Plumbing Update: Cautiously Optimistic!

[happybird]

Our regular septic guy came out today to look at what’s going on. He’s great, from a small, family owned business and has been doing the pumping here for at least 20 years. He pumped the tank again and then ran a hand snake from the tank towards the house. It went about 20’ before hitting a turn or possible pipe problem. The plumbers only got in about 8’ from that side. Then he had me dump buckets of water in the downstairs toilet (it’s still unhooked) and then flush the upstairs toilet a couple times while he watched in the tank. The water came out fine! His prognosis: mineral build up in the cast iron pipe which has reduced the diameter. He said to get an independent plumber out with the mechanical snake to bang around in the pipes and see if they can loosen some of the build up. He had some not so nice things to say about the particular plumbing company that was out here (which he said he did not say lol).

First off, the “pumping from the wrong side” is bs in this case because our septic tank doesn’t have a baffle between sides. Also, the plumbers never even went into the upstairs bathroom, and the force of the flush from there (distance, height) can help move clogs/material/waste through the pipes and clear them after snaking. The plumbers only flushed the downstairs toilet which is in the basement and very low. Tbh, the plumber gave me a bad vibe from the get go, and their prices were astronomical. We only went with them because they were able to come out that day, usually we use independent/family owned businesses.

So… either it’s mineral build up, or two pipes may have shifted apart and are no longer lined up perfectly flush. Or, the pipe could be corroded and we are back at worst case scenario (jackhammers and shoot me now). The pipe will probably need to be replaced at some point, but not right now. Or, the plumbers half assed it, did knock a blockage loose, but didn’t flush it all the way out. We’ll know more when the new, independent plumber comes out to take a look.

I did dishes and took a shower (yay!), have flushed the toilet a few times and no flooding! Septic guy advised flushing the upstairs toilet twice before I go to bed to make sure everything it cleared all the way through to the tank. And he suggested writing a review about the big company.

I’m going to be frugal with water usage until we get it all figured out. Waiting to do laundry until tomorrow. Grateful to be all freshy clean.
Fingers crossed!

[RussellCattle]

1. Another reason why I love DU. Good luck.

[Phoenix61]

2. If it's a cast iron pipe the problem can be the rust flakes

form a dam. The water will slowly seep through but solids will eventually clog it. Sometimes you can run a handsnake through the flakes but it won’t clear the drain. The solution is a high pressure water snake.
First hand experience on this issue. The first plumber snaked the pipe but didn’t have a water pressure snake. Nothing like paying for two plumbers in one day. You can get the pipe sleeved to avoid having to replace it when it eventually collapses which is on my to do list.

[HeartsCanHope]

3. Hope things continue to go well for you and the kitties!

Take care.

[Niagara]

4. The joys of being able to take a shower!

Sending happy thoughts and keeping my fingers crossed for you, happybird!