Sewage back-up, gurgling, or slow draining sinks and toilets are signs of a possible blockage in the plumbing or septic system.
Blockages typically occur at the following locations:
A fixture trap ...more An example of a fixture trap is the goose-neck bend in the piping below a sink. You may recall the "Draino" commercials showing blockages of hair and grease in the trap of a sink. Light application of such drain clearing products may be appropriate. Application of baking soda & vinegar followed by boiled water may also be effective. Alternatively, a plunger may work, especially for toilet blockages. If these don‘t work, call a plumber or professional drain cleaner.
A pipeline bend. ...more Sharp bends in plumbing can catch any stiff object coming down the drain (pencils, toothbrushes, combs, glasses, toys, applicators, etc.). This object will then catch other objects creating a plug. These obstructions should be cleared by a plumber or professional drain cleaner.
Pipeline freeze spot. ...more Occassionally, we have found blocked sewers due to freezing; typically under driveways. This is not common. Most sewers are pitched to completely drain towards the septic tank, so there is no standing water in the pipeline to freeze. The flow from the house is relatively warm water and is not likely to freeze on the short trip to the septic tank. The septic tank stays relatively warm. Pipeline blockages from freezing typically include a combination of the following factors:
- Low temperatures for extended period (less than 10-degrees Farenheit)
- Snow cleared from area over pipeline, like a plowed driveway or walkway. Snow provides good insulation to prevent freezing.
- Sewer pipeline less than a foot below surface.
- Sewer pipeline has a dip which tends to collect water. Standing water in the pipeline can freeze creating a small ice dam which can grow to block the pipeline.
- Infrequent water use - warm water not added frequently
Septic tank inlet baffle. ...more Flow enters the baffle through a horizontal pipe and must drop through a vertical tee to enter the septic tank. This is a common location for a blockage to occur. The build-up of fats and grease as well as toilet paper can create a semi-solid plug. Blockages at this location can be removed by opening the septic tank inlet port and using a probe to dislodge the blockage from the baffle. Due to safety considerations, it is recommended that this work should be done by a septic professional; pumper, inspector, or drain cleaner.
Septic tank outlet filter. ...more If your septic tank has a filter placed in the outlet baffle, the filter may plug over time. A plugged septic tank outlet filter can result in back-ups and gurgling in the household plumbing. Septic tank outlet filters require regular cleaning by a septic system professional (septic tank pumper or system inspector). Filter cleaning at least once per year is recommended. Your system may need more frequent filter cleaning depending on your use (or abuse) of the system. See Outlet Filters.
Broken pipeline. ...more Back-up may also occur due to broken pipelines between the house and the septic tank or between the septic tank and the drain field. Avoid digging around these pipelines. Avoid driving vehicles or heavy equipment over these pipelines; especially during wet periods of the year when the ground is quite soft. Often there may be some sign of a broken pipeline by either a surface depression or wastewater escaping the break and making a wet spot. Fixing these pipeline breaks should be done by a professional septic system installer.
Drain (leach) field plugging. ...moreThere are many possible causes for drain field plugging. Accurately diagnosing the cause is important for evaluating the effectiveness of various remedies. In most cases a professional septic system designer will be required to help you fix this problem.
Please see the more detailed discussion of causes for leach field plugging presented under "Plugged Drain field - How did this happen?"