I need some advice on my septic system issues. My significant other's house has had plumbing problems for a while now. The previous contractor did a really poor job, and we suspect they've ripped us off quite a bit. The house uses a septic system, and there's a vent pipe that was capped off. A while back, we were advised to keep it open, and it often helped. Today, I discovered a huge mess of waste and toilet paper below the vent, and after cleaning up some of it, I closed the pipe. Now, the toilets aren't flushing either. I think it's necessary to get the septic tank pumped, but I'm wondering what other problems I might face, especially since our budget is tight.
3 Answers
You should investigate why it overflowed in the first place. If the pipe leading to the tank is blocked or has collapsed, you’ll need to address that quickly. If the tank itself is overflowing, it could mean that the leach field is failing. Finding a reliable septic service that can diagnose the issue will be key.
Getting the tank pumped is definitely the first step here. Once it's done, run some fresh water through the pipes; that might help clear things up. If that doesn't do the trick, you might need to rent a plumbing auger or a roto-rooter to clear any clogs. Check for any plugs in the main plumbing line, but be cautious with those if they’re cast iron—they can break easily.
I had a similar situation at my place. After calling a septic guy, it turned out my pipe from the house to the septic tank was broken. They were able to find and fix it, but I was without water for five days. Just make sure to check all the lines; it’s not always a straightforward fix!