If you’re in the process of building or remodeling a house, the bathrooms require a considerable amount of planning. One of your many concerns may be this; can a toilet and a shower share the same drain?
The concern for this question stems from sanitary reasons, but frankly, it is completely okay for them to share the same drain.
However, in no circumstances can they share the same waste trap arm. It is also a good idea to ensure that the pipes are wide enough to handle the water pressure to avoid any accidents.
Greywater vs. Blackwater
The main reason that the drains of the shower and the toilet are separated is because of the level of toxicity of the water. This means that the water needs to be decontaminated and recycled separately as well.
This is why more factors should be considered when answering the question of draining the toilet and shower water using the same line.
In the following, we will break down how these factors come into play but first, let us cover some basic information.
What Is Greywater?
The term Greywater is used to refer to the dirty water that is used in the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom. Basically, this is the water that drains from the sink after you wash your hands, clothes, and dishes and when you take a shower.
This water waste is sometimes reused to wash cars or water plants – given that it is diluted enough and does not contain toxins such as bleach.
What Is Blackwater?
Blackwater, on the other hand, is wastewater from toilets contaminated with urine and feces. For obvious reasons, this water can absolutely not be repurposed and has a high potential of carrying diseases, which is why we must be careful abouthow they are disposed of.
Where Do I Dump My Blackwater or Greywater Tank?
For almost all cases in the city, your water pipes are connected directly to a massive sewage system that does all the work of getting rid of toxic water in your area. The sewage carries the water-to-water treatment facilities near you, and you often do not need to worry about it too much.
People living in rural areas or motor homes, however, do have an extra concern about disposing of the wastewater responsibly. You can collect the water in septic tanks and dump them at dealerships and RV parks. There are also wastewater treatment plants and even specific gas stations for disposal.
How Are Toilet and Shower Drains Connected?
To answer this question, it is important to consider that connecting the toilet and shower drain directly can cause some major issues, especially if pipes clog up and water moves up the drains. You would not want to be stepping on the water that has backed up from your toilet!
This is why separate pipes drain the water and then connect to the main line.
Are the Toilet and Bathtub Drains Connected?
The answer to this question is the same as the previous one. Separate pipes collect the water from the shower and bathtubs but eventually meet with the toilet water in the main drain.
Can a Toilet and Sink Share the Same Drain?
Once again, this water waste falls under the category of greywater and is kept separate from the blackwater from the toilets until it reaches the main sewage pipe.
Can the Toilet and Shower Share the Same Vent?
For the same reasons stated above, while the toilet and shower can share the same vent, they must be planned particularly to avoid any mishaps. All the pipes from the shower, bathtub, sink and toilet in a washroom eventually meet the same vent.
But it must be ensured that the toilet pipe connects last so that the blackwater from the toilet bowl does not enter the other pipes while passing by.
What Happens If There Is a Clog in the Sewer Line?
You can get rid of the clogs physically or chemically – although doing both could actually be the ideal step.
For clogs closer to the surface, you can use drain snakes. The process is less than pleasant but gets the job done thoroughly. You can also use chemical cleaners such as Drano, Plumr, or Bio-Clean that dissolve and flushes out the offender.
You may also read this article on: How to Unclog a Toilet with Poop in It?
What If My Vent Stack Is Blocked?
If none of these techniques work and the sewer smell persists in your bathroom, it can be caused by some problem with the vent stack. A vent stack controls the water pressure and – yes – prevents the smell of sewer from wafting sneakily into your home. In this case, it would be best to contact a professional.
Do Plumbing Vents Have to Go Through the Roof?
While it is typical for plumbing vents to go through the roof, it is not really a necessity. The objective of the plumbing vents is to remove the sewer odors away from the house, and roofs are the easiest choice.
However, as long as the ends from the pipes are outside of the house and are not near any entrances and windows, they are good to remain where they are.
What Are the Signs That the Plumbing Vent Is Clogged?
A tell-tale sign of a clogged pipe would be the smell of sewer in your bathroom, especially when you flush the toilet. There might also be a gurgling noise.
How to Unclog the Vent Pipe on the Roof?
The best way to deal with a clogged vent pipe on the roof is to use a plumber’s snake. Run the device up the pipe until you reach your obstacle. Then twist it until you feel the snake catch on to the clog and pull it out slowly and steadily.
Once the major clogs have been dealt with using the plumber’s snake, the smaller ones can be hosed through with water quite easily!
You can also read this article: Why Is My Basement Drain Backing Up When Toilet Is Flushed?
Conclusion
Can a toilet and shower share the same drain? While we did answer yes at the beginning, we hope this article has been able to make it clear why that “yes” can still depend on multiple other factors, such as the type of water waste, safe water disposals, drainage pipes, and sewer systems.
Hence, the more you understand how the system works, the better you will be able to lay out a floor plan for your next house project!
