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Author:
CaitlinH429 (MA)
Hi there!
So I am renting an older home (1920's, renovated twice in the 50's and early 90's). Only one single bathroom is now connected to the septic tank (no other appliances or plumbing fixtures in the home). Literally all that is hooked up to this septic is a single toilet, sink & shower. Now, this bathroom is VERY, if ever, rarely used. Maybe the occasional water to clean the toilet and sink, but never any sewerage.
The toilet a few weeks ago was ghost flushing so I drained all of the water from it until I could fix it myself (I'm almost positive it needed a new flapper). Fast forward 2 weeks later - I changed the flapper in the tank, lifted up the seat and there is raw sewerage in the bowl.
Now my question:
Is it possible that the toilet backed-up due to lack of use/lack of water?
Or is it the septic?
Mind you, like stated, this bathroom is never used. I am the only person living here and any of my guests always use my other bathroom that is connected to the town line. A clog of any sort is not the issue.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; A clog of any sort is not the issue.
Why NOT? Something is causing a backup and it either a "clog of some sort" or the septic tank is backing up. THis is assuming there is no cross connection between the municipal and septic systems, because they do not usually allow a septic system when there is municipal available.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
Liquids, follow the path of least resistance. In your case the un-used toilet was affected by the liquid level, from the septic tank. It could have been the rains or if the wasteline was not disconnected when the city system was installed and you have a clog forming, you could have created a path of least resistance.
Best Wishes
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