[cardarlin]

We've owned our house for over 7 years. It was built in 1979. It sits at the top of a small hill. For the first time this summer we had the septic tank pumped. The septic company had a hell of a time finding the right tank to pump since only one was listed with the county and it turned out we had four tanks with two drain fields and a bull run valve ( I believe that's what its called) in between. During the process of pumping it was discussed that we could try to switch to the other drain field. I can not recall if we ever did so or if it was one of those "wait and see" things and do it later.
Since the septic has been pumped ( we do not have a sump pump) two basement floor drains have overflowed. The water will take days if not a week to recede. I can not use my kitchen sink to even wash "A" dish without the floor drain in the laundryroom (underneath the kitchen) overflowing. At first it was just dirty gritty water with lots of iron. We purchased a power auger with 50 ft cord and snaked the drains. We've also used liquid plumber (A LOT per advice from a plumber) to try to resolve the issue. Yet two months down the road we are still having the same problem. Tonight we purchased a bull run valve key and switched the drain field. I am wondering if my drains are connected to the septic system if this problem is a common problem? If so, what other steps can we take to make sure we can avoid this problem in the future. We've had a plumber out and they recommended to purchase an extension for our auger and snake the line farther down because there might be a blockage farther down. However, the company that made our auger doesn't make extensions. Also to use the liquid plumber. If those don't work then to call them back. So Im just trying everything I can before I need to spend a ton of money. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[ballengerb1]

You might as well just have a pro do the rodding. It does sound like your main drain line to the tank is clogged, maybe by tree roots. How far is it between the floor drain and your tank? 4 tanks and two field just does not make any sense to me. A bull run is used to divert a tanks gray water from one field to another field, I have never encountered a home with 2 tanks let alone 4. http://www.americanonsite.com/american/catalog/brv.html

[cardarlin]

We definitely have 4 tanks. I watched them dig up 4 lids. I don't know if the four are all in good working condition. I assumed the septic comp would tell me if not. But to them they said everything looks good. Now, I'm not so sure.

[cardarlin]

The bull run valve in the link is what we just turned tonight. So I guess I'll wait and see what happens.