Content 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:sluggish drainagecontaminated drinking waterwastewater surfacing in the yardodorspipes freezingIf any of these occur, the following troubleshooting tips may help narrow down the cause of the problem.Septic and Drainfield TroubleshootingSluggish or no drainage from fixtures, or back-up of wastewater into the house may be caused by:An improperly design and/or installed systemImproper plumbing in house Blockage in house plumbingImproper appliance operationExcessive water entering systemBlockage in sewer line between house and wastewater treatment systemImproper elevations in wastewater systemPump failure or improper operation if system is not a gravity flowBlockage in wastewater line between house and septic tankBlockage in septic tankBlockage in line from septic tank to drainfieldBlockage in distribution box, drop box, or pipeBlockage at the drainfield/soil treatment interface, where wastewater enters soilContaminated drinking or surface water may be caused by:Inappropriate or improperly designed and /or installed wastewater treatment systemWastewater treatment system too close to water supply wellDirect flow of wastewater to surface or groundwaterImproper water supply well construction or damaged water supply wellBroken water supply pipeBroken wastewater linesLeaking septic tankA source other than owner's systemSewage odors indoors may be due to:Improper plumbing and venting in houseTraps not filled with waterWastewater back-up into houseWastewater surfacing in yardUnsealed wastewater ejector sump pumpSewage odors outdoors may be due to:Wastewater surfacing in yardImproper plumbing and venting in housePump station vent or an inspection pipe located too close to houseInspection pipe caps damaged or removedWastewater back-up into houseUnsealed wastewater ejector sump pitSource other than owner's systemWastewater surfacing in yard may be caused by:Excess water entering systemBlockage at the drainfield/soil treatment interface where wastewater enters soilBlockage in distribution pipeImproper elevation for drainfieldRestricted or impaired flow through the distribution box, drop box, or drainfieldUndersized drainfield due to design or constructionPump failure or improper operationInappropriate or improperly designed and/or installed systemDistribution pipes and/or drainfield freezing in winter may be due to:Improper constructionCheck valve in pump to lift wastewater to tank or effluent to drainfiled not workingTraffic over subsurface pipes (drainfield, pipe to drainfild, etc.)Low wastewater flow rateLack 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.