The septic tag has no wiki summary.
12
votes
3answers
4k views
How often do septic tanks typically need to be pumped?
At the risk of potentially asking an off-topic question, I'd like to better understand the maintenance of a septic tank. I've never had one before and am unfamiliar with how to manage one.
My ...
11
votes
10answers
6k views
Why is my toilet constantly backing up?
I've been in my new house for a few months now, and I end up plunging one of our two toilets about once a week - they tend to swap turns on which one gets to be finicky each week. Is there a more ...
8
votes
4answers
1k views
How can I verify where the pipes in my basement go?
In the photos below, I have 3 pipes coming up out of the ground in my basement. One is about 4" (sewer?), the other 2 are 2" (gray water?). Then there are a few coming out of the ceiling (vents?), all ...
7
votes
4answers
801 views
When wiring two circuits through the same conduit, what wire coloring is required?
Problem
I am wiring a septic control/alarm box to a subpanel. They are on the same post, so the wire run is through a short stretch of 3/4" flex conduit.
There are two circuits required: a 240V for ...
5
votes
2answers
448 views
What can (and cannot) be put down drains that are connected to septic systems?
This might be more appropriate as a community wiki...
We have a septic system and I'm extremely paranoid about what can (and cannot) be put down our sink drains. I know the general answer is ...
4
votes
3answers
197 views
Septic Replacement: Can I Do it Myself?
I am looking at a property with a serious fixer-upper on it. I want to place a mobile home on the property while gutting out existing building to see if it can be renovated. My question is about the ...
4
votes
3answers
565 views
How do I care for the land area directly above a septic tank?
Any suggestions for how to care for the land area directly above a septic tank? I'm a first-time home buyer with a septic tank in my front yard. I'd like it to be aesthetically pleasing and ...
4
votes
2answers
112 views
What could cause poor drainage in the kitchen and baths?
After having my septic system (tank) cleaned about a month ago, I've noticed a foul odor in the bathroom of the master bedroom. I've also noticed the smell outside near the master bedroom. It's not ...
4
votes
2answers
979 views
What should I do about an overflowing septic system?
I noticed a small puddle in the backyard that remained even when it's dry out, and recently realized that it's probably the septic system overflowing. The tank was pumped 2 years ago and I don't think ...
3
votes
4answers
716 views
Product recommendations for clearing a drain connected to a septic system?
Our shower drain appears to be clogged and is draining slowly. What product can I use to safely clear the drain without damaging our septic system?
According to Drano's site ...
3
votes
6answers
5k views
Septic system failed - should I try installing an aeration unit?
My septic system's leach field is not able to absorb the liquid that comes out of the septic tank any more. It flows out of the pipes in the leach field and surfaces in the grass. Based on the reading ...
3
votes
2answers
392 views
Did my contractor give me good advice about my septic tank?
I recently had my 1500 gallon septic tank fill up/back up.
When the contractor removed the lid, it was obvious that the tank was completely full and needed to be pumped. The contractor then said ...
3
votes
1answer
278 views
Should I replace my septic tank if I don't need to?
Our house is 40-50 years old, and we've recently discovered that our drain field is shot. We're getting that replaced, and figured we may as well replace the tank while we're at it.
Are there any ...
2
votes
1answer
344 views
What could be causing my toilet to back up?
I live in a mobile home and my guest toilet continues to back up. When you flush it the water level will rise to the bowl rim and slowly go back to normal. I have taken the toilet off of the floor and ...
2
votes
1answer
89 views
Can a lack of oxygen cause septic tank deterioration?
After 2 years I had my 8 year old septic tank pumped out for the second time. When we looked inside we found that the area above the outlet had concrete deterioration. Whatever happened ate through ...
2
votes
1answer
160 views
How do I diagnose and fix a toilet blockage
I have a toilet that makes a gurgling noise IF it flushes down. However, at times it will fill up when I flush the toilet and I will see something come up from the bathroom drain. I have tried putting ...
1
vote
2answers
2k views
How much should replacing septic tank lids cost, and what is involved?
My wife and I may be possibly buying a house with a septic tank. We had it inspected and the report showed that the tank was in good condition however the "tank lids" would need to be replaced.
I'm ...
1
vote
2answers
5k views
About how much would replacing a septic tank cost me?
We recently had our septic inspected and were informed that the tanks themselves were shot and would need to be replaced. I'm in the process of getting estimates but in the meantime, I was wondering ...
0
votes
1answer
11 views
Can we install an aeration unit in an older septic system?
Our home was built in 1957. We have had problems for years with having a wet drain field and keep having our septic pumped. Today (of course my husband is away), I have done a couple of loads of ...
