When dishwasher and/or washing machine is emptying the downstairs toilet overflows. There is sometimes a bubbling or gurgling sound. Sometimes a little and sometimes a lot. We do have a septic tank, about 5 years old. There is no sewage involved in the overflow just the wash waste waster. A few minutes ago it overflowed a lot. Besides cleaning it up do you have any suggestions as to what is causing this? Thank you, Jesse Adams

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Originally Posted by teach350

Besides cleaning it up do you have any suggestions as to what is causing this?

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What's causing it? That much I can tell you. You seem to have a partial clog somewhere downstream, which normal wastewater, powered by gravity, will eventually seep past; however, dishwashers and washing machines (a) eject a lot of water, and (b) force it out using a pump, not gravity. This combination of forces leads to a LOT of water trying to get past a clog VERY quickly - which it can't - and thus, it backs up out of the nearest fixture, which in your case, is the toilet.

As for how to fix it, I'm not sure. You probably need to snake the drain line downstream from the toilet (since the clog seems to be between the toilet and the septic tank), but I'm not such an expert. Probably speedball1 or labman can tell you what to do.

Good luck,
Moishe

Hey Jesse,

Moishe was correct. You have a partial clog. BeforeI did anything I would open up the septic tank and see if it was full and needed pumping. Aood way to check the tank and sewer line is to locate the house clean out and open it up. Now cycle tha washer and watch the cleanout. If it fills up and flows over then you will have isolated your problem. Either the tank needs to be pumped or if the tank's OK the clog is in the sewer line between the cleanout and the inlet of the septic tank and will have to be snaked. Good luck, tom