The water is backing up under both toilets downstairs when we run the shower and the washing machine at the same time. I have gone outside and checked the cleanout going to the septic tank. The water seems to be flowing freely but it does not seem to be enough flow for what is running. I have tried running a snake at the washing machine and also adding liquid plummer with no success. Water seems to be sitting in the pipe at the first elbow coming off the washing machine. Should I try and run a snake from outside at the cleanout or could I have another problem. I have no trees around the house so I know it cannot be roots.

You have most likely blockage in your main sewer. As a result, water is backing up, eventually overflowing through first lowest outlet in your house - the first floor toilet. This is what you need do: Remove toilet and snake the pipe through the closet ring (... that's the opening in the floor where toilet sat ). Use larger snake (5/8" or 3/4" in diameter) and run it full length several times. Home Depot rents these snakes by hour for reasonable cost. Otherwise, call your local drain cleaning contractor.

Hope that helps. Back to you. Milo

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Originally Posted by Milo Dolezal

You have most likely blockage in your main sewer. As result, water is backing up eventually overflowing through first lowest outlet in your house - the bottom floor toilet. This is what you do: Remove toilet and snake the pipe through closet ring ( .... that's the opening in the floor where toilet sat ). Use larger snake (5/8" or 3/4" in diameter) and run it full length several times. Home Depot rents these snakes by hour for reasonable cost. Otherwise, call your local drain cleaning contractor.

Hope that helps. Back to you. Milo

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Ok, I will try that. Thanks

Bkwillia : one more thing: please, make sure your septic is not full. That could be another cause of your plumbing problem. Thank you. Milo

If you snake the drain yourself be sure to purchase some safety goggles and leather gloves!

You will also increase your chances of clearing the blockage if you keep the main drain line filled with water while snaking the drain... will "show" you when you hit the blockage by bobbing and will "woosh" and clear blockage from the drain when you finally clear it!

Go back and forth multiple times in the area that shows up as the blockage for best result!

Mark

Milo,
The Op Ckecke4d the line to the septic tank.

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I have gone outside and checked the cleanout going to the septic tank. The water seems to be flowing freely but it does not seem to be enough flow for what is running. I

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I think your first solution was bang on. Cheers, Tom