The Bathtub Draining Into Kitchen Sink

Are you experiencing problems with your home’s plumbing network? Call Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. today to schedule a consultation!

Imagine coming home after a long day to take a warm shower and enjoy dinner with the family, only to find your bathtub draining into the kitchen sink. Apart from the confusion about what could have caused the sink backup, you’ll also have to worry about fairly unsanitary conditions in the kitchen. You’ll definitely need to throw out those prime ribs you left in the sink to thaw and spend some time thoroughly washing the cookware.

But first, you will need to find out what’s causing the backup in your plumbing system and fix it. As reliable drain cleaning experts in Aurora, IL, we know all the possible causes of all kinds of plumbing drain backups. 

Below, we look at the common reasons for a bathtub to start draining into the kitchen sink and how to stop it from happening again.

Drain Blockages

If wastewater from your bathtub is making its way into your kitchen sink, it is a clear indication that there’s a blockage somewhere along your plumbing drains. The clog could be directly at the juncture between the kitchen drain and the main line. Otherwise, it might be somewhere further down, depending on your home’s plumbing architecture.

The water flows into the sink because it can’t move past the sink joint. If the clog is before this part of the drain line, the water will probably remain in the bathtub or find its way to the nearest possible joint. This is because water will always follow the path of least resistance.

Solution

Call in a plumber like Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. to inspect the line and find the source of the clog. DIY methods of fixing a clogged drain will not work in this instance. Your vinegar or drain cleaner will only work for minor clogs that are not too far away from the P-trap.

For more serious clogs, those methods will only add more water to the line. That’s why you need a professional plumber to evaluate the clog and recommend the best possible fix. The options will likely include snaking with a heavy-duty drain snake, hydro jetting, and a few other methods.

Venting Problems

The plumbing vent is a network of pipes that run along the side of your home and up to the roof. 

They accomplish two things. First, they let fresh air into your plumbing lines to maintain air pressure. Secondly, they allow the accumulated waste air to escape into the atmosphere to prevent wastewater backup. 

When there’s a clog in the vent, wastewater may back up in fixtures, including your kitchen sink.

Solution

The most common fix for vent-related problems is for a professional plumber to inspect the vent exit from the top. This task will involve climbing the roof, so it’s not a DIY job. Upon spotting a clog in the vent, the plumber will explore ways to remove it.

For organic clogs, it’s as simple as pushing them down the drain. However, clogs like nests or dead animals may require dismantling the vent.

Obstruction In the Sewer Line

All the wastewater coming from your home goes to the sewer line or a septic tank if you have one. Sewer line obstruction between your drain lines and the sewer will cause water backups across your home. If so, there’s a high chance of the bathtub draining into the kitchen sink, especially if the kitchen is on your home’s lowest level. 

Solution

You can confirm a clog in the sewer line by checking for water leaks along the line. If you can find water leaks, use a wrench to remove the cover from the sewer’s access point for a closer inspection.

Is there standing water in the sewer access point? Use a large-size auger or a similar tool to attempt to clear the clog. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to call a plumber.

Just like with drain line clogs, plumbers can unclog sewer line blockages in diverse ways. The option they choose will depend on the type of clog they find. For example, while snaking and plunging can get rid of chunks, the plumber may recommend hydro jetting or new pipes for tree root-related problems.

Full Septic Tanks

If your home relies on a septic tank, there’s always the probability that it will fill up at some point. When it does, it can lead to sewer backups in your drain lines when you use a plumbing fixture like the bathtub or kitchen sink. You will often find water backing up into one fixture when you try to use the other.

Sewer backups are a major health hazard, so you should avoid them at all costs.

Solution

The fastest way to deal with this problem is to drain the septic tank. However, upon completion of the draining, you’ll need to take some precautions to keep the tank from filling too quickly next time.

One of the most common septic tank tips to prevent backups includes maintaining a timetable for water-heavy activities, like doing the laundry. Give the water in the tank enough time to enter the drain field. You also don’t want to use too much water over a short time and overwhelm the system.

Your Local Plumbers Are Ready to Help

A plumbing system is a complicated network of more than just PVC pipes. When any part of it fails, and you find your bathtub draining into the kitchen sink, a team like Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. can come to your rescue on short notice. 

The team comes fully equipped with everything they need to find the source of all common drain problems and restore the normal flow of wastewater away from your home. We’ll also provide some guidance on what you can do to prevent a repeat experience.

Does your property need urgent plumbing services? Contact Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. online or call (847) 716-2261 to schedule an appointment today!