How Partial or Blocked Plumbing Drain Pipe Clog Can Causes Water To Leak Out of Toilet
This explores the reasons behind a leaky toilet after using a sink, shower, or bathtub in a two-story house. It delves into the plumbing system's layout and how clogs or partial clogs in specific sections can cause leaks at the base of the toilet.
Understanding Two-Story House Plumbing Drainage
In a two-story house, the plumbing system for the upper level typically consists of a drainpipe that collects wastewater from all three fixtures: the sink, shower, and bathtub. This drainpipe channels the wastewater down to the lower level. While the exact layout of your plumbing system might differ, this video provides a general idea of how clogs and leaks can occur.
Clogged Drain Pipes and Leaky Toilets
The video explains how a clogged or partially clogged drainpipe can cause water to leak from the base of the toilet. Here's a breakdown of the scenarios:
Partial Clog: A partial clog allows some water to pass through the drainpipe slowly. When you use the sink, the water may drain slowly due to the clog, but it will eventually drain out. However, if there's a clog further down the drainpipe (beyond the toilet connection), using the sink can cause water to back up and leak out of the base of the toilet, especially if the wax ring seal around the toilet flange is damaged or partially damaged. This leakage happens because the clogged section prevents the water from draining efficiently, and the lowest point of exit becomes the connection between the toilet and the drainpipe.
Full Clog: If the clog completely blocks the drainpipe, using the sink will not be possible at all. Any water drained from the sink will back up and overflow from the base of the toilet since there's no passage for the water to flow through the clog. Additionally, flushing the toilet in this scenario might cause water to rise over the toilet bowl rim.
Important Note: A clogged drainpipe isn't the only culprit for a leaky toilet. Damaged plumbing pipes or a faulty toilet itself can also cause leaks.
Leak Location and Clog Identification
The location of the leak can provide clues about the clog's position in the drainpipe. Here's what the video explains:
Leak from Toilet Base: If the leak originates from the base of the toilet, it suggests a clog beyond the toilet connection in the drainpipe or a damaged wax ring seal around the toilet flange.
Leak from Sink Drain: A leak from the sink drain itself indicates a clog closer to the sink, not necessarily affecting the toilet or bathtub drainage.
However, it's important to consider that these are general observations. The actual plumbing layout in your house might differ, and a professional plumber's assessment might be recommended for an accurate diagnosis.
