Both toilets are backed up, Ive already have the septic pumped, didn't work, what next?

Question

I have 2 bathrooms, the toilet in the master bath backed up one day and wouldn't plunged away. it drained after a long time, but I started using the second bathroom toilet until help came. shortly there after the second toilet backed up too. roto-rooter came and pumped the septic. It worked for a while, but the first toilet still drained slow. Now the second one is backed up. Can I fix this without calling out another plumber?
draining in the shower and bath also have slowed

Answer 1

Unless you are trained as a plumber and have the right tools, I would not attempt anything else. Trying to fix it yourself could make it so much worse and so much more expensive. There are truly some situations which are best left to professionals. Yours sounds like a clear case! Call a recommended plumber, not roto rooter.

Answer 2

Having had the same problem for years here are a couple of things to check after you've tried all the other really good answers you've received. When snaking the lines make sure the one from the roof down gets done too. Also many folks have a second "overflow" septic tank they are unaware of; it also needs to be pumped. And finally, you didn't mention if your problem is worsened by heavy water usage or rain. If it is and you live on your own sizable piece of land outside any city code limits, you may have to put a clear water pump on your second tank and pull the clear water off to an area far away from anything. Be sure not to get any solids into this pump.

Answer 3

We had a similar problem at out former residence. We thought it was the septic and had it pumped but it still drained slow. It turned out to be a clog in the pipe between the septic and the house. If that is the case or if there is a corroded pipe with build up you will most likely have to call a plumber if you are not in to plumbing.

Answer 4

Another thought, in addition to the pipe from the house to the tank, is what about your vent coming out of the house, the septic vent. Is it clogged, with something, that can cause a "vapor lock" if you will, and I'm not sure if it can get to your extent but worth investigating before you go the plumber route, just dont fall off the roof.

Answer 5

Is your septic tank now empty? Have you checked? If it's empty, and things are still backing up, then you've got a problem between the house and the tank. If it's full, you've got a problem with the outfall from the tank or with your drainage field.

If the tank is empty, buy a set of drainage rods and start rodding if you've got a rodding point. Or take off the fittings at the septic tank end and start rodding back -- but be prepared for a gush of nasty stuff under considerable pressure :-(

Answer 6

Since everythying is slow to some extent, it sounds like your problem is a clog in the line somewhere between the house and the septic tank. You say roro-rooter pumped the tank...did they snake the line leading to the tank? Is there a clean-out? I would try snaking the line.

Answer 7

It's not unusual for this to happen once your septic system becomes saturated. When this happens, frequently the entire area around the system will become saturated also. When you have your system pumped, it leaves a void allowing the surrounding liquid to seep back into the system.
That's the reason why people who maintain their sytems properly, have them pumped on a yearly basis before they become saturated to the point of affecting the surrounding area.

Answer 8

Vapor Rooter

Answer 9

open your septic tank, and at the entrance.. there is something called a 'sanitary tee'... chances are this is clogged up.. the person that pumped the tank should have flushed this out... a garden house would suffice to clear it (running water)

Answer 10

oops!! up on the roof with you. you have a plugged up vent. it doesn't take a plumber but you'll need a "snake" or other flexible tool that will reach the entire distance to the bottom. just did it the other day. saved $130.