Exploding toilet?

Question

Last night the toilet backed up, the water nearly came right over the rim. We used a plunger but it only helped a bit. So my husband grabbed a couple of tools to go outside and see if he could open an access point thingy (thats a technical term) in the toilet downpipe As he approached it it suddenly exploded. Sewage shot into the air...i dont know how he didnt get covered in it. The pipe had exploded from a previous patch on the pipe. the toilet works now but there is sewage all over the back garden. Should we just reseal the pipe or do we need to get a plumber out?
I have to add....from my safe vantage point at the top of the stairs the exploding pipe was actually very funny....but what a mess!

Do you think the fact that we are in a drought here and suddenly have rain has impacted on this at all?

We are connected to the city sewers. We rent this house and the owners hate to spend a cent on maintenance...i think that attitude is about to backfire on them.

Answer 1

Great description...and my compliments on your spelling AND use of punctuation: both are things rarely encountered here; the norm is usually a paragraph-long sentence filled with jibberish. Also, your description had me laughing. By the way, that 'thingy' is called a "clean-out" and yes, have a LICENSED plumber deal with it. I'm sure your husband would agree that whatever it costs, it will be worth it. The plumber might suggest it, but you can raise the topic, too: have the drain line snaked from that clean-out point out to the street, THEN have the line snaked from the toilet down to the cleanout. And I'm sure that you know this, but NEVER put Q-tips, tampons, sani-pads, paper towels, big wads of toilet paper, etc., into the toilet. And NEVER use Drano, etc., in a toilet. Hot water, a toilet plunger and a closet-auger are the 3 best tools for toilets (IMHO).

Answer 2

Ex plumber here. You could try to rent an auger yourself and clear out the line, but this can be a real pain sometimes. If you have never "run a drain" before, it can be a sobering experience. the good news is that you already know where your "clean out" is. that is the access thingy you spoke of. I would recommend you call a plumbing company and have them auger it out. Know this, they WILL tell you that you need to replace the sewer line. But don't do anything until they put a camera down the line to see the actual problem. It might have a "hump" or a "belly" in the line possible even a break or roots growing in it. A little hump or belly isn't a big deal but big ones are. most of the time roots can be "chewed up" with the auger, but sometimes not. A break can be patched alot or the time. But if you line is more then 20 years old I would consider replacing it. If you are super lucky, the problem is with the city's connection to your line and the city will fix it, but don't hold your breath. hope this helps.

Answer 3

Hi,
Great story, VERY funny. You should check your vents. A plugged vent can cause an air trap that wont allow liquid(yuk) to flow. Much like soda in a straw if you cover the top. A plugged vent would also allow gas to build up. The pressure would cause the release of gas and stuff (again yuk) at the existing patch.
A plumber can check your vents, but you can also. They are generally located on your roof and if your using a septic system there should be one from the tank.
Good luck

Answer 4

You need a plumber. Patching the pipe was a temporary fix. The access thingy is a "clean out". You still need to resolve why the pipe is backing up and under so much pressure.

Answer 5

I'm not a plumber, and don't play one on the internet. However, from my experience, toilets and plumbing are not designed to explode. If your husband cannot figure out what caused this, get in a good plumber to determine what did cause it, and how it can be prevented. Preferably not the one who did the original patch.

Answer 6

WOW I saw a toliet pipe split in an underground parking garage and leave lumps and TP all over a car. What a nightmare. But to happen at home. Better get a professional in. Good luck!

Answer 7

The sewer is blocked further down the line, as it backed up the weight above it caused the patch to give under the pressure, your blockage is still there, it is just that you have made some room...In the back garden!

Answer 8

You did not say whether you are on a city sewer or are connected to a septic tank, and that makes all the difference.