Downstairs toilet overflow when washing clothes

[squirrelman999]

Hi all, This problem started about a year ago but now seems worse. We live in a "High ranch." We have no basement. The washer/dryer is on ground level in the burner room - on the other wall is a 1/2 bath with the toilet. It appears the drain for the washer is piped into the same drain line as the toilet and on the drain/spin cycle, the toilet "bubbles" and fills up with suds. It use to not overflow but now we have to be careful and be ready to bail it out so it does not overflow. We were not quick enough the other day and it overflowed. We lived in the house since 1980 and like I said, until a year or so ago, never had this problem. We tried the wash with just water (no detergent) and while not as bad, still bubbles and fills up. My thinking is that the cesspool is getting filled but that is just a guess. Any certain fixes for this? Thanks, Fred

 

[IFIXH20]

999, You may have a partical main sewer line stoppage or a sewer drain vent problem. recommend you have a plumber check it out

 

[squirrelman999]

999, You may have a partical main sewer line stoppage or a sewer drain vent problem. recommend you have a plumber check it out

ouch, thanks #20

 

[johnjh2o]

If you have been in the house sense 1980 and you are on a septic system that hasn't been pumped. You could have a major problem. The tank should be pumped every 3 to 5 years. Once the tank gets filled with solids they could enter your drain field and plug them up. Call a septic company to pump your tank and he should be able to tell you if you have any further problems.

John

 

[squirrelman999]

I just now see I haven't updated this thread, sorry.
We got the cesspools pumped shortly after my posting- they said it wasn't blocked. Got a service off "Angie's list" FWIW. I had uncovered one pool which saved me a $75 search fee. They also offered a 10% senior discount so that some some bucks also. So far, so good - but I will be on the lookout for any further incidents. Thanks