Common Problems
Existing septic systems may fail for a number of reasons. For the owner, the system is failing if it is not treating the wastewater effectively. The most common causes of system failure are excessive water, improper maintenance, or an inadequately designed system. Diagnosing the specific causes may be difficult for the owner and often requires the skills of a professional. The following chart shows common problems and their possible causes and remedies.
| Problem |
Risks |
Potential Causes |
Potential Remedies |
| Sewage backs up into house and/or plumbing fixtures don't drain or are sluggish |
Human contact with sewage is a serious public health risk. Many waterborne diseases exist in household sewage. AVOID CONTACT. |
. Excess water entering system
. Improper plumbing
. Blockage in plumbing
. Improper operation
. Pump failure
. Improper system design
. Roots clogging pipes |
. Fix leaks
. Install water-saving fixtures
. Stop using garbage disposal
. Clean septic tank and check pumps
. Replace broken or cracked pipes and remove roots
. Seal pipe connections
. Avoid willow trees near system
|
| Sewage surfacing in yard |
Human contact with sewage is a serious public health risk. Many water-borne diseases exist in household sewage. |
. Excess water use
. System blockages
. Improper system elevations
. Undersized soil treatment system
. Pump failure or improper operation |
. Fix leaks
. Install water-saving fixtures
. Clean septic tank and check pumps
. Consult professionals
. Fence off area until problem is fixed |
| Sewage odors - indoors |
Toxic gases can cause discomfort and illness. |
. Sewage surfacing in yard
. Improper plumbing
. Sewage backup in house
. Unsealed ejector sump pump
. Roof vent pipe frozen closed |
. Repair plumbing
. Clean septic tank and check pumps
. Replace water in drain traps |
| Sewage odors - outdoors; |
Major nuisance, but no serious health risk |
. Source other than owner's system
. Sewage surfacing in yard
. Inspection pipe caps damaged or removed |
. Clean tank and check pumps
. Replace damaged caps
. Repair or replace drainfield |
| Contaminated drinking or surface waters |
The above public health risks are magnified by possible ingestion of contaminated water. Drinking contaminated water can cause health problems such as dys -entery, hepatitis, and, for infants, methemo- globinemia. |
. System too close to well, water table, or fractured bedrock
. Cesspool or drywell in use
. Sewage discharges to surface or groundwater
. Improper well construction
. Broken water supply pipe
. Source other than homeowner's system
. Broken sewage lines |
. Replace your well and/or septic system
. Contact a local unit of government to investigate other potential sources |
| Lift station alarm activated |
Tank effluent may back up into the house. |
. Pump failed
. Fuse breaker tripped
. Pump unplugged
. Controls malfunctioning |
. Check breaker and plugs
. Check controls and pump
. Make sure professional replaces pump with proper size unit |
| Distribution pipes and/or soil treatment system freezes in winter |
The system may be inoperable |
. Improper construction
. Check valve in lift station not working
. Foot or vehicle traffic over piping
. Low flow rate
. Lack of use
. Undersized pump |
. Check construction
. Examine check valve and/or replace it
. Keep people and vehicles off area
. Increase water use
. Have someone use water in house if you are away
. Increase frequency of pump cycling
. Operate septic tank as a holding tank
. Pump system in fall and use carefully over winter months
. Don't use antifreeze |
