Bubbly Toilets

[georgiamom]

Every morning the toilets bubble and then when flushed rise to the top...eventually going back to normal and flush normal the rest of the day? The water also backs up in the shower...there is no sewer smell at all..
we are on city sewage system...could it be a blocked pipe by roots or
a blocked vent?
ldsmartin@nctv.com

 

[Mike Swearingen]

Sounds like a partial blockage in the main drain line (not a vent pipe).
Open a clean-out plug, rent a heavy-duty plumber's snake and snake the main drain line all the way.
If the problem persists, and you have segmented drain lines such as cast iron, it may be a root problem. A snake will just punch right through roots, offering only a temporary solution.
Roto-rootering them out will only last a year or two. The best permanent solution for roots is to replace the drain lines with glued plastic (PVC white plastic or ABS black plastic), which roots cannot penetrate.
Before replacing, check with your Building Inspection Department for local codes, permit and inspection requirements.
Good luck!
Mike