When your septic tank is out of sight and out of mind, it can be easy to assume that everything is fine and working properly – until you have an issue with your toilet not flushing properly.
If this is happening, it may be something straightforward like a temporary blockage in the pipe. However, it could mean that there is a problem with your septic tank.
How To Unblock Your Toilet From A Septic Tank
The first step in unblocking your toilet from your septic tank is to find the underlying issue. If a plunger doesn’t do the job and your toilet is not flushing and is full and overflowing, then the most likely cause is an issue with your septic tank.
The blockage may cause the septic tank to overflow so it is important to seek specialist assistance as soon as possible. The blockage may be further down in the system which will require specialised inspection and equipment to safely clear any blockages.
Whilst with most toilets the next obvious step after a plunger may be to use chemical drain or pipe ‘unblockers’, this is not suitable for septic tanks as it could damage the tank.
How To Determine If Your Septic Tank Pipes Are Blocked
The first signs you may have that your septic tank line may be blocked is to look for signs like slow draining water, unpleasant odours, or damp areas around your tank in your garden.
All of these can point to your septic pipes being blocked. You may also notice sewage backups in your toilet which is a clear sign that something isn’t working correctly.
Without specialist equipment like a sewer line camera, or ‘snake’, it can be difficult to determine if this is the issue without the assistance of professionals who can use advanced diagnostics to establish whether your septic tank pipes are blocked, and in turn, establish why your toilet is not flushing.
Can Your Toilet Still Flush If Your Septic Tank Is Full?
No, your toilet will not flush if your septic tank is full.
When your septic tank becomes full wastewater and build-up cannot be released which means that any water coming down the drain will become blocked and cannot enter the septic tank. This can lead to overflowing and excessive filling in your toilet, together with backed-up waste products which can be really unpleasant.
Like all toilets, the flow of water is necessary to flush the contents of the toilet away. Without the flow of water, all contents will remain in the bowl and likely rise to the top of the toilet bowl.
Most Common Causes of Septic Tank Toilet Not Flushing
The most common causes of septic tank toilets not flushing are inadequate cleaning and maintenance of your septic tank, as well as the following issues:
- Clogged Pipes
- Blocked Toilet Drain
- Faulty Pump
- High Water Table
- Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items
- Septic Tank Sludge
- Broken Or Damaged Components
All of these issues can be quickly identified and avoided with regular maintenance and cleaning of your septic tank.
How Often Should A Septic Tank Be Cleaned To Avoid Toilet Not Flushing?
At ABS, we recommend frequent emptying and cleaning of your septic tank to avoid issues such as your toilet not flushing, to avoid blockages and overflowing. Without regular maintenance, your tank may leak and cause damage to the environment as well as causing unpleasant odours and eventually, damage to your property.
Maintenance of your septic tank depends on a number of factors as follows:
- Household Size
- Tank Size
- Water Usage
ABS Expert Services For Cesspit and Septic Tank Emptying
Dependent upon the above your tank may need to be emptied every 6 months to 1 year. We recommend getting in touch with a member of our experienced and friendly team who can assist in emptying and cleaning your septic tank and putting together a schedule that suits your circumstances.
Our drivers are all highly experienced and will empty your sewage tank with minimal interruption to your day. At ABS, we take pride in completing the job safely and without disrupting you or your property.
We also operate across Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire supporting both domestic and commercial clients with our out-of-hours, 24/7 emergency service.
Contact a member of our friendly team today to find out how we can help.
