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    milehighinla's Avatar
    milehighinla Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 1, 2011, 06:31 PM
    Emptied septic tank but water still backs up in bathtub?
    After a heavy rain my bathtub started backing up and toilets stopped flushing. I called a plumber and he ran a snake through the roof since I was not able to find the clean out pipe. It worked for a couple days but he said it looked like my septic tank was full. I had the tank pumped but still have the same problem. Desperately need help. What else could it be?
    EPMiller's Avatar
    EPMiller Posts: 624, Reputation: 37
    Senior Member
    		  
    #2

    Jan 1, 2011, 06:48 PM

    If your septic tank was in bad shape, you could have clogged the lines between the house and the tank. You will have to get it snaked out again. You might want to get it video checked if problems persist.
    rojo1's Avatar
    rojo1 Posts: 59, Reputation: 6
    Junior Member
    		  
    #3

    Jan 2, 2011, 11:35 AM
    I hate to answer things that hurt a bit but sounds like you have either a collapsed or clogged sewer line.
    As EP stated a camera inspection is probably the best way to determine your next step. Usually if after
    A rain your problem occurs, this is a good indication that the sewer line is broken and ground saturation
    Is now backing into your system. Keep me posted.
    milehighinla's Avatar
    milehighinla Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Jan 3, 2011, 04:04 PM
    Comment on EPMiller's post
    Thank you both for your answers. I did end up finding the clean out pipe right outside my kitchen and snaked it out. Seems to work for a about a day so Im thinking it's like rojo1 says and I've got a collapsed sewer line
    milehighinla's Avatar
    milehighinla Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Jan 3, 2011, 06:35 PM
    Comment on rojo1's post
    Thank you both for your answers. I did end up finding the clean out pipe right outside my kitchen and snaked it out. Seems to work for a about a day so Im thinking it's like rojo1 says and I've got a collapsed sewer line
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #6

    Jan 3, 2011, 08:23 PM

    How much did that plumber charge you for pumping your full tank, septic tanks are always full even when working at 100%. EP gave a great answer but most plumbers, real plumbers, can tell if the pipe is collapsed by rodding with a 2" or better cutter. A failed field would be an issue with a septic but a full tank is never the problem
    milehighinla's Avatar
    milehighinla Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #7

    Jan 4, 2011, 10:44 AM
    Comment on ballengerb1's post
    The company that pumped the septic tank is not the same that snaked the pipe. But I do understand what you are saying. The plumber should not have diagnosed it as a full septic without doing what you mentioned. Thank you
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