toilet & sink gurgling
#1
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toilet & sink gurgling
We moved into our 7-year old house 2 years ago & had the septic tank pumped out & inspected prior to us moving in. (passed/no problems) The new development now is that whenever someone is in the 2nd floor shower, the 1st floor bathroom (directly beneath it) toilet gurgles and this morning I noticed the kitchen sink doing the same thing (kitchen is also below that shower). The water in the kitchen sink didn't drain until the shower was off. The first floor toilet won't flush if the 2nd floor shower is being used. We have public water but septic and the pipes drain by gravity towards the distribution tank/leachfield. (no pump in the basement)
Any ideas/ clues to help our drains work like they used to?
Any ideas/ clues to help our drains work like they used to?
#2
I doubt that the problem is in the septic tank, but rather someplace in a drain or waste line in the house or the yard, downstream from the last fixture that is reacting to the upstairs bathroom being used. It could be a clogged vent as well. (That could also cause the problems that you are describing.)
Your choices are to rent a power snake and clear the lines, or call a plumber or drain cleaning service and have them do it.
Your choices are to rent a power snake and clear the lines, or call a plumber or drain cleaning service and have them do it.
#3
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The washing machine is next to the toilet that keeps backing up and when the washing machine water drained the toilet water that was already backed up flooded the room. I snaked the toilet and didn't find any obstruction; I don't think there's a blockage down the pipe somewhere- it seems more like it's just not sucking the water down the way it should, like it's a 'vacuum' issue. Especially since it seems to be affected by the upstairs shower, 2nd floor toilets flushing and the washing machine drain. The other toilets on the 2nd floor work fine, the problem is just this one on the main floor, closest to the drain lines in the basement. I can look down the roof vent with a flashlight but how would I know if it's clogged somewhere farther than I can see?
#4
Stoppage In Line
It's almost a sure thing that you have a stoppage in you line, snaking out the toilet does not clean out the lines it's connected to, you have to run a snake all the way thru the pipe system.
A clog in the waste line can also block it's vent connection.
A clog in the waste line can also block it's vent connection.