New Septic System?

kberg

Well, if THIS ain't off topic, nothing is! Anybody out there be able to clue me in as to where I might be headed in this situation...?

When I turn on my dishwasher, during part of the cycle, I can smell the septic system (sewer smell) coming from the drain in the sink into the kitchen. Toilets aren't backing up, no smell either, but they are operating much "slower" over the past few months and need to be plunged more frequently.

I don't know if the tank just needs to be pumped or if I'm in for a huge expense in replacing the septic field. House/field built in 1990.

Any ideas/suggestions?

danger boy

with my little amount of experience with septic systems.. i think your tank is getting near it's capacity... i'd have it pumped out and see if that takes care of it. or else it may not be draining properly too. but pump it out first.

kberg

Thanks, danger. I was having it pumped out every two years but have 3 kids, so I think this will need to be an annual event. I'll see what happens after that.

- stinky

F1nut

Your problem could be the line running to the tank is clogged up with crud and needs to be snaked. Another problem could be the drain field is having problems because it's -20 up there, but I think it's a clogged line. Do not wait to have it looked at, you won't like the results.

weavercr

When was the last time you had it pumped? I do mine every 4 years....


I dont have to worry about frozen ground. I hope they put your drain field below the frost line.

scottdawg

If your toilets are slow that would not be caused by drainage field problems. The drainage field is after the septic tank, the line from the toilet to the septic tank is probably near clogged. Hire a plumber. I agree with F1nut.

kberg

Originally posted by scottdawg
If your toilets are slow that would not be caused by drainage field problems. The drainage field is after the septic tank, the line from the toilet to the septic tank is probably near clogged. Hire a plumber. I agree with F1nut.

I bet you guys are right on this. I'm going to followup by having this done and I'll let ya know.

Thanks

amulford

I have three septic systems. Unless you see the water coming to the surface of the disposal bed, I wouldn't worry about it.

As far as pumping the tank, that is a good idea. It keeps the solids from rising to the outlet line, where they can be dispersed into the bed.

Your problem, as F1 said, is in the outlet from the house, or it may be in the trap at the tank. Both are simple fixes.

Snake the line from the house or have it jetted. The trap can be located at the point where that line goes into the holding tank. You have to dig it up and clear it.

This should be done soon, or it may progress to back up into the house.

I know it's a **** job, but somebody has to do it:D