Toilet Problems! Flushing Issues.........Help!!?

Question

We have a two story cape cod with 3 bathrooms. There are 2 on first floor, 1 on second. The upstairs bathroom is fine, flushes fine. The first floor bathrooms flush fine when there is only urine in them in addition to toilet paper. (cottonelle) With BOTH of the bathrooms on the first floor anytime someone has a bowel movement and flushes it either flushes and water comes up high almost like there isn't enough suction or something? OR it has to be plunged to even go down. Now we had the septic pumped, we have a 1500 gal tank and its now empty. Plunging is having to be done alllllllll the time.........If there was something stuck in the pipes would it affect both bathrooms though? My hubby snaked master bath without getting anything. I would greatly greatly appreciate any idea's or help!! Can you use like that LYE stuff in toilets? Clueless here!!

Sorry for not adding this! The home was built in 1999, and we bought it in 2002. The sinks in the bathrooms are fine, thanks for all your answers thus far, its giving me some ideas to try. Sorry for the dipshit person that answered the question first, give her a few tips if you can too!

Answer 1

I've run into this situation as well in the past.
Running a snake through the plumbing vent pipes that extend through the roof has more often than not solved the problem.
There are most likely separate vent pipes for each floor.

You didn't describe "how" the snaking was done, but professionals would run an auger/snake through the system until they could see the tool at the drain inspection plug near the septic system [outside of the home].

Be certain that you use a special "toilet" snake so the bowl doesn't get scratched. [the smooth surface or the porcelain is what keeps a bowl sanitary]
Then run the longer snake through the drain of the adjacent fixture [bath or shower] until you see the end at the inspection plug.
[ the drain for the tub is accessed through the "pop-up drain" handle - remove the plate, beneath the faucets]
It's also conventional to fill the tubs and basins with hot water after the mechanical snake/auger is used, then drain all at once.

Home Dpt. sells/rents drain augers.
Best of luck

Answer 2

If the first floor toilets are back to back, then it is possible that there is an obstruction after where the two connect and the main plumbing stack. Have you tried using a closet auger? These are especially made for snaking out a toilet. If the piping is exposed in the lower level of your house, you can get a better idea of just where the problem might be. You could also remove the toilet from the floor and use a cable snake directly into the waste line and clean it right into the main stack.
PLEASE do not use any LYE stuff in the toilets. That causes more trouble than good.

Answer 3

Do not use caustic drain cleaners with a septic tank. If you must use a drain cleaner, use an enzyme cleaner such as Draincare by Zep. Enzyme cleaners cling to and eat organic clogs. They work the same as the septic does, with bacteria. Safe for all type drains and systems. Check outside or in a crawlspace if you have one, for a cleanout. It will be the same size as the main pipes. It should have a cap or plug that you can remove and snake from there or flush out with a garden hose. Just a guess but, I think the two downstairs toilets share the same drain line and then tie into the main drain. The upstairs one probably connects to the main on it's own.

Answer 4

I don't recommend using lye, lye and grease makes soap and it will stick to your pipes, Something may be caught in the toilet like a shampoo cap, a snake will go around it and you will never know it. I would say get a shop vac and remove the toilet to confirm it is clear, use a towel to blow and vac both ends of the toilet, if this doesn't get it, then your main may be gooking up with grease and sewage, or the worst it may be the plumbing main line is not connected right. You could snake the main line from the septic side or use some Drain Cleaner, Not drain opener, Ryobic makes a line of products to address this. and you can find it at any Lowes or hardware.

Answer 5

You have a restriction in the main line BELOW both commodes, that is why it is affecting both. The upstairs is fine strictly because of it`s elevation above the others. Take up the toilet that is FARTHER away from the septic tank (downstairs) and have your husband snake it. Make sure you go far enough (not just 6-8 feet) to reach well past the restriction. (IT`s actually easier to dig and go into the line from outside and snake back towards the house). Be careful using those drain openers, they can heat up and bust your commode.

Answer 6

Try dumping a whole bottle of "Drano" down both toilets flush only once and let set for about an hour before flushing again. Yes if something is wrong with one toilet it might effect the other toilet, if they are on the same plumbing. If you've tried the snake and that didn't work, try the Drano. It could also be part of the plumbing needs replaced, the "trap", I can't remember what's it's called. It's the flap that goes over part of the tubing, helps with the "vacuum" suction. Good luck, but you may need to call a plumber!

Answer 7

Even though the tank is pumped, you might have a clog in the line that may need to be jetted... Do you have a filter in your tank?? If so, make sure you clean that like every 6 months or so....Your local septic company probably carries some sort of product that will break down what is in your tank...(I work at a septic business..what we carry, "Biojet", is like $25 a gallon...) I would call your company and ask them what they would recommend...If they were just out there, it is probably a plugged line...
***are you using too much t.p.??

Answer 8

If it is just the pressure than it sounds like you need a new valve. Or flusher kit thingy on smaller toilets.

I had that problem once but it was because I put the blue ball in the tank to make the water clean (Flushes blue) and it fell into the hole under the plug and my toilet wouldn't flush and only fill up to the top until I realize what happen.

Answer 9

I'm not sure when you say septic tank if that's connected to the county or not. Nowever if your pipes run into the county's pipes then that's probably where the problem is. You didn't say how old your home is, but for older homes I can see where the pipes out in the yard and into the street probably over the years could have silt built up in them or even tree roots that are blocking the passage of stuff. Call your county and ask them to check and clean out the main pipes.

Answer 10

Okay...don't put lye down the bowl.


Put boiling water in the toilet...there might be somthing right in the line thats causing lack of pull out to the tank despite snaking.
Are you having the same issue with the sink in the bathroom?
If not, then it's most likely you'll need to install the ejector pump, which will push everything out. If you already have one installed, have a plumber check the mercury switch.