FAQs

My sink, tub and shower are draining slowly and I'm concerned that sewage may back up! How can I fix it?

A: Human contact with sewage is a serious health threat. Bacteria and viruses in sewage could cause serious illness. Make sure to avoid contact!

POTENTIAL CAUSES	POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Excess water use in house	Fix leaks Install water saving fixtures
Groundwater infiltrating into tanks	Drain ground and surface water away from tanks Find and fix leaking openings Water-tight tanks if possible*
Improper plumbing/blocked pipe	Check plumbing Clear pipes
Roots clogging pipes	Avoid planting trees near system Components Seal pipe connections* Replace broken or cracked pipes and remove roots*
Tank’s outlet filter plugging up	Remove, clean and replace filter Stop using garbage disposal
Tank baffles broken or plugged	Ensure baffles clear Fix or replace baffles if necessary Pump tank if solids are problem
Pump failure	Check pump operation by running manually Replace pump if necessary*

Help! I have sewage breaking out on the ground.

A: Firstly, human contact with sewage is a serious health threat. Bacteria and viruses in sewage could cause serious illness. AVOID CONTACT. Be sure to place a barrier around the area until the problem is fixed and use sand or bark dust over the breakout to minimize potential contact.

POTENTIAL CAUSES	POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Excess water use in house	Fix leaks Limit high use activities Install water saving fixtures
Groundwater infiltrating into tanks	Drain ground and surface water away from tanks Find and fix leaking openings Water-tight tanks if possible
High waste strength	Stop using garbage disposal or placing excess grease, oil, food, etc. in system Use a sink strainer Stop using harsh chemicals in house
Broken or blocked pipes	Check plumbing Clear pipes Locate and repair broken pipes
Pump failure	Check pump operation by running manually Replace pump if necessary*
Improper distribution	Adjust D-box or manifold for equal distribution
Undersized drainfield	Install new system*

What do I do if my alarm is sounding?

POTENTIAL CAUSES	POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Too much water being used in house	Reduce water use Check for leaky fixtures
Groundwater infiltrating into tanks	Drain ground and surface water away from tanks Find and fix leaking openings Water-tight tanks if possible
Pump failure	Check pump operation by running manually Replace pump if necessary*
Fuse breaker tripped	Check breaker and reset
Pump or float power cord unplugged	Check electrical plugs
Controls malfunctioning	Call system installer and/or electrician
Control floats tangled by other parts in the chamber	Untangle and secure cords Ensure all floats swing freely
Debris on floats and power cords causing improper function	Clean floats and cords by hosing/scraping off Pump tank if necessary

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[toggle title=”I’ve got the smell of sewage in my house. What should I do?”] A: Toxic gases can be flammable or make people sick so you’ll want to get it taken care of right away.

POTENTIAL CAUSES	POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Sewage backup in house	Call a professional
Sewage surfacing in yard	Call a professional
Roof vent pipe blocked	Locate and clear roof vent pipe(s)
Improper plumbing	Repair plumbing
Unsealed ejector sump pump	Locate and seal ejector sump properly

I've got the smell of sewage outside my house. What should I do?

A: While it’s not likely toxic, it’s still a nuisance that you’ll want to take care of.

POTENTIAL CAUSES	POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Someone else’s septic problems	Talk to your neighbor about correcting the problem If public health is threatened call local health authority
Sewage surfacing in yard	Repair or replace drainfield
Inspection port caps damaged or removed	Replace damaged caps
Tank lids not sealed or improperly installed	Repair or replace lids with ones that seal properly*

My float is chattering and my pump turns on and off rapidly. What should I do?

A: Typically there’s a mercury float switch installed to control the pump. What you’ll want to do is replace the chattering float switch with a correct “mechanical” float switch

My pipes and system freezes in the winter. How can I prevent this?

A: If it’s not taken care if properly, this could result in the system malfunctioning causing breakouts or backups

POTENTIAL CAUSES	POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Improper construction	Check system for problems*
Transport line doesn’t drain between doses	Remove check valve from line or install anti-siphon device if pumping downhill*
Water not flowing through system often enough	Increase frequency of pump cycling
Compacted ground not insulating pipes or drainfield	Keep people and vehicles off area

* CALL A PROFESSIONAL