Plumbing problem

  • redrnger
    Posts: 216
    #1280199

    I have a septic system and a sump pump that pumps my washing machine water and water softener out.The sump is the very last thing that goes out to the septic.When the sump runs my toilets are gurgling and water comes out into the shower and bath tub,but does not stink,and drains back when sump quits running.Plunged both toilets and still does it.The toilets 2 work fine do not over flow.Since the sumps the last thing that drains into the septic, I think I might have a partial plug up between the sump and septic and when the sump kicks on its to much water and it backs up into the showers.Anyone with and idea of whats going on or remedy.I had the septic pumped last year everything was fine add the sumps been there 30 years.Think the line needs rooted??.Thanks BILL

    mark-bruzek
    Two Harbors, MN
    Posts: 3863
    #1130226

    Where do you live?

    I have seen underground lines freeze up in winter when there is little snow and the frost penetrates deeper. This “generally” happens later in winter or during cold snaps. Each year we are seeing less and less snow cover which means frost will get deeper.
    Its a possibility…

    Are you sure the sump is the LAST thing on the sewer line?
    Is the pump in a basket or in the line?

    pbitschura
    Posts: 162
    #1130232

    You sure you don’t live at my house? Last week after 4 months of trial and error, we concluded the pipe running into the tank from the house was partially collapsed. Dug it up and now all is fine. And in SE MN frost is down 6″ under snow cover. Our septic is 42 years old. Black fiber pipe wears out and even cast iron fills with concretions reducing diameter until it either rusts through or requires an angioplasty.

    redrnger
    Posts: 216
    #1130388

    I live by the ILL-WIS border.Have not had much snow and have the first really cold weather now since christmas. Guess it is plummer time.Thanks BILL

    redrnger
    Posts: 216
    #1130390

    The sump is in a tank-hole in the basement floor.BILL

    Mike W
    MN/Anoka/Ham lake
    Posts: 13292
    #1130398

    Sounds like a partial block to me. Plumber, drain cleaner or septic guy may be able to help with this. Get the line augured out. If it happens again in the near future might be time to camera the line and take a better look at it.

    duddeck
    Posts: 4
    #1130416

    What you need to do is find your septic tank cover and remove it. This will determime your problem. Once you pull the cover, look down inside tank. There should be from the water level to the top of tank or ceiling of the tank about 10-12″ of space. The water needs to be at that height because there are baffles inside the tank to divert the water down and not let the solids and grease out of tank. If the water level is higher than that or you do not see the inside of the tank your ourlet pipe is plugged. When the sump runs the water in the tank cannot drain out fast enough so it backs up into the house and the toilet gurgles. The water sounds like it eventually drains down, but is very slow. This also could be true if the pipe from the house to the septic tank is plugged it will back up into the house. You need to determine which pipe is plugged. There should be a cleanout where the pipe leaves the house to clean it out if that is the problem. If it is the outlet pipe on the septic tank you will need to dig it up and replace. More than likely, the cast iron outlet pipe is plugged and eventually will collaspe. you will need to dig it up and replace the pipe from your septic tank to the distribution box. Replace with new pvc pipe and it should take care of your problems.

    Mike W
    MN/Anoka/Ham lake
    Posts: 13292
    #1130425

    Quote:


    What you need to do is find your septic tank cover and remove it. This will determime your problem. Once you pull the cover, look down inside tank. There should be from the water level to the top of tank or ceiling of the tank about 10-12″ of space. The water needs to be at that height because there are baffles inside the tank to divert the water down and not let the solids and grease out of tank. If the water level is higher than that or you do not see the inside of the tank your ourlet pipe is plugged. When the sump runs the water in the tank cannot drain out fast enough so it backs up into the house and the toilet gurgles. The water sounds like it eventually drains down, but is very slow. This also could be true if the pipe from the house to the septic tank is plugged it will back up into the house. You need to determine which pipe is plugged. There should be a cleanout where the pipe leaves the house to clean it out if that is the problem. If it is the outlet pipe on the septic tank you will need to dig it up and replace. More than likely, the cast iron outlet pipe is plugged and eventually will collaspe. you will need to dig it up and replace the pipe from your septic tank to the distribution box. Replace with new pvc pipe and it should take care of your problems.


    Good info. Just had a call over the weekend where the drain cleaner came out 1st ran the cable and still had issues. I followed him up and suggested it was time to call the septic guy out. On the other hand this last summer told my neighbor to call the septic guy and it ended up being a clogged line between his house and tank. The drain cleaner might be the cheapest to call 1st but might not be the last person you need out.

    redrnger
    Posts: 216
    #1130428

    You mostly confirmed my thoughts on what is going on and will check every thing you mentioned.Thanks to all that replied.BILL

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