Homeowner issue -Foaming commode

Ricky M · Nov 6, 2019

Not sure this is the right place but here goes...

The sewer doesn't quite vent right, and when we drain the upstairs bubble bath it foams out of the basement toilet. Does anyone know a safe de-foaming agent or surfactant that would sop that from happening?

Thanks

Darkhorse · Nov 6, 2019

My first thought would be: have you checked the roof vent to make sure it's unblocked?

You might stick a garden hose down it and flush the stack out.

Ricky M · Nov 6, 2019

Darkhorse said:
My first thought would be: have you checked the roof vent to make sure it's unblocked?

You might stick a garden hose down it and flush the stack out.

The plumber came and dumped 350 gallons down it and it flowed like a champ. There's a point on the main floor were it runs horizontally and the prevailing thought is the stack from the roof has sagged a bit, causing it to form a water trap like under your sink. The turbulence in the trap causes the bubble bath to foam and it flows from the basement john as it expands. No water, just bubbles. When we remodel the bathroom we can open up that wall and straighten it back out. Until then we need to find a safe surfactant/de-susdser to put in the basement bowl.

com7fy8 · Nov 6, 2019

This is the first time I have heard of a toilet that foams from the mouth.

Possibly, you need to evaluate how much bubble bath you are putting in the tub.

Also > maybe when you know you will be draining the bubble bath water, use something to plug the downstairs toilet, and put a little extra water down . . . maybe less than 350 gallons.

And if you care to experiment, perhaps you can time how long it takes before the draining tub water results in downstairs foaming, and start a flush downstairs at about that time to help to escort the bubbles down the pipe. But I think temporary plugging would work better, then flush when the upstairs tub is done draining.

Ricky M · Nov 7, 2019

com7fy8 said:
This is the first time I have heard of a toilet that foams from the mouth.

Possibly, you need to evaluate how much bubble bath you are putting in the tub.

Also > maybe when you know you will be draining the bubble bath water, use something to plug the downstairs toilet, and put a little extra water down . . . maybe less than 350 gallons.

And if you care to experiment, perhaps you can time how long it takes before the draining tub water results in downstairs foaming, and start a flush downstairs at about that time to help to escort the bubbles down the pipe. But I think temporary plugging would work better, then flush when the upstairs tub is done draining.

I heard that white vinegar will help break down suds. We'll see how that works!

essentialsaltes · Nov 7, 2019

Wiki for Defoamer.

"The first defoamers were aimed at breaking down visible foam at the surface. Kerosene, fuel oil and other light oil products were used to break down foam. Vegetable oils also found some use."

If it's only for rare occasions that you can plan for, you might try these options. One of the easiest might be to float a thin layer of vegetable oil on the toilet bowl. I am neither a chemist nor a plumber. You takes your chances.

Robban · Nov 7, 2019

Ricky M said:
I heard that white vinegar will help break down suds. We'll see how that works!

When I have done my dishes and pulled the plug what is left is a lot of bubbles and foam.

What are you using?

I thought a bubble bath was the water was bubbling.

Here thousands of bathtubs have been exchanged for showers.

Ricky M · Nov 7, 2019

I will try the vegetable oil, that's an interesting idea. Haven't had a chance to test the vinegar yet, guess I better go get soaking

There are commercial agents available, but most of those are geared to industrial/farming applications using chemicals and pesticides. I'm just not sure those would be appropriate to use inside the house. But thanks!

Ricky M · Nov 7, 2019

Robban said:
When I have done my dishes and pulled the plug what is left is a lot of bubbles and foam.

What are you using?

I thought a bubble bath was the water was bubbling.

Here thousands of bathtubs have been exchanged for showers.

When the water drains from the upstairs tub (which we use to alleviate several orthopedic issues), it contains the bubble bath solution. When it hits the 'trap' the turbulence causes it to aerate, causing it to start foaming again. The inside of the pipe is a limited volume, so the extra foam finds the exit of least resistance which is the basement bowl. It's kinda disgusting, thinking of where it comes from. We keep lots of Lysol down there, but it'd be nice if we could stop it from happening and that would require some kind of agent to break down the surface tension of the water/bubbles (hey! maybe some Gas-Ex?). Or, remodeling the bathroom to fix the vent. Yes dear, I'm workin' on it

paul1149 · Nov 7, 2019

Interesting problem. Couldn't you simply regulate the volume of discharge from the upstairs bubble bath, so that the turbulence is kept sufficiently low? Lift the stopper only part way, or place a plastic lid partially over the drain?

Robban · Nov 7, 2019

Ricky M said:
When the water drains from the upstairs tub (which we use to alleviate several orthopedic issues), it contains the bubble bath solution. When it hits the 'trap' the turbulence causes it to aerate, causing it to start foaming again. The inside of the pipe is a limited volume, so the extra foam finds the exit of least resistance which is the basement bowl. It's kinda disgusting, thinking of where it comes from. We keep lots of Lysol down there, but it'd be nice if we could stop it from happening and that would require some kind of agent to break down the surface tension of the water/bubbles (hey! maybe some Gas-Ex?). Or, remodeling the bathroom to fix the vent. Yes dear, I'm workin' on it

Hope you get it fixed without too much cost.

Ricky M · Nov 9, 2019

Well the vinegar didn't work. Did clean the bowl tho

Homeowner issue -Foaming commode

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