Why Is My Septic Tank Building Pressure? (Solution)

  • Bacteria active in a septic tank are anaerobic. Anaerobic means that bacteria function without oxygen from the air. Little gas is produced in a septic tank, but the gas must be vented to prevent pressure from building up in the tank.

What are the signs of a clogged septic tank?

Signs of Septic System Clogging: Water and sewage from toilets, drains and sinks backing up into your home. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining slowly. Gurgling sounds present in the plumbing system. Bad odors coming from the septic tank or drain field.

How do you tell if your drain field is failing?

If so, here are the eight signs of septic system failure.

  1. Septic System Backup.
  2. Slow Drains.
  3. Gurgling Sounds.
  4. Pool of Water or Dampness Near Drainfield.
  5. Nasty Odors.
  6. Unusual, Bright Green Grass Above Drainfield.
  7. Blooms of Algae in Nearby Water.
  8. High Levels of Coliform in Water Well.

How do you tell if the leach field is clogged?

Stay vigilant for five signs your drainfield does not drain correctly anymore.

  1. Slowing Drainage. Homeowners first notice slower than usual drainage from all the sinks, tubs, and toilets in a home when they have a compromised drainfield.
  2. Rising Water.
  3. Increasing Plant Growth.
  4. Returning Flow.
  5. Developing Odors.

How do you unclog a septic tank field?

Can Anything Unclog an Old Septic Drain Field?

  1. Shock the System With Bacteria. A septic system bacteria packet can help clean out a clogged drain field by allowing waste material to break down and drain through.
  2. Reduce Water Usage.
  3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals.
  4. Change to Gentler Toilet Paper and Soap.
  5. Contact a Septic Professional.

Can a full septic tank affect water pressure?

Waste water drains slowly down household drains. All or most of the drains are affected by an over full septic tank. The pressure created by backed up waste in the septic lines can cause the pipes to leak.

How often should you pump your septic tank?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

What is the most common cause of septic system failure?

Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.

Will a flooded septic tank fix itself?

Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.

Can heavy rain affect septic tank?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

How do you fix a saturated leach field?

Additional ways to help keep the soil in your drain field from becoming over-saturated include:

  1. Avoid using too many water fixtures in the home at once.
  2. Ensure all home gutter downspouts are directed away from the drain field.
  3. Don’t point lawn sprinklers toward drain field.

What is the average life expectancy of a septic system?

Age of the System It’s pretty common for a septic system to last 40 years or longer, which means if you buy a new home, you might never need to replace it. However, you might have an older home whose septic system has been in place for nearly half a century.

Can you fix a clogged septic drain field?

It is often possible to clean and renew a clogged septic leach field instead of replacing the drain field lines. Septic field lines can fail to drain when heavy solids accumulate and block perforations in the lines. You can use a sewer jetter to clean perforated PVC septic leach field lines from 2″ to 6″ ID.

How long does a drain field last?

It’s important to consider the life expectancy of a drain-field, too. Under normal conditions and good care, a leach-field will last for 50 years or more. Concrete septic tanks are sturdy and reliable but not indestructible.

Maintaining Your Pressure Distribution System

Many years have passed since septic tanks with gravity flow drainfields were first installed in places that were not served by municipal sewers. Not all soil and site conditions, however, are well suited for the use of these basic methods. Non-standard sewage treatment systems are frequently employed to preserve human health and water quality in regions where regular sewage treatment systems are unable to provide safe sewage treatment. The pressure distribution system is an example of an out-of-the-ordinary system.

  • Dosing and resting cycles are important. Ensure that wastewater is distributed uniformly. The drainfield was installed too shallowly.

The following information will assist you in better understanding your pressure distribution system and ensuring that it continues to operate safely and at the lowest cost feasible. A typical pressure distribution system is composed of three functional components:

  1. The sewage treatment plant
  2. The pump chamber as well as the pump
  3. The drainfield and replacement area, respectively

The Septic Tank

Most septic tanks are constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene and are buried beneath the ground surface. All of the waste water from your home is channeled into the tank. Heavy solids sink to the bottom of the tank, where they are partially decomposed by bacterial action. Fats and oil, among other lighter particles, float to the surface and form a scum layer on the surface of the water. Effluent is the term used to describe the wastewater that exits the septic tank. Despite the fact that it has been partially treated, it still includes disease-causing germs as well as several other contaminants.

Proper Care Includes:

  1. Septic tank maintenance should include an inspection once a year and pumping it as necessary. Unless the septic tank is regularly emptied, sediments escaping from the tank will clog the pump and drainfield, causing them to fail prematurely. Because it increases the quantity of particles entering the tank and necessitates more frequent pumping, the use of a trash disposal is strongly prohibited in order to avoid the flushing of dangerous materials into the septic tank. Don’t put anything into the tank that may cause a fire or explosion. This includes grease and cooking oils as well as newspapers and paper towels. You shouldn’t put anything into the tank that could cause a fire or explosion. In order to obtain information on the correct disposal of hazardous home trash, you should contact the Humboldt Waste Management Authority. It is important to avoid the use of any form of chemical or biological septic tank additive. As previously stated, such products are not essential nor beneficial to the effective operation of a septic tank, nor do they minimize the need for routine tank pumping.

The Pump Chamber

The pump chamber is a container made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene that collects the effluent from the septic tank. A pump, pump control floats, and a high water warning float are all included within the chamber. Pump activity can be regulated either via the use of control floats or through the use of timed controls. A series of control floats is used to switch the pump “on” and “off” at different levels in order to pump a certain volume of effluent per dose of medication. Using the timer settings, you may create dosages that are both long and short in duration, as well as intervals or rest periods between doses.

If you employ pump timer controls, the alarm will also sound to alert you if you are using too much water in your house.

The alarm should be equipped with a buzzer and a bright light that can be seen clearly.

The pump discharge line should be equipped with a union and a valve to facilitate the removal of the pump.

Proper Care Includes:

  1. Performing an annual inspection of the pump chamber, pump, and floats, and replacing or repairing any worn or broken parts. Pump maintenance should be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Inspection of electrical components and conduits should be performed for corrosion. If the alarm panel is equipped with a “push-to-test” button, it should be used on a regular basis. If your system does not already have one, you should consider installing a septic tank effluent filter or pump screen. It is possible to prevent particles from clogging the pump and drainfield pipes by screening or filtering the effluent from the septic tank. Inspection and cleaning of the filter, when necessary, are quick and simple tasks that help to avoid costly damage caused by particles entering the system. After a protracted power outage or a pump failure, taking steps to prevent the drainfield from over-loading is necessary.
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Inspecting and replacing old or damaged parts on a regular basis (every year) in the pump chamber, pump, and floats Following the manufacturer’s guidelines should be followed while doing pump maintenance. Corrosion should be checked on all electrical components and conduits. This button should be used on a frequent basis if the alarm panel contains a “push-to-test” button. If your system does not already have a septic tank effluent filter or pump screen, you should consider installing one. Solids are prevented from clogging the pump and drainfield pipes by screening or filtering the septic tank effluent.

After a protracted power loss or a pump failure, taking steps to safeguard the drainfield from over-loading;

The Drainfield

It is comprised of a network of pipes laid in 18″ wide gravel-filled ditches in the ground to drain the water. In order to ensure uniform distribution throughout the drainfield, effluent is pumped through the pipes in controlled doses. It trickles downhill through the gravel until it reaches the earth under low pressure as it exits the pipes through small-diameter pores. In order to prevent bacteria and other contaminants from reaching groundwater, the effluent must first pass through the soil and be treated by it.

It must be safeguarded in the event that an addition or repair to the current system is required.

Proper Care Includes:

This network of pipes is laid in 18″ wide gravel-filled ditches in the earth to drain the water. To ensure uniform dispersion over the drainfield, effluent is pushed via the pipes in regulated dosages. The wastewater drains from the pipes under low pressure via small-diameter pores and trickles downward through the gravel until it reaches the soil below. Preventing bacteria and other contaminants from reaching groundwater occurs as a result of wastewater filtering and treatment in the soil. An area earmarked for replacement is necessary for every new drainfield.

  1. Practicing water conservation and balancing your water consumption throughout the week will help to prevent the system from being overburdened. The greater the amount of wastewater produced, the greater the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed of by the soil. Water is diverted away from the drainfield and replacement area by diverting it away from surfaces such as roofs, driveways, and patios. In order to aid in surface water drainage, the soil above your system should be somewhat mounding. Keeping traffic away from the drainfield and replacement area, such as automobiles, heavy equipment, and cattle, is essential. The pressure might compress the earth or cause damage to the pipes, for example. Ensure that your system is correctly landscaped. Placement of impermeable materials over your drainfield or replacement area is not recommended. Construction materials, such as concrete or plastic, decrease evaporation and the delivery of air to the soil, both of which are necessary for effective effluent treatment. Grass provides the most effective cover for the complete system. On a regular basis, check the drainfield and downslope regions for smells, damp patches, or sewage that has come to the surface. If your drainfield is equipped with inspection pipes, inspect them to determine if the liquid level is consistently more than 6 inches in height. This might be a warning sign of a potential issue. For help, contact the Division of Environmental Health (DEH) of the County of Humboldt.

What If The Alarm Goes On?

If the effluent level within the pump chamber reaches the alarm float for any reason (faulty pump, floats, circuit, excessive water usage, or another problem), the alarm light and buzzer will illuminate. The reserve storage in the pump chamber should provide you with enough time to have the problem resolved if you use water sparingly (avoid baths, showers, and clothes washing). To turn off the alarm, press the reset button on the alarm panel’s front panel. Before contacting a service or repair company, determine whether the problem might be caused by:

  1. A tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse are examples of this. The pump should be on a separate circuit with its own circuit breaker or fuse to prevent overloading. A piece of equipment can cause the breakers to trip if it’s connected to the same circuit as another piece of equipment
  2. A power cord that has become disconnected from a pump or float switch. If the electrical connections are of the plug-in variety, be certain that the switch and pump plugs make excellent contact with the outlet. The electric power wire, hoisting rope, and pump screen are entangled with the control floats and other sections of the chamber. Make certain that the floats are free to move about in the chamber. Debris on the floats and support cable is causing the pump to trip the circuit breaker. Remove the floats from the chamber and thoroughly clean them.

CAUTION: Before touching the pump or floats, always switch off the power at the circuit breaker and unhook any power cables from the system. Entering the pump room is strictly prohibited. The gases that build up inside pump chambers are toxic, and a shortage of oxygen can be deadly. After completing the measures outlined above, contact your pump service person or on-site system contractor for assistance in locating the source of the problem. Pumps and other electrical equipment should only be serviced or repaired by someone who has previous experience.

Water Pressure in a Well & Septic System

Home-Exterior A pressure-driven septic system and well are necessary for the movement of water through these systems. System pressure parameters should be included in the system design to define how much pressure should be present. It is possible that a leak has arisen in the septic system or well as a result of the incorrect pressure in the system.

There are a variety of additional problems that signal that the system should be repressurized or replaced. A lack of pressure can signal a variety of small concerns, such as a malfunctioning main water valve, which can be easily resolved.

Pipe System

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However, if the pipe sustains damage from some cause, it is possible that the pipe will burst.

Municipality

The water quality might be affected by the municipality from time to time. If there is a problem with the plumbing system of the municipality, you may experience a temporary water shutdown. Additionally, the municipality may be responsible for you experiencing interrupted water service.

Water Pressure Regulator

If your water pressure is low, you may want to consider investing in a water pressure regulator. If you currently have a water pressure regulator and the water pressure stays low or varies, it is possible that the water pressure regulator is faulty and that you will need to purchase a new water pressure regulator.

Jet Vs. Sump Pump

Compared to the sump pump, the jet pump in well and septic systems is less complicated to install. Both may provide a significant amount of water pressure in the correct conditions, but the sump pump will survive far longer than the other.

Leakage

Septic system pressure should be determined by the septic system contractor who is responsible for the installation of the system. If you detect any changes in the septic system’s performance, it is possible that a leak has occurred. A skilled professional should do an inspection of the septic system to ensure that everything is in perfect operating condition. To identify if there are any leaks in the septic system, you should visually inspect all of the joints throughout the system.

Pressurizing

If the tank becomes clogged with water, the pressure in the septic system should increase on a regular basis. When the water pressure is low and the pump is turned off, you should check to see whether the pressure is lower than it should be. If it is, you should replace the pump. With a bicycle pump or a compressor, try to restore pressure to the tank. In the event that water is forced out of the air nipple when pressurizing the tank, the tank will need to be replaced. Before repressurizing the tank, check to see that there is nearly no water in the tank.

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Septic Installation

Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. The goal of any onsite wastewater system is to safely process and dispose of all wastewater generated by a residence in a safe manner. The treatment of wastewater takes place in the septic tank, where dangerous bacteria are isolated from the wastewater before it is sent to the absorption field for desorption.

  1. Repairing and replacing pressure systems are both time-consuming and expensive endeavors.
  2. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.
  3. These systems may also include leaching chambers, or other special units designed to slowly release the effluent into the soil or surface water.
  4. Septic pump systems are employed in situations when a traditional gravity system is not an option.
  5. Septic effluent is pumped up to the absorption system from a final chamber in the septic tank or from a second effluent chamber in the septic tank in these configurations.

Although septic effluent pumps are not required to transport solids, they must meet higher durability criteria and perform more difficult tasks than a normal sump pump, which is designed to drain ground water from a structure.

A PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION SEPTIC SYSTEM CONTAINS:

Septic tank (also known as a septic tank system) 2.Pump tank and pump are required. 3.Drainage field (sometimes spelled drainage field) 4.Repair Work Zone A Septic Pump System is a system that moves cleared septic effluent from a septic tank to a drainfield in situations when a gravity system is impossible to be utilized. Drainfields can be positioned upslope from septic tanks because of the use of pump tanks. A pump tank is a concrete, fiberglass, or plastic container that gathers waste water from a septic tank and transports it to another location.

A SEPTIC PUMP TANK CONTAINS:

(1)pump (2)pump control floats are used. (3)a float that sounds an alert in case of rising water. (4)the discharge pipe for the pump (5)Union and valve assembly (6) nylon rope (optional) Control of the(1) pump can be accomplished via the use of control floats or with the use of timing controls. At order to pump an exact amount of wastewater, control floats are used to switch on and off the pump in the appropriate position. The timer controls are set to manage the volume of wastewater produced as well as the amount of time between doses.

  • The alarm can also alert you if you are using excessive amounts of water in your house.
  • The alarm should be equipped with a buzzer and a bright light that is immediately seen.
  • To turn off the alarm, push the reset button located on the alarm box’s front panel.
  • The (4) pump discharge pipe should be equipped with a (5) union and valve to allow for the pump to be removed with relative ease.
Pump System Malfunctions

It is possible for wastewater to enter the drainfield before it has been fully treated if the onsite pump system is not in good operating order. This is a severe public health issue. Pressurization distribution systems can be classified as “pump to gravity” systems, “pump to pressure manifold” systems, or “low pressure pipe distribution” systems.

Septic Pump vs. Sewage pump vs. Sump Pump

What is the difference between a septic pump, a sewage pump, and a sump pump?

  • Pumping blackwater (toilet waste) to a private septic tank and drainfield system is the responsibility of a septic pumping system. Sewage pumps are devices that pump blackwater (toilet waste) into a public sewer pipe. Sump pumps are used to remove undesired water from a building, such as surface or ground water that has leaked into the structure. Sump pumps are only required to pump water
  • They are never required to move solids. A sump pump is typically positioned in a pit at the low end of a basement or crawl space floor
  • However, this is not required.

In the case of a private septic tank and drainfield system, a septic pump is in charge of pumping blackwater (toilet waste). Sewage pumps are devices that pump blackwater (toilet waste) into a public sewer system. Designed to remove unwanted water, such as surface or ground water that has leaked into a building, sump pumps are installed beneath the foundation of the structure. It is never necessary for sump pumps to move solids; only water. In most cases, a sump pump is situated in a pit at the bottom of a basement or crawl space floor.

Riser Installation – Aberdeen, WA – Stangland Septic Service

The pump chamber is a container made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene that collects the effluent from the septic tank. A pump, pump control floats, and a high-water warning float are all included within the chamber. Pump activity can be regulated either via the use of control floats or through the use of timed controls. When the control floats are adjusted to a specified level for pumping a specific volume of effluent every dosage, the pump will switch “ON” and “OFF.” Using the timer settings, you may create dosages that are both long and short in duration, as well as intervals or rest periods between doses.

If you employ pump timer controls, the alarm will also sound to alert you if you are using too much water in your house.

The alarm should be equipped with a buzzer and a bright light that can be seen clearly.

The pump discharge line should be equipped with a union and a valve to facilitate the removal of the pump. A length of nylon rope or other noncorrosive material should be tied to the pump so that it may be moved into and out of the chamber as necessary.

Septic & Land Development

When developing land, it is critical for the developer, engineer, or homeowner to schedule a meeting with SWDH in order to explain the project in detail. SWDH requires that you attend this pre-development meeting before proceeding with the formal application process. Download the Subdivision Application from our Document Repository, which may be found under the Land Development category. Contact208-455-5400. After the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) or a Qualified Licensed Professional Engineer (QLPE) has conducted the necessary reviews of the specifications, the SWDH works in collaboration with the IDEQ to release sanitary restrictions on platted subdivisions that are served by city water and city sewer.

  1. for subdivisions including municipal water and city sewage services.
  2. The SER can be downloaded from our Document Repositoryunder Land Development.
  3. Additionally, depending on the location of the subdivision, the size of the lots, and the density of residences, the SWDH may require a Nutrient Pathogen Study to be completed.
  4. When developing property, it is critical for the developer/engineer to organize a meeting with SWDH in order to explain the project in more detail.
  5. Download the Subdivision Application from our Document Repository, which may be found under the Land Development category.

Fees:

Service Description Charges
Subdivision Engineering Report Application Fee $250.00
Cost Per Developable Lot $300.00
Subdivision Application – City Services (Requires DEQ Approval) $150.00
Central/LSAS $1,000 + $100 per 250 gpd
Pre-development site evaluation for commercial or engineered lots (includes multiple test holes and evaluation results) $850.00
Pre Development Meeting (Fee to apply toward SER application if within 12-months of pre-development meeting) $100.00

In order to obtain further information, you may call the SWDH headquarters at 208-455-5400.

Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

The Southwest District Health (SWDH) Environmental Health Services division, in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, controls underground sewage disposal systems (IDEQ). If the developer or homeowner has any questions about the application or permitting process for a subsurface sewage disposal system, they should contact SWDH at (208) 455-5400. This is especially important because a subsurface sewage permit is usually required before a county building permit can be obtained.

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Process/ How to Apply

SWDH must perform an on-site examination prior to issuing a permit for underground sewage disposal before the permit may be issued. The applicant must make arrangements for a backhoe to be brought in to dig a ten (10) foot test hole at the time of the examination.

When submitting an application, SWDH requires a legal description, zoning certificate, tax assessment notice, or property profile, among other things. It is possible to obtain your legal description by contacting the county or by consulting a tax notice.

How to Apply

Download the Subsurface Sewage Disposal Application (PDF) from our Document Repository, which may be found under Septic Systems. Please also include an 8″ x 10″ copy of the home floor plans, verifying the amount of bedrooms, if the house is being built from scratch.

Accessory Use

Accessory Use permissions from the county may be necessary before a building permit may be issued for the construction of an addition, shop, or other structure on a piece of property in certain circumstances. The proposed plan will be evaluated by an Environmental Health Specialist at the time of the Accessory Use Application to see if it will necessitate a modification to the existing subsurface sewage disposal system. The Accessory Use Approval Application and Plot Plan (both in PDF format) may be found in our Document Repositoryunder Septic Systems and can be downloaded.

Three Common Winter Septic Tank Problems

Septic tanks can become clogged as a result of the harsh winter weather. From frozen ground to frozen pipes, there are a variety of difficulties that may occur and must be addressed. Prepare for winter with these suggestions, which should help you prevent septic tank issues in the long run. When the ground freezes or snow accumulates, it forms an additional barrier that prevents water from reaching the tank. When you have to dig through hard or frozen ground, tank pumping and maintenance quickly become a hassle to do.

A septic tank riser can also be installed as an alternative approach.

Risers are designed to resist the rigors of the winter season, giving a reliable solution.

Compacted snow and soil surrounding your septic system can cause a variety of issues.

Compacted soil and snow:

  • It does not provide as good an insulation barrier for the tank, which might result in a frozen system. It is possible that wastewater will be unable to filter and drain adequately. Creates pressure over the tank and pipes, which can result in damage and, eventually, make it easier for the tank to freeze.

Prevention Tips:

  • Drive vehicles or heavy equipment over your tank or drain field at your own peril. Generally speaking, driving over your gas tank should be avoided at any time of year, but it may be particularly hazardous during the winter months. Remove any snow that has accumulated on the system
  • Before winter, aerate the soil surrounding the septic system.

When snow or ice accumulates around your septic tanks and nearby areas and then freezes, it can cause difficulties to develop. It does this by slowing down or completely prohibiting the good bacteria in your tank from breaking down waste. When wastewater is not adequately broken down, it can generate a system overload, which is dangerous. In addition, if wastewater accumulates in a frozen pipe and subsequently ruptures, it poses a serious health concern to those who are exposed.

Steps to Prepare:

  • Insulate your septic tank and system with a cover, a blanket, straw, leaves, and/or soil, among other things. Consider putting a cover over your leach field as well. Increase the amount of flora in the area around your tank to help protect it from the cold. Every day, fill the tank with water and utilize it. Keep pipes free of leaks and obstructions so that the line stays heated and the drainage system functions correctly

About Miller Septic

Miller Septic is a locally owned firm that provides septic cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties. We have more than 30 years of expertise in serving the requirements of residents and companies in Northeast Ohio and surrounding areas. Pumping septic tanks, identifying septic tanks, giving point of sale inspections, cleaning grease traps and catch basins, trucking municipal sludge, offering leach line rejuvenation, and more are some of the services we provide.

We are pleased to service the following counties: Holmes County, Wayne County, Tuscarawas County, Coshocton County, Stark County, Ashland County, Carroll County, and others. Please contact us immediately if you require assistance in maintaining your septic system safe throughout the winter months.

Help! My Septic Tank is Full!

Posted on a regular basis We receive a lot of calls concerning septic tanks that are “full.” But what does the term “full” truly imply? A septic tank should always be “filled” to its normal liquid level, which is the level at which the effluent exits the tank and flows to the absorption area, according to the manufacturer. On average, this typical liquid level is between 8″ and 12″ below the tank’s maximum capacity, depending on the model (see picture at right). If the liquid level is near the bottom of the outflow pipe, it is reasonable to believe that the absorption area is receiving the wastewater generated by the home.

If the tank is overflowing, it is typically a sign that there is a problem with the absorption area.

Plumbing or septic issue?

We get a lot of calls from folks who want us to pump their tank because they claim it is full.usually because they are experiencing troubles. However, there are situations when the plumbing is the source of the problem. What is the best way to determine if an issue can be resolved by your septic maintenance provider or a professional plumber?

Check the cleanout

If the problem is caused by backup in the house, we recommend that you check your cleanout between the house and the tank (if one is present and accessible) to see if there is any backup in the cleanout (which is typically a 4″ PVC pipe with a removable cap). If the problem is caused by backup in the house, we recommend that you check your cleanout between the house and the tank (if one is present and accessible) to see if there is any backup in the cleanout. If there is no backup in the cleanout, we normally recommend that you call a plumber since this implies that the wastewater from the home is not making it to the cleanout.

Afterwards, you may check to see if the liquid level in the septic tank is normal or excessive by removing the lid(s) of the tank and looking inside.

If it is overflowing, you may be dealing with more serious problems (i.e.

Till you have a cleanout, your odds of requiring the services of either a plumber or a septic firm are 50/50, and you won’t know unless one of the two comes out to inspect the situation for you.

Check for smells

A foul odor in the house is typically indicative of a problem with the ventilation or plumbing. Unless you are having backup inside the house or septic system difficulties outside the house, we recommend that you consult with a plumber for assistance.

Signs of a larger problem

After being drained out, a septic tank would normally refill to its regular liquid level within a few days to a week, depending on the size of the tank and the number of people living in the property. As soon as the tank has been refilled to its usual liquid level, effluent can begin to flow back into the absorption area again. The fact that the septic tank is “overfull” may indicate a more serious problem with the entire system (see picture at right). If you are experiencing this problem, draining out your septic tank may provide some temporary respite, but it is unlikely to provide long-term relief.

Over the course of 80 years, Van Delden Wastewater Systems has proven itself to be the premier Wastewater System provider, supplying San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country with services you can rely on today and in the future.

We can assist you with any of your wastewater system needs, and our specialists can also assist you with your septic installation and maintenance requirements: 210.698.2000 (San Antonio) or 830.249.4000 (Austin) (Boerne).

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