I wonder why the OG doesn't just hire a plumber? I had the same problem once, and it turns out that the 50 year old pipes that comprised my sewage system has just sort of disintegrated due to age and bentonite soil. A whole new sewer line had to be put in. $$$$

I hope TOG's problem turns out to be comparatively minor. Hepatitis is another fun disease that one can contract by mucking around in the shit.