Starting with the first year that we owned our house, we have had to pump our septic tank at least once every year. On a couple of occasions, because we delayed, we first had to call in Steam-on-Wheels to melt the frozen blockages that occurred due to having a filled septic line. The very first time we had a problem, we called in Roto-Rooter (who--under the previous ownership--had put in a leach field just before we bought the house). They were the first ones to say that we needed to pump the tank and to expect to do so regularly (which was the second indication that they did a poor job). This is why, last year, we had our septic system replaced; at which point, we discovered that the leach field was poorly done (as suspected), the baffle was destroyed, and the pipe to the tank was misaligned.
Still, every year, pumping the tank was the ultimate solution. Thus, when we started having the same problem at about the same annual time, I went straight to calling for the only septic pumping company on the Kenai to come out yet again. As we the backed-up area would slowly drain, and we could still flush our toilets (cautiously), we did not put in an emergency call, but left a message so they would come on Monday. I also left a message with the company who put in my new septic system this past summer.
The septic pumping truck got stuck coming up our driveway ... for almost three hours. The final struggle to free it with a tow truck made our driveway impassable, so they said for me to call once the driveway was clear again and wider than I had it the last time. I then received a call from the company that installed the new septic system. He had me check a few things and then informed me that getting the tank pumped would likely not solve the problem, but based on what I said, that there was probably a blockage between the house and the tank (something a friend of mine had suggested last week, but I was stuck in my way of thinking).
Today we had Roto-Rooter (under the new ownership) come out and check. We discovered a couple of things. Our bathroom, despite being only fifteen feet away from the laundry room, is not connected that drain system for over seventy feet. Thus, the blockage was not affecting our bathrooms (which--in hindsight--is quite fortunate). However, there was no sign as to what the blockage was or what might have caused it. Our drain pipes are configured in such a way that he cannot put a camera down to see the issue.
Thankfully, we were able to avoid paying for an unnecessary pumping, our new septic system is working like it should, and the blockage (whatever it was) has been cleared. However, I've been left with even more questions about how our drain system works, and a nagging suspicion that this problem will show up again. I'm at least glad that the problem is solved for now.