[mrssp]

We just bought a house, and there is a toilet in the basement. I attached a video. As you can see, the outlet that goes to the septic is lower than the toilet. the problem that we're having is that we can only flush liquids and a bit of toilet paper down. As soon as someone goes #2, it clogs. Even with more *ahem* "liquidy" #2's.

My husband is convinced that it's because it's too close to the septic outlet, and so there's not enough gravity to push it all out. I think it's because the toilet sucks (or doesn't... you get what I mean). What say you?

https://goo.gl/photos/yrCMVcKDvJrHdTGF6

 

[TheEplumber]

The septic location has no bearing.
Toilets are self siphoning. If the solids are not leaving the toilet then it's a toilet issue.
The trap-way may have something in it such as a bottle cap, Q tip, comb, etc.- water passes by but solids don't
Without seeing the pipe layout for the toilet, I'm thinking you need a more modern toilet.

 

[jmon]

I viewed your video, the continuous running after flushing could be due to a worn or not properly seating flapper. When you giggled the handle the continuous running seem to stop. That's why it's taking so long to fill. that's an easy fix.

The other problem, with the flushing under a load, could be due to septic tank full or a partial clog/vent issue. Just a guess.

Please wait for the plumbers to respond with more advice/suggestions. Thanks.

 

[mrssp]

Thanks, jmon!
Just some additional info. The original septic tank had an issue where the outlet to the field was higher than the inlet to the tank. The tank was old, so we replaced the whole thing with a concrete one. I would assume that the problem is fixed since it's a whole new tank.

We discovered the problem when we did a dye test during inspection. The dye didn't even make it to the field. It started leaking back into the house and out from under the bathroom subfloor onto the concrete floor in the rest of the basement.

We noticed there were multiple notes written in permanent marker on the floor joists regarding the house by the original owner (it was a foreclosure... owner died and wife didn't pay the mortgage). He wrote thing such as, "If septic clogs, open trap and poke with a stick," and stuff like that. I think the original tank was installed wrong, so it drained slowly. But we shouldn't have that issue now with a new tank.

 

[mrssp]

The septic location has no bearing.
Toilets are self siphoning. If the solids are not leaving the toilet then it's a toilet issue.
The trap-way may have something in it such as a bottle cap, Q tip, comb, etc.- water passes by but solids don't
Without seeing the pipe layout for the toilet, I'm thinking you need a more modern toilet.

So it wouldn't have anything to do with not being "high enough" above the septic outlet? My husband thinks that it needs to be even higher, or that we need an upflush pump (even though the septic outlet is still lower than the toilet).

 

[joed]

It needs to be high enough so that the pipes do not remain filled with stuff. The pipe between the house and the tank should be empty.
Just because they install a new tank does not mean they set it lower.
when was the last time the tank was pumped?

 

[mrssp]

It needs to be high enough so that the pipes do not remain filled with stuff. The pipe between the house and the tank should be empty.
Just because they install a new tank does not mean they set it lower.
when was the last time the tank was pumped?

It was just installed at the beginning of this month. And we don't even live there yet. Just used it a couple of times while we renovate. There's no way the tank needs to be pumped.

 

[TheEplumber]

So it wouldn't have anything to do with not being "high enough" above the septic outlet? My husband thinks that it needs to be even higher, or that we need an upflush pump (even though the septic outlet is still lower than the toilet).

When a good working toilet flushes, aprx. 1.6 gallons flows out regardless of a #1 or #2.
Since it flushes water ok but not solids- the toilet trap is probably restricted.
If the water didn't flow- then I would be thinking something such as your septic line is full.
Your septic line may have some impact on the toilet but from the info supplied so far- my guess is still the toilet
The long refill cycle is a separate issue. It can be fixed with a $20 rebuild kit.
Do you know if the toilet drain has a vent?

 

[mrssp]

When a good working toilet flushes, aprx. 1.6 gallons flows out regardless of a #1 or #2.
Since it flushes water ok but not solids- the toilet trap is probably restricted.
If the water didn't flow- then I would be thinking something such as your septic line is full.
Your septic line may have some impact on the toilet but from the info supplied so far- my guess is still the toilet
The long refill cycle is a separate issue. It can be fixed with a $20 rebuild kit.
Do you know if the toilet drain has a vent?

The toilet drain has a vent, yes.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

If it were mine I'd pull the toilet and take it outdoors, block it up on 2x4s etc. and do a flush test with solids. A rag about the size of a hand towel doubled can be used for a solids test.

So I don't get caught on the short end of the stick, I flush a rope through first then tie the rag on about mid section of the rope - remember that clove hitch knot I showed you how to tie. Well possibly not you but it works excellent in this situation. By doing this if the rag gets stuck it can be pulled back.

This is something the average home owner can do to determine if the commode is in fact the culprit or he/she needs to look elsewhere or summon a plumber.

I don't like toilet augers for the simple reason if an object other than human waste is lodged in there I don't want it further down the sewer line for potential problems.

 

[ben's plumbing]

yep seems problem is in the commode...have it augered out...or remove it and inspect trap way for obstructions....reinstall and try it...

 

[ben's plumbing]

If it were mine I'd pull the toilet and take it outdoors, block it up on 2x4s etc. and do a flush test with solids. A rag about the size of a hand towel doubled can be used for a solids test.

So I don't get caught on the short end of the stick, I flush a rope through first then tie the rag on about mid section of the rope - remember that clove hitch knot I showed you how to tie. Well possibly not you but it works excellent in this situation. By doing this if the rag gets stuck it can be pulled back.

This is something the average home owner can do to determine if the commode is in fact the culprit or he/she needs to look elsewhere or summon a plumber.

I don't like toilet augers for the simple reason if an object other than human waste is lodged in there I don't want it further down the sewer line for potential problems.

with the proper end on the auger you can and should retreive object...we do all the time.....but yes there is a chance it my get pushed into the line....