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How can you fix plumbing when the upstairs hot water in the shower turns off when the taps or shower downstairs are running?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Not knowing the age/size/configuration of your Plumbing or it's condition, I can only suggest what might be causes for your situation.
. Your pipes are old and the interior of the pipes have become narrowed by rust or corrosion.(over time sediments collect on the interior of your pipes and severely restrict the flow(volume). The older the plumbing the more chance this has happened)
. Your water supply pressure is too low. . A restiction in the shower head/diverter. . Corroded valves in the shower.(not fully opening) . Supply lines are to small to handle all the fixtures at one time. . Main supply line valve not open all the way. There is a multitude of things that could cause this situation.
Start by:
.Taking off the showerhead. Turn on the valves, hot and cold, test one at a time, and see it there is sufficient water coming to the shower when the valves(upstairs and downstairs) are both open. This will identify if there is enough water coming up to the shower and if it is just in one side.(hot or cold)
If there is sufficient water flow: Clean or replace the shower head.
If not: . Check the sink/toilet water flow and see if they slow or stop running when the downstairs shower is running. If they too slow considerably, it is probably a problem common to the supply line to the upstairs. . Check your water lines(hot or cold) feeding the upstairs shower to see if it is large enough and tied into a line large enough to carry the demand.
You can also:
. Test the water pressure as near to the Main suppy line as possible.(outside hose bib) You can get a gauge to screw onto a hose nozzle for a few dollars at the hardware store.
Unless you have a Water Pressure regulator in line with the Main Valve, the water pressure should be the same at all outlets.
If you do have a regulator, the "presuure"(not volume) may be reduced after the Regulator but shold still be at a new equal pressure throughout the house. note:(Water Pressure Regulators help protect your fixtures from excessive pressure and surges. High pressure could cause leaks or failure of some units.)
The gauge may help you identify where a restriction may be located.
If the upstairs shower was added during a remodel, it's possible the supply lines were not properly designed to handle the extra water demand. This would require some plumbing renovation to bring it up to specs.
As a general note: Old 3/4" galvanized pipes after time can restrict down to pencil size or smaller inside. Even plug off completely. You know what that will mean...
Good Luck.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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Hwy when you flush your upstairs toilet does your downstairs shower drain erupt sewage?
The drain from the toilet to the main drain is plugged and the branch to the shower is not. If the main floor toilet flushes, it is between the two toilets and not between the house and the sewer.
How much does a shower plumbing cost?
"Shower plumbing will vary greatly in cost depending on wether you are installing a new shower system, refurbishing an older system, planning to add upgraded features and fixtures, and if there will be tiling involved."
What causes one bathroom upstairs to have very little water pressure in the shower and bathtub but the other bathroom has plenty?
Insufficient water pressure or incorrect pipe sizing
Why does your shower leak once the toilet is flushed?
The drains for the shower, toilet and sink all connect to a common line. Assuming the toilet is not backing up, the problem indicates that there may be a partial blockage, enough so that some of the toilet flow is backing up through the shower drain line. You need plumbing repair. The shower leak you mention should only be in the shower, or else you have a broken drain line as well.
What is the headwall of the shower?
The wall where the plumbing enters into the shower. Also known as a wet wall because it has water pipes in it. It is recommended that the head wall have access on the wall opposite the bathroom to be able for plumbers to remove or replace control valves, drains etc.
What kind of drainage do you need for a downstairs shower?
Same as upstairs BUT LESS drainage piping BUT more vent piping.
Why does downstairs shower drip but ONLY when the upstairs shower is used?
the pies are connected so when you turn on the shower the vaulve in the pipe going to the other shower might not be all the way closed thus causing it to leak
What would cause the upstairs bathrooms to leak downstairs?
Gravity. Also- If someone takes a shower with the curtain on the outside of the tub this can happen.
Why does your upstairs toilet and drains gurgle and back up when your down stairs shower and toilet work just fine?
The drain is plugged somewhat between the upstairs and downstairs. Need to snake the drains.
What is the cause of downstairs shower and floor draining backing up?
The main drain is plugged. Not completely, but enough that it is easier for the upstairs water to come out in the shower and floor drain instead of going out the drain.
Hwy when you flush your upstairs toilet does your downstairs shower drain erupt sewage?
The drain from the toilet to the main drain is plugged and the branch to the shower is not. If the main floor toilet flushes, it is between the two toilets and not between the house and the sewer.
What is the definition of shower plumbing?
Shower is water that is sprayed over someone. Plumbing is the fixtures and piping that supplies water in a building. Shower plumbing would be the fixtures that spray water in a bathtub/shower stall.
Where does upstairs sink water and shower water drain to?
There is a main drain that runs from the basement through the roof where it is the vent for the system. If you look at the layout of the house, the upstairs bath is most likely over the downstairs one or the kitchen. If you look on the roof, you will see a 4 inch pipe coming through the roof that should be over the upstairs bath. The sink and shower drain into that and then to the basement and out of the house. Most likely the main stack is in the wall behind the toilet.
How can you diagnose and repair a problem with pipes in the wall that bang downstairs when an upstairs shower is used in a 1982 townhouse?
You have air in the system you need to bleed it out. do you have a really old heater/ boiler. hot water heater need more info
Why is water leaking on the downstairs ceiling when the H or C faucets on the upstairs tub are turned on if it is not leaking through the drain or tub?
If the tub has a shower as well, the pipe from the faucet to the shower head could be leaking. You might also check the tube that comes OUT and fills the tub. It could be leaking back at the valve when you turn on the water.
Why would an upstairs toilet drain into a downstairs sink?
Answer The waste line from the downstairs toilet is not vented (or not vented properly, or the vent is plugged up). Flushing the upstairs toilet creates a vacuum in the main line which sucks the water out of the one downstairs. Answer your waste lines for both toilets may be on the same branch off the sewer main. Either you have a stoppage in the branch line or you have a stoppage in the main line. (If it's the main line your downstairs toilet would have to be the lowest fixture, ie If you have a floor drain downstairs and it's a stoppage in your main line it would backup through the floor drain. If there is no floor drain the toilet downstairs is probably your lowest fixture.) Your best bet is to snake out the system through the toilet downstairs.
Why does a ground level kitchen sink back up when the upstairs shower is turned on?
There is a clog between the sink and the line to the street or septic tank. The sink is the easier path for the upstairs shower.
