Trouble-shooting septic systems

Troubleshooting Septic Systems

Problems sometimes occur.

	Keep records
	Keep a sketch of the location
	Keep records of repairs, maintenance and pumping for your use as well as if you sell the property.

Some of the problems that occur include:

If any of these occur, the following troubleshooting tips may help narrow down the cause of the problem.

Septic and Drainfield Troubleshooting

Sluggish or no drainage from fixtures, or back-up of wastewater into the house may be caused by:

An improperly design and/or installed system
Improper plumbing in house
Blockage in house plumbing
Improper appliance operation
Excessive water entering system
Blockage in sewer line between house and wastewater treatment system
Improper elevations in wastewater system
Pump failure or improper operation if system is not a gravity flow
Blockage in wastewater line between house and septic tank
Blockage in septic tank
Blockage in line from septic tank to drainfield
Blockage in distribution box, drop box, or pipe
Blockage at the drainfield/soil treatment interface, where wastewater enters soil

Contaminated drinking or surface water may be caused by:

Inappropriate or improperly designed and /or installed wastewater treatment system
Wastewater treatment system too close to water supply well
Direct flow of wastewater to surface or groundwater
Improper water supply well construction or damaged water supply well
Broken water supply pipe
Broken wastewater lines
Leaking septic tank
A source other than owner's system

Sewage odors indoors may be due to:

Sewage odors outdoors may be due to:

Wastewater surfacing in yard may be caused by:

Excess water entering system
Blockage at the drainfield/soil treatment interface where wastewater enters soil
Blockage in distribution pipe
Improper elevation for drainfield
Restricted or impaired flow through the distribution box, drop box, or drainfield
Undersized drainfield due to design or construction
Pump failure or improper operation
Inappropriate or improperly designed and/or installed system

Distribution pipes and/or drainfield freezing in winter may be due to:

Improper construction
Check valve in pump to lift wastewater to tank or effluent to drainfiled not working
Traffic over subsurface pipes (drainfield, pipe to drainfild, etc.)
Low wastewater flow rate
Lack of use

Review of Septic System Operation and Maintenance

Maintaining your septic system is your responsibility.
Have the tank pumped regularly.
Conserve water and spread out use.
Manage solids.
Keep hazardous materials out of the system.
Let the system work naturally.
Avoid compacting the drainfield.
Avoid introducing excess water to the drainfield.
Maintain structural integrity of the drainfield.
Mantain a replacement drainfield area for use if / or when replacement is needed.
Keep records, sketches of the area, and pumping schedule.

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