Need plumbing advice---

[Sunshine]

I BELIEVE MY PREVIOUS POSTING "GOT LOST" - APPARENTLY I TOOK TOO LONG TO COMPLETE THE POST. I WILL TRY AGAIN.

Before preparing this entry I did review at least twelve pages of previous entries pertaining to a plumbing problem. I found a related concern on page eight of the previous entries. It covered many of my concerns.

The entry was made on 10-3-2008 by "Special K 267" - the replies to his/her concern provided possibilities for me to consider. I believe it had also resolved Special K 267's problem.

My problem seems to stem from the fact that I have two cats sharing my home (since 1994) - and when I clean their litter boxes I put the feces into the commode to flush down the commode - I have two commodes.

Whenever the commode decided to "act up" the use of the hand plunger took care of the concern - until the next time.

On January 29, 2009 the handy hand plunger did not work, in fact, neither commode was usable. The Septic Service people came over to help.

They used an electric snake to unplug the commode - then went out to take the cover from the septic tank and asked me to flush the commode. Apparently the problem was solved.

At that time, the service man indicated he felt the problem might be the accumulation of litter within the pipes. My feelings, at that time, was that I do NOT FLUSH THE LITTER DOWN THE COMMODE. That the litter that goes into the system is the litter attached to the feces.

I honestly could not understand why the litter does not flush out of the system.

On July 27, 2009, I was once again dealing with the clogged commode - in fact - I had water all over the place until I realized that I could/should turn off the water-in valve.

The Septic Service people once again came to my home - to once again use the electric snake to unplug the commode(s). To once again suggest that I do not put the cat feces in the commode. He also suggested that once a week I put a bucket of water into each commode at the time that I flush to put an additional force of water into the system.

I asked him if there might be a product on the market that could actually break apart any accumulation of the litter? He indicated "no".

On 10-8-2008 HayZee 518 had suggested using such as a remote controlled camera in the pipe line to see what might be there?

On 10-8-2008 Special K 267 had responded - indicating the possibility of using a pressure washer.

The billing slip from the Septic Service people seems to indicate that "they" provide "video camera service" as well as "high pressure jetting". I have to wonder why neither option had been suggested to me?

I have a work person that comes to my home about every ten days to do whatever. The last time he was here 7-31-2009 - he brought along a pressure washer to wash the outside area of the home.

Would a "lay person" be able to use a pressure washer to perhaps resolve this problem???

And, for the record, since 7-27-2009 I am putting the cat's feces into a small lined step-on can. I have purchased a reasonably flat jar with vents (containing a deodorant) and had secured that to the lid of the step-on can. That seems to take care of the potential odor problem.

I would appreciate any suggestions offered.

[HayZee518]

kitty litter is a clay product. it is similar to speedie dry which absorbs oil and other hazardous wastes. It is not to be flushed down the toilet. It is to be swept up and disposed into everyday trash. clay does not break up. it clumps together and forms a ball that expands when moisture hits it.

[Sunshine]

Again - thank you for your quick response HayZee518.

How do I say this without sounding ungrateful for your response ???

I will try - I know - I know - I know - that I should NEVER put kitty litter into the commode to flush. I DID NOT!!!

My problem, if you will, was that I could not conceive how putting the feces - with the bits and pieces of kitty litter attached could have EVER led to such a problem.

So, now I have to deal with it - if indeed, that is what led to the current problem.
That is what I am trying to ascertain.

I would truly appreciate your input concerning possible resolution of the problem.

Again, again thank you for your help.

[HayZee518]

just throw it out into the trash. if it stinks too much, but it in a seal tight plastic bag.

[mrcaptainbob]

With the exception of toilet paper, nothing should be put into a commode connected to a septic system unless you've eaten it first! It may sound indelicate, but it is the truth. That litter, even if flushed all the way through, pressure washed out, what ever, will clog that septic tank up and that will be extremely costly! To more clearly understand your septic system, just type 'septic system' into your browser and read the cautions. The label on our box of litter says to dispose of in a 'trash receptical'.

[Sunshine]

Thank you mrcamptainbob - for your input - I do understand where I went wrong 15 years ago.

However, in my defense, I am not using a clumping litter. I have - for at least 13 years been using the FRESH STEP apparently manufactured by the Clorox Company. AND, when you take the trouble (which I did not do) to read the FINE print - there is a small blurp "Dispose of used litter in the trash, not the garden, toilet, or sewage system. FLUSHING OF ANY ANY LITTER IS NOT RECOMMENDED."

I DO HAVE TO REPEAT - I HAVE BEEN FLUSHING ONLY the feces with whatever kitty litter happened to be attached down the toilet. NO MORE.

I have set up a "test" - for my own clarification - that is - I am using a 14 ounce glass jar - and have put a handy supply of the litter (about 1/3 of the jar) in the jar and have added water - to the half way area of the jar. My intent is to leave that "set awhile" - just to see what happens.

Before preparing this response - I did look at the test jar - using a knife to see is there is any indication of coagulation? It has only been two days - the set up is as I had prepared it. I will be monitoring this test.

Again, thank you - I will be back.

[Redwood]

I recommend that you pick up the feces and pick any litter that has been pressed into that feces so that none is flushed into the line....

[Sunshine]

An update for what it may be worth -

I have spent considerable time reviewing different records that were/are available to me in an attempt to see if I could get this problem resolved - at least in my own mind if no one elses.

I purchased this home as a new home in 1974 - At the time of the initial move I had two dogs - and on/about 1976 got involved in breeding and showing Golden Retrievers.

Between 1974 and 1980 I believe only I had the responsibility of picking up and disposing of any feces put down by the dogs in their running area. I am certain - that until I had an opening with a cover put on the septic tank - I would have flushed their feces via the commode.

Between March 1980 and Nov 1988 I did have one person coming in once a week to do assorted work within the kennel - the home and the yard. That person would have had access to the commode.

On 9-1980 I had written a note to the worker about putting the feces into the septic tank. (I could not find any reference as to when the cover had put on the septic tank.) No matter at least I know that the septic tank was accessible in 9-1980.

On 8-22-1984 - I had written a note to the worker that I was having a problem with the commode.

On 11-22-1984 - I had written a note to the worker that "the septic tank people were coming over to clean the tank".

Speculation only: It is highly possible that I had the cover put on the septic tank midway between 1974 and 1984 - on/about that 9-1980 note. That means the feces would have been being put directly into the septic tank since on/about 9-1980.

On 6-5-1994 - SUGAR and SPICE were found in the running area and were added to the "household". I would be using different litters trying to find one acceptable to the cats (not a clumping litter). Apparently Nov 1999 I started using the Fresh Step. NOT PUTTING THE LITTER INTO THE COMMODE, but definitely the feces removed from their litter boxes. (WHICH I AM NO LONGER DOING.)

In October 1996 my "work person" had removed a previous commode from the large bathroom because I was having problems with the back-up business. At that time - I asked him if he - when he took the removed commode to the dump site to please break it apart to see if there could be anything there causing the backup. He did NOT find anything.

The Septic System people had been here in 2006 - I don't know why - possibly to empty the septic tank. They were here again 12-17-2008 to empty the septic tank.

As noted in my original posting I have been having noticeable difficulty with that commode since January and again in July 2009.

I have made contact with the Septic Service people - sending them a copy of my earlier posting. Based upon that - I received a telephone call - they will be coming here on September 17th to use the "video camera" and if needed the "high pressure jetting" in the lines between my two commodes and the septic tank - no more than 60 feet.

My current "work person" wondered if blockage from the vent (from top of the house) might be a contributing factor??? Any ideas.

I appreciate your input.

[HayZee518]

if the "stack" has any blockage, a bird for instance, the commode(s) will back up. I had a bird in mine one day. the bird must've fallen in the 3 inch stack and the bird got lodged in the t-y fitting and somehow got trapped in the bottom of the toilet. my stack is basically a striaght vertical pipe with "things" teed off the vertical stack - toilet, 2nd floor drains, sink drain at the lowest point - before the drain takes a 90 degree left turn and onto the main line to the street sewer connection. in your case it goes to the septic tank. if you have clean outs along your line - remove the caps and take a look inside with a flash light.

[Sunshine]

Thank you HayZee518 -

My current "work person" is coming here tomorrow morning to take care of other matters. However, I will show him your response - to see if he feels he can "look into it". Again, thank you.