Laundry and Toilet Overflowing Question

[stick]

This is a question from someone at work. They, in their basement, have their laundry room (washer discharges into the slop sink) sharing an internal wall with their bathroom. The toilet is on the opposite side of the wall of the washer/sink. They have a shower a few feet away on a different wall of the bathroom. When they run laundry, the toilet will gurgle and sometimes overflow with suds. I asked and was told that the shower hasn't had suds or overflow at all. So...I thought that it is maybe a venting issue.

Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions?

[Surface Tension]

I think your right about the vent. First see if the vent is plugged(if there is one) If no vent find the nearest vent and tie the laundry tub into that. Toilet doesn't sound like its vented either. If proper venting is impossible you can install a valve type vent. They are not code but its better then traps being drained, sewer gas, and overflowing toilets.

[anyfishwilldo]

I had the same problem. It was roots at my house. Called the plumber, $110 later, no problems.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I live in a house that used to be a one room school house. In 1955 it was converted to a house. I know this persons pain very well.

2 thoughts come to mind. First is a frozen vent. Otherwise known as the stink pipe. When the system is venting condensation will build up in the vent pipe. Normally in the attic or through the roof is where this condensation will freeze. As it freezes, more condensation builds up and freezes, soon the pipe is either plugged or frozen enough to not allow enough air. The cure for this is fairly simple. Go on the roof and pour a couple buckets of warm water down the vent pipe. This will melt down the ice. The bubbling Ferguson REALLY makes me think venting.

2nd thought is a plugged drain pipe. Not as likely but possible. Going to need to snake out the pipe to fix this. If you don't have a drain snake with a cutting head call a plumber. It's actually an inexpensive repair. Normally 100 to 150 dollars.