My problem is as follows:

There are two four-piece bathrooms in my house. The secondary toilet (an American Standard low flush toilet) is the problem one. About a week ago, it started to bubble up when the primary toilet was flushed. Then about four days ago the toilet would not flush properly.

When I flushed the toilet it would not drain and this allowed the water in the tank to come into the bowel without the water in the bowel draining off into the septic system. It would almost overflow the toilet. If I plunged the toilet, it would drain very slowly. If I left it, it would drain over a one-hour period.

This is what I have done so far to try to resolve the problem:

1. Pumped the septic system (this was only done last year)
2. Took the toilet off it’s mount and put a snake through it. All clear.
3. Used liquid plumber down the toilet drain and let it sit over night then I flushed it through. Still clogged.
4. Checked the vents on the roof for obstructions. None found.
5. Used a compressed air system called “The One Second Plumber”. This did not work.

Last night I flushed the primary bathroom and it made coughing noises after it flushed and then we could hear loud draining and “tapping” noises in the kitchen sink. I checked the secondary toilet and the bowl was nearly empty and the water was moving in time to the noise in the kitchen sink.

Can someone tell me how to proceed from here?

Sounds like your clean-out isn't sealed properly with a cover.

Vacuum plays a big role in proper drain systems. It's like a giant siphon and if that clean-out isn't covered then air will rush in and start making a knocking sound in your pipes, as well as the draining problem you described.

Should be able to get a cover & a large hose clamp from your hardware store for under $10.

When you checked your vent did you rod it from the roof to the basement and 15' more or just look down the pipe. I think you have a clogged stack.

:confused: I stuck a broom handle down for about three feet.


Should I buy a snake and snake it down all the way to the crawl space?
If there is something down the pipe, how do I clean it out?

Garry

You can't check a vent with a broom handle. You need to borrow, buy, rent a 1/2" rod long enough to reach roof top to crawl space floor and then 20" more. The rod does the cleaning for you.

:confused: I stuck a broom handle down for about three feet.


Should I buy a snake and snake it down all the way to the crawl space?
If there is something down the pipe, how do I clean it out?

Garry
Hey Garry,
Bob's right! You need to rent a sewer machine, (see image). Drop the snake down the vent to the base and put out 20 feet more. Good luck, Tom