk money on the phone so you aren't surprised by the bill.

Ok. I think, now I should call a plumber. What should I be telling him on the phone to make sure he understands what I am talking about.

cprao · 07-05-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cprao

Ok. I think, now I should call a plumber. What should I be telling him on the phone to make sure he understands what I am talking about.

Final update: Also sorry for the late update:

I called Drain Cleaning company and they cleaned it in a few minutes.

Put a cap to the clean-out access. Job is done for $50. I am happy..

Thank you for all your suggesstions and help!! Appreciated.