While major issues such as pumping out your septic tank or making repairs should be left up to the professionals, there are some troubleshooting tasks you can do on your own as a homeowner when you suspect a problem. If you have no luck with these tips, reach out to your trusted septic system professionals in Springfield OH for an inspection and repair if needed.
Here are some DIY tips for common issues with your septic system.
1. Slow Drains
Slow drains can be very frustrating for homeowners. Sometimes, there’s an easy fix, especially if the clog is limited to one drain. However, if you’re having a problem with all drains in your house, this could be an early sign that your septic tank or drain system needs attention.
Slow drains can be caused by an obstruction in just one pipe, the main drainpipe, or the septic tank. The clog could arise from debris, such as hair, grease, or a foreign object; or a tank problem could be to blame such as a major system clog or a full tank.
You can troubleshoot this issue by noting if the water is draining slowly from a single drain or multiple drains within the same room (i.e., the bathroom sink and tub). If the slow drain is confined to that one room or fixture, it’s a safe bet that the problem lies within the plumbing in the house before it exits the premises.
In this case, you can try:
- Running hot water down the drain to see if this clears up the issue.
- Pouring a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by equal parts vinegar. Allow to sit for a half hour, then flush out with hot water.
- Removing the p-trap or drain cover and then inserting a snake until resistance is felt. Rotate the handle until you clear the obstruction.
If all home drains are slow, the problem likely arises with the actual septic tank, which will require professional help, especially if you hear gurgling sounds in the pipes.
2. Sewage Backup
Backed up sewage calls for immediate action. This situation usually occurs when the septic tank is clogged or full, either indicating a major blockage in the main drain line or an issue with the devices in the tank. The drain field plumbing could even be to blame.
If a backup occurs in your home, call a septic tank professional right away. Do not handle the raw sewage without putting on protective gear. Handy homeowners may decide to remove the tank’s access cover to assess the situation, which could indicate the need for a pump-out in the event of a full tank. Sometimes obstructions can be seen in the tank itself, which can be moved aside to regain proper flow. We do not recommend opening the tank; this is a job best left up to a professional for safety and efficiency.
Sometimes, there’s just nothing you can do except call a pro. That’s because obstructions can be caused by tree roots that have strangled the main drain line, which would require a major repair.
3. Foul Odors
A well-maintained and properly working septic system should not produce foul or strong odors. If you are detecting a rotten egg smell inside your house or out, there’s a problem with your septic tank.
Indoor odors usually result from sewage backups into one or more drains in the house, while outdoor odors detected near the leach field or tank usually arise from sewage that has leaked out of the system before it could be treated.
Raw sewage or dirty water leaks may occur for many reasons:
- Clogged or full system that is starting to drain into nearby soil.
- Broken system or drain field pipes.
- Cracks in the pipes or the tank due to tree roots, shifting soil, soil compaction, or groundwater pressure.
Don’t try to mask the rotten egg smell with deodorizers or chemicals. The smell indicates there’s a problem that should be addressed right away. Until the root cause is found, the smell will linger and worsen.
4. Standing Water
If you have noticed standing water near your leach field or septic tank, you will need professional inspection and repair.
There are a few reasons why this could be happening:
- The soil under the leach field is compacted and can’t properly filter treated wastewater.
- There could be a clog in the drain field pipes, which has caused the septic tank to overflow.
- Your system has not been properly and regularly maintained over the years (pump-outs every few years, etc.) and is failing.
You will know you have standing water if the ground feels soft and spongy when you walk on the leach field, or if the grass in that area is very green.
Book Septic Tank Inspection or Service With Miami Valley Septic Service
If any of the above troubleshooting tasks did not help you get to the bottom of the problem, call our septic system professionals in Springfield OH today. We welcome you to request a quote online for septic tank repair, inspections, or pumping throughout the Miami Valley.
