Hi, we live in a no-basement rancher which was built in 1982, on a concrete slab foundation. We bought this house 2 1/2 years ago, and the septic tank was emptied at that time.
For several days last week, every time the washing machine, which is hooked up in the garage next to the kitchen, was in use and draining water, the water backed up into the double sink in the kitchen and overflowed. The water contained lots of debris. We also have 2 bathrooms, and luckily nothing backed up in there, knock wood. Also, nothing backed up when I used the dishwasher in the kitchen. The plumbing is pretty old, most of it probably original and, as far as we know, it was installed in the foundation.
We called a plumber who was here for 2 hours, cleaning out the drains with some type of machine. They went up to 68 feet and had to run it through several times until it started clearing. It was still not draining 100%, so the plumber advised us to buy a cleaner called "Thrift". He said it is safe for septics. After we applied Thrift, everything was back to normal and no sink backups when using the washing machine.
But earlier today I washed another load of clothes on the low cycle, and though no water backed out of the washing machine drain, the sink gurgled and a little bit of water backed up. This water was clean, no debris like before. The water drained immediately, but we are concerned that this problem has not been completely solved. Any advice would be much appreciated.
For several days last week, every time the washing machine, which is hooked up in the garage next to the kitchen, was in use and draining water, the water backed up into the double sink in the kitchen and overflowed. The water contained lots of debris. We also have 2 bathrooms, and luckily nothing backed up in there, knock wood. Also, nothing backed up when I used the dishwasher in the kitchen. The plumbing is pretty old, most of it probably original and, as far as we know, it was installed in the foundation.
We called a plumber who was here for 2 hours, cleaning out the drains with some type of machine. They went up to 68 feet and had to run it through several times until it started clearing. It was still not draining 100%, so the plumber advised us to buy a cleaner called "Thrift". He said it is safe for septics. After we applied Thrift, everything was back to normal and no sink backups when using the washing machine.
But earlier today I washed another load of clothes on the low cycle, and though no water backed out of the washing machine drain, the sink gurgled and a little bit of water backed up. This water was clean, no debris like before. The water drained immediately, but we are concerned that this problem has not been completely solved. Any advice would be much appreciated.