Can sanitary sewer obstruction downstairs cause sanitary sewer obstruction upstairs? ?

Question

I live on the fourth floor. Our sanitary sewer is obstructed. Can sanitary sewer obstruction downstairs cause our sanitary sewer obstruction?

Answer 1

Yes.  If yours has to pass though the affected pipe, then yes. And if your pipes are vented on the other side of the block, yes.  Good luck there. . .

Answer 2

It may be in your main to the city's.

Answer 3

It pretty much depends on what section of the main sanitary line is plugged downstairs.  If yours has to run through it to exit the building, then "Yes", the lower can affect the upper.   It can  plug up the whole building.  

Answer 4

It is very unlikely that your clog is caused by the first floor clog. After all the water that you generate will at worst flow into the first floor living areas by default.