Toilets bubbling; drains backing up--Help!
Hi, I've seen some problems similar to the one I'm having, but mine is slightly different. Our home is a little over 20 years old, and about 6 weeks ago, we started having some plumbing problems. Our toilets began bubbling, occasionally overflowing, after flushing, and the drains in our tub and shower would back up as well. We looked at your very helpful site here, and decided that it was likely due to a full septic tank. It was defintely full, and needed pumping out, so for a few weeks everything was fine.
Then, a few days ago, the same problem started up. I realized that it only happened when I was doing laundry, and then, usually on the 2nd or 3rd load. We are befuddled, and quite concerned that we could have a major septic problem. However, before we panic, we wanted to ask if perhaps it could be something else. Our washing machine is the farthest from the septic tank, and the bathrooms are approximately equal distances, but between the machine and the septic. Is it possible that there could be a blockage? If so, where is the most likely place that we should snake first? Or, should we just give up, and call in the pros?
I appreciate any advice you can offer, as this is causing a great deal of consternation and anxiety in our home. Thank you in advance.
PS: I just remembered that when this problem started again, there were suds in the toilet closest to the washing machine. I don't know if that's significant, but I thought I would throw it in.