Sewers

Septic System....? Our house had new septic system put in 2 years ago. But now when I walk by the bathroom sometimes I smell a mild sewage smell. This is recent, it never happened before. What is wrong? Do I need to do something to prevent this from happening?

What does a septic system do to your backyard? If livin in the country and someone has a septic system and no town water or sewer, how does the septic effect your backyard and soil? I have seen sunken lawns already and rather not have that problem. How can you avoid this problem with a septic esp when washing clothes, or having a hose, or even a swimming pool?

Will a septic system support the weight of car? We are looking at a house that has a building with it, but the septic system is located between the house & the building. We are wondering if we will be able to drive over the septic system or would the weight of a vehicle harm it?

How do you test an existing septic system to see if it is in good working condition? We bought some property where a house had burnt and it has a septic system already there. We are gonna build a house there soon, but we wanted to find out how to see if that septic system and field lines were in good shape or not, anybody have any idea?!!!! Thanks

Can you have a dishwasher if you have a septic system? When we bought our home, the home inspector told us we would never be able to have a dishwasher or a garbage disposal, because it would overload the septic system. Are such things incompatible with septic systems? Does anyone else have these conveniences while having a septic system, and have you experienced any resulting problems? Is there anything particular you do to maintain your septic system? Thanks for the info!

How much would it cost to replace a septic system? My wife and I are looking at a house that needs a new septic system. We have no idea how much, in general, a septic system would cost to replace.

How much does a new septic system cost? We found a house to buy, but it needs a new septic system.

What should and should not be in septic system? I am new to having a septic system and am wondering if there is a reference list describing what should and should not be allowed to enter a septic system. In particular, is it ok to dispose of cleaning products (such as lysol), and should you not clean latex paint out of brushes and allow that to enter the septic? Any other guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!

i have a septic system at my home the tanks fill up afterrain? i have a level loop system . the septic guy says the lines are working fine but says i could help to install bio diffuser for the wash water . i found the diffusers &end caps. when installing the lines do i have to backfill with gravel . also how many panels should it take?

Septic System has pipes that are open at the end? What is this? We are looking at an old trailer in a lake area to buy. In the backyard there is a pipe that goes down the yard and then has another pipe attaching to it so that it makes the top of a T. The ends of the top of the "T" are open. The owners say that clear water drains out of it. Is this normal? Is this a good system? Is this a defunct system that would not pass inspection these days? What are we dealing with? Also, how long can a septic system not be used and still be okay?

If a house doesn't have a septic system, what has to be hooked up to it to get rid of the waste? I've been using search engines and stuff to try to answer this question, but all that keeps coming up is different types of septic systems. Does anybody know an alternative to using a septic system?

Can I deduct a septic system on my taxes? I had to replace my entire septic system on my house in Feb 2006, because it was not up to code. They said they could condemn my house if I didn't fix it. It cost $4000. Can I deduct the $4000 since it was a required repair to bring my house back up to code?

What is a laundry product for whitening that is safe for septic system? We know that chlorine bleach is not safe for our septic system, however, our whites are getting really dull and gray. We usually launder with cold water to save energy. Is this part of the problem? who can recommend products that have worked for you that you know are safe for septic systems?

How often do I need to have my septic system emptied? We have well water and a leach bed septic system, I guess you would say. There have been approximately 7 people on average for 9 months & 4 people on average for 4 months time total. I have been told it needs done yearly and I have also been told it needs done every couple of years. I have no idea what is correct and don't want to find out the hard way!

what will help Major serious septic system problems? We are desperate! Our septic system (which is rather old) has not been functioning very well for a month or two. We had someone come out and drain the system, completely, but only a few days later and it's gotten so bad we cannot even use the water to shower.Before we spend thousands for a new one, does anyone know of a product on the market that actually works? They all claim to, but we'd like to hear it from someone who actually used it and got results. Please help! I need a shower! Thanks.

What effect does sugar have on a septic system treated with yeast? In a cooking enviroment, sugar feeds yeast does this apply to a septic system?

Disolving fat build up in a septic system? Hi, I have a septic system with a gravel pit. The pit has a serious fat build up and now the system is backed up. I have fixed the source of the problem, but now need to get the fat out of the pit. I have used serious quantities of caustic soda which is having an effect but I haven't actually cleared the blockage. Does anyone know of a substance that is very effective at dissolving a sizeable amount of fat?

Can I have the area around a mound septic system filled to "flatten" the mound and make it less noticeable? I have a mound septic system in my backyard. I live on a hill, where my backyard slopes from back right corner down to front right corner. Currently our mound septic sits on the highest of 3 plateaus that we have. I was hoping to move some dirt around to make the mound less noticeable. Is this ok to do, or do you need the full "mound" effect for the system to function properly. Thanks for all help.

Are there laundry detergents and toilet cleaning supplies & cleaning supplies that are septic-system friendly? I use RidX on a regular basis according to box but I need to know if there are cleaning products & various products that go into septic system (including toilet tissue) that are septic-system friendly or as much as possible.

On average, what does it cost to replace the leaching fields of a septic system? This is in the Northeast USA: Our septic system is original to a 1950s house and is still functioning. The tank and baffle are in working order. The leaching fields are ponded to capacity (but still functioning). How much, on average, can we expect to pay to replace the leaching fields only?

Can I produce my own septic system bacteria? Septic system bacteria, such as Rid-X, is very expensive to use on a regular basis, so I was wondering if I can produce my own to put in my septic tank. Anyone know?

Is watersoftener discharge bad for my septic system? The water softener discharges about 7 pounds of salt in 40 gallons of water into my septic system each week. I have a 1000 gallon concrete septic tank.

Can I drive a bobcat over a septic system? I removed an above-ground pool, and I want to remove the sand/rocks and add in some loam. A bobcat would make this much easier, but it might involve driving over my septic system. Is this a really bad idea?

adding on to a house with a septic system in the backyard? The house we want to buy has a septic system. It is located in the backyard, right behind the middle of the house. We only want to buy the house if we can add on, but how can you add an addition on to the back of the house if the septic system is right there? The house is set on 1.5 acres by the way.

What are safe cleaning chemicals (laundry, kitchen, bathroom) to use with a septic system? I am a new septic tank user and have gone through the ?'s looking for the answer, but am getting so many conflicting answers that I don't know what is right. Is Rid-X good, or should I let the natural tank bacteria do its thing? I have read that I should not use powder laundry detergent. Is this correct? What kind of bathroom and kitchen cleaning chemicals can I use. I have always been a big fan of Bleach, but I have read this is bad for the system. Is this correct? I also use CLR for cleaning. Good or bad? What are good cleaning chemicals to use? How about shower soaps and dishwasher soaps? This is too many questions in one (sorry), but just trying to keep my system safe and working properly. A web site link would be great also. Thanks!

Anyone have a Hottub with a septic system? Does anyone have a hottub with a septic system? How does it work out? We want to get one, but I am worried about clogging the septic system. Thanks! Nevermind, Just read about 10 articles about how you should NOT drain your hot tub near the septic....which mine is. Do a search and you will read about it.

what automatic dish powder is best to use on septic system? I would like to know what automatic dish powder is safe for use with a septic system. One that will not kill the good bacteria??

How TO Identifying the Boundaries of a Septic Field / Septic System? Have a electrical utility coming out to a commercial property. They asked me to mark where the septic system and lines are so they don't cut through them with their trenching tool. Any idea of how to identify where these are? To answer your first questions there are no master engineering drawings on this property.

Can I have a swimming pool in my yard if I have a septic system? I would like to put a pool in my yard. However, I have a septic system with leach fields. Can I still install a pool (above ground) or is this out of the question for me. I am also unsure of where my fields are. How can I map out where they are?

What type of solutions work to clean hard water stains, yet won't harm my clearwater septic system? I have tried everything on the hard water stains in the toilets, but I also have to be careful of the solutions I use. I cannot use bleach or extremely harsh chemicals because they will kill the "critters" in our clearwater septic system. Does anyone have some tried and true less harsh cleaning solutions for hard water stains? Thanks!

What is the average size of a septic system (gallons)? I am trying to find what the average size/capacity of a residential septic system in gallons. From what I have found in my research it is in the 1500 to 1600 gallon range; is that correct? Please reference your answer (i.e. experience, knowledge, answer location, etc.) Thanks!

Should we have our septic system inspected? Our septic tank recently overflowed, so we had it pumped out. It had been pumped out about a year ago. I didn't ask the company who pumped it out to inspect it since I don't really trust them to do a good job. (They were available immediately which is why we hired them to pump it.) Should we hire a different company to inspect the system? One year seems short to me. If yes, is a plumber the person to call? Or a better septic pumping company? Thanks!

How does a septic system work? After having a septic system drained, what is the next step in making it drain faster? It is draining far too slowly. Thanks for your answer...

In southern Illinois, about how much money would it cost to install a septic system and drill a water well? The septic system would be a sand filter type for a family of 4, I don't know how deep the well would have to be, but there is a stream and a pond nearby.

Will taking salt water baths damage a home's plumbing/septic system? Will regular (full) baths of very salty water (but less salty than sea water,) damage a home's plumbing and septic system, even if lots of fresh water turned on right after the bath? Will salt water kill the bacteria in the septic tank?

what does it cost to install a septic system? anyone know what it costs to put in a septic system...we're gonna have to get one put in soon...hope someone on here knows how much it might be...appreciate any information 12,000 dollars...oh my....we are doomed

Any opinions regarding a Terralift to be done to my septic system? We are trying to sell our home. Septic has been fine, but will not pass. I was told a Terralift would solve my problem, but the realtor says it's just a bandaid to the system. I don't want to spend 15K on a new system!

Looking for set up for small/mini septic system for cabin? I have a small cabin and want to put in a mini septic system for one toliet, one shower, and a sink. Can anyone suggest a set up using 55gal plastic drums? My water table is high and a mere 48" below ground.

How to clean jacuzzi tub on a septic system? We just bought a new house and we love it but the jacuzzi tub jets (I am assuming) send gunk out in the water when used. I thought about bleach but bleach is not safe for septic systems. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!!

what is the difference between septic system and sewer system toilets.? Someone said that you cant flush ANYTHING except toilet paper (and excretion) down a septic system. (I don't know what else you would flush down there anyway?????) so what is the difference between the two

How much spacing do cedar trees need for planting? How deep/wide is their root system? OK to put near septic? I have approximately 5 to 6 feet width along a neighbor's property line to plant a privacy row of trees or hedges. The area is also next to a raised septic bed. Are cedar trees OK to plant in this area? Will their root system harm my septic system? I live in NE Indiana.

Is it okay to use bath salts with a septic system? My husband says using bath salts in the bath tub will mess up the septic system. We have a Jet aeration system with sprinklers (don't know if that matters).

Considering purchasing a home with a septic system and well water? Is it a good idea? What are some things to look for. Depth of well? Septic systems I know nothing about. Anybody have them for a long time or work on them? Thank you for your imput.

Anyone in rural Southern California: home septic system question? How much should I budget to have a septic system put on my land that can handle two small-to-average-sized homes?

Septic System Question Please Help? We are looking to buy a house and have come across several that we like. However, some say that the buyer needs to "install a five bedroom septic system." What does that mean? What do bedrooms have to do with a septic system and how much do septic systems cost (parts, labor, etc.)? What are the pros and cons with a septic system. Any information would help us! Thanks so much!

I just had my septic system pumped. The man who pumped the septic said that Rid-X doesn't work.? Does anyone agree that Rid-x for the septic system is a hoax, or is there something better on the market that helps to maintain the septic system?

Landlords responsibility to clean out septic system? My landlord complains about cleaning out the septic system as though it is not his responsibility.He claimed I got ripped off the last time when he was on vacation and I called a service to clean it out and took it out of the Rent.What should I do? We do not have a lease,we are month to month so I don't have a legal document to fall back on.My only hope is Texas State Laws.Anyone have a shortcut to info on this?

Can you be evicted when landlord doesn't want to fix septic system? My sister lives in Pierce County, WA. and her landlord gave her 8 days to move out because he doesn't want to fix the septic system. The system has completely failed, the entire drain field needs to be replaced. This is a major health issue due to sewage has backed up into the house once and now she can't run water or use toilets. PLEASE HELP ASAP!! She has 3 kids and can't afford to move.

What type of septic system do I need? I have a lot that is a half an acre with a home being built that is around 2350 sq. feet with 4 bed and 2 1/2 bath. I know nothing about this stuff and am going to be calling around tomorrow but I was just wondering what to expect. I believe it will be around 6 to 10k to have one put in here in san antonio but what kind of septic am I going to need?

Anyway to make septic system work in clay ground without having a mound.? When it rains hard the system will not flush down. I have a perimeter drain but that don't help.

Gravity type Septic system/our toilets have stopped flushing after a heavy rain.? After a heavy rain (3 days ago) our toilets stopped flushing. I'm not in a position to purchase a new septic system, what else can be wrong and what can I do about it?

Septic system? Hi I am looking at buying a home in Grundy VA. It will be sold to me for a cheap cost (10,000) because It is a real fixer upper. ( New floors, roof, all new appliances, plus more) The only thing I am having a problem with is there is no septic system. From what I have been told is that the house has been in the family since it was built and they lost it due to forclosur. The only septic system was contected to the neighbors house down the road but the neighbor is not wanting the new owners to use it because they are the family who use to own it and have been trying to coming up with the money to buy it for the last 3 years or so. The realitor is in the process of having the health department check to see if one can be put in. She also say we might beable to bride the neighbors into letingus use theirs. Which I really do not want to do. So here is my questions..Is there anyway I can force them to let us use it? OR is there a alternative to a septic tank ? Thanks~!!!

septic system? How do I find the distribution box in my septic system?

Septic system!? We just had our engineering for a septic done, what I don't understand is we have to do a mound system. Here in Massachusetts, the state says perk rate has to be 1 in 60, the town says 1 in 30, and we passed the 1 in 30, though barely. Now the engineer says the ground level is 100, the ground changes at 97 to a gravel mix, that's where the 1 in 27 was measured, so why do we have to go up to elevation of 105? Why can't we go down to the 97 and start our leach field there? He gave no explanation, it's been approved by town, so I'm sure it's a good design, just don't know why it has to be mound.

Septic system-safe paper towel? We run a campground on a lake. We have a septic system. For some reason, our customers are flushing the paper towels that we provide down the toilet. ????????? Does anybody know of a septic system-safe paper towel brand that wouldn't mess up our system? We've gone through two pumps in 6 months. The pumps cost $2000 and should each last 5 years. Any help is appreciated. And for the record, Bounty paper towel is NOT septic system friendly.

septic system problem? recently I had a neighbor whom moved in across from me well to make this shrt an sweet they had to have the landlord to have ther septic system pump an the lady whom is renting this place fell into the septic system an hurt her leg pretty bad an what can they do to get doctors to see if there could be something wrong with her leg they are poor kids with limit education an have no means of paying a dr.to check her out so is there any thing out there that will help them it makes me so mad that landlords can be so stupid as not to have it close back up isnt that ther responsibility to of had the septic system closed back up

Septic system/ alternatives/ bad neighbors? Hi I am looking at buying a home in Grundy VA. It will be sold to me for a cheap cost (10,000) because It is a real fixer upper. ( New floors, roof, all new appliances, plus more) The only thing I am having a problem with is there is no septic system. From what I have been told is that the house has been in the family since it was built and they lost it due to forclosur. The only septic system was contected to the neighbors house down the road but the neighbor is not wanting the new owners to use it because they are the family who use to own it and have been trying to coming up with the money to buy it for the last 3 years or so. The realitor is in the process of having the health department check to see if one can be put in. She also say we might beable to bride the neighbors into letingus use theirs. Which I really do not want to do. So here is my questions..Is there anyway I can force them to let us use it? OR is there a alternative to a septic tank ? Thanks~!!! To be honest we just found this place a few weeks ago. I have not been to see it because it is in VA and I am in OH. I would love to DIY. The relitor who is selling it made it sound like I could not put one in for some reason. But she was also trying to sell me a few other houses that were in the 80's price range. I am in the process of trying to get he health inspector out to see if I can put one in. I also have no idea about these kind of things!

septic system problem? recently I had a neighbor whom moved in across from me well to make this shrt an sweet they had to have the landlord to have ther septic system pump an the lady whom is renting this place fell into the septic system an hurt her leg pretty bad an what can they do to get doctors to see if there could be something wrong with her leg they are poor kids with limit education an have no means of paying a dr.to check her out so is there any thing out there that will help them it makes me so mad that landlords can be so stupid as not to have it close back up

Quit Claim deed and septic system issue? In the state of New York, if a person purchases a piece of property that alreay includes an active septic system on it, who becomes responsible for any repair that might later be needed on the septic system if it is purchased using a quit claim deed? I am aware, or at least I believe, that when you purchase a home "the normal way with a realtor/bank/lawyer/title insurance etc." equiped with a septic system, in some areas there has to be an inspection on the septic system (by the seller) and then I believe that money from the sale is usually held in escrow for a certain period of time in case any repairs are neccessary. But is this the case when a property is purchased using a quit claim deed? Thanks!

HOMEMADE Septic System? I have a 3 room cabin - It currently has NO septic system. I would like to install a toilet/sink/shower .. How can I build a CHEAP septic system that would handle this? I have NO building restrictions This is a cabin, not a full use house I don't want to spend alot of money, but want something that would work fine ... Any suggestions, ideas or plans?

Septic System Question? My fathers house runs on septic. Since he moved there 5 years ago, he has had to have the thing pumped almost every year...this is not supposed to be needed every year, but the thing gets full fast... is there any chemicals that you are supposed to put in it to keep from having to have it pumped so often?? we have never lived on a septic system before, so we are unaware of any maintanence that is supposed to be done...and advice is greatly appreciated!!!!

Septic system problem. Cost to connect to city sewer? Thank you to all who answered my original question. Our situation is now much clearer and therefore the new question. The septic system is now handling showers, dishwaher, and toilets without backup. Baffle is ok and water is flowing down outlet pipe towards fields. Original owner told me he has had fields redone a few times since original install in 1953. One septic contracter suggested auxillary field installation on the side of my house. 18 inches deep. By the way, the soil is clay. I am asking for quotes on tapping into city sewer. Any ideas on what it should be? Must use xtra heavy 4" iron. Maybe 100 foot run and excavation. Near the street they might have to dig a hole 16 feet deep to reach sewer pipe. It would be 6 feet from my curb under the blacktop.

Septic System Price? I'm planning to build a home here in NC and I'm trying to estimate how much it will cost to make the land "home ready." I need to purchase a septic system but i can't find any kind of price for systems online. Can anyone help or give me a rough idea of how much they cost?

septic system electric wiring? I live in a home that is 20 years old, I recenly discovered that the wiring that goes from my indoor control box and runs undergound to my septic system aerator motor is 14 gauge wiring. I was thinking that most of these motors were 220 volt to decrease electrical usage over the life of the system but mine is wired 110 volt. Also.....for a long run out to the back yard is 14 gauge Romex a little under sized? I do not know the brand specifics but can tell you that my set up has the motor actually inside the cement vault rather than an external blower.

Septic System Problems? We had a septic system installed about 1 year ago with a 1200 gallon holding tank. The guy that installed in put in 100' of leachfield but our ditch gets alot of water when we shower and do a couple of loads of laundry. Do we possibly need more leach field? I know nothing about them but we heard from everyone around that the installers were the best in the area.

Size of Septic System ? I bought 1/2 an acre peice of land, and have been waiting patiently for sewer to reach the home, but it does not appear like its going to happen. Is it possible for some type of septic system such as the new pete moss systems or an above ground system that would fit on a 1/2 acre lot? If i'm able to buy a lot or two next to me and increase it to one acre will their be any chances? p.s.-- the lot is in Virginia

Septic System Replacement with new home? We had a septic put in for a single wide approx 9 years ago. It was never right, but a month later the installer passed away so what can you do right? 4 years ago we sold the trailer and moved away. We really never planned to move back but now we are. We want to replace with a new tank most likely because there isn't a good slope with this one which could explain the issues before. We plan to get a Modular home and a portion of the home would sit where the old lines from the old tank are. The expenses are quite large already and we'd like to not remove the old tank etc if we can get by with it. Its a cement tank, is there a possible fix to the system we have in place now or should we get the new one and if we do can we leave the old one there? This will be in a rural community in WV and my neighbors are all relatives so no worries of them complaining. It has always seeped (around the tank) from day 1 my grandfather says its not sloped right. I could pay to have it inspected but thats a big cost if I'd need to replace it anyway. My husband says even if it was functional we'd need new drain lines etc because if placement of the tank and lines vs where we plan to put the new home. I have an acre and unless they go over my water lines, my septic lines, and my moms septic tank and lines that are on my property, I have a pretty limited space in the front to work with. We really just want to put in a new one and leave the old one be. Is that allowed?

Need some Septic System questions answered?? Please help? We are supposed to be moving into a new house, the septic has some problems. need to know some sort of ball park $$ for what needs to get done without getting ripped off. please help. all greek to me. never had septic before. The treatment tank was found in "satisfactory condition", the conveyance system was in unsatisfactory..the dbox was not opened at the time of inspection because the effluent liquid level in the absorption area was above the top of the box. Sewage effluent identified above the outlet pip lateral inverts in the d box & above the top of the dbox indicates a saturated drainage area. absorbtion area found unsatisfactory.. effluent liquid was noted to rise back up rapidly and significantly in the pipe line from tank. the stone and probe holes during and after testing to the poin tof back flow towards the treatment tank. sewage identified above the laterals?, stone, dbox indicates a saturated absorption area.. blah blah. someone help

What kind of septic system can I get in Rhode Island (RI)? I have been told a number of things from a number of people; I just keep doing my research and hoping for a possible solution to my problem. We are trying to obtain this property. Since said property was formerly a place with a mens and ladies room in an older town, it was given a cesspool. As many in RI know, these were outlawed by the 1970's here and are deemed unsuitable. We are looking into replacing this cesspool with a 6 bedroom septic system. Problems: the property is in a watershed area, historic, it is on a 13068 sq. ft lot with a 3808 (approximately) sq. ft building. Good news, no well is on the property it has deeded rights to the well on property next door. Problem: both neighbors have wells around 100ft from the property (supposedly). I have been given estimates of up to $45K for a system that could work. This is not worth it. However, we do LOVE the property and are desperately seeking a more affordable ($20K-ish) system. I know that all we need is an honest person.

dog feces type septic system? Well let me start by saying this is a first: i have read about a doggie doolie, a system buried in the ground that liquifies waste so that it is absorbed into the ground. i have looked at RV type systems and have used a 40 gal trash can with holes drilled in the bottom, and an inner bucket, that holds about 2.5 gal. i added 2 gallons water, 5 oz of treatment material for RV septic systems and now i'm patient. the theory is i add waste each day, and some water, and the holes drilled in the bucket will reduce the waste to liquid that will soak into the gournd (and water the trumpet vines.) anyone know about this and can you help me to refine this so that it is working right. very little on the net about the doggie doolie and i called the number provided but it was wrong. i have two massive dogs to pick up after. so serious assistance is always desired. thanks in advance

Soft Soil Around New Septic System? We have recently been looking into buying a home and came across an older home that we liked a lot. We know that there was a new septic system installed about 6 months ago and the ground above the new system is still soft (not muddy). Since the system is new, it seems unlikely to be a failure. Any ideas on why the ground would still be so soft? It has been an average winter here in terms of moisture. My main concern is the foundation (crawl space). Thanks in advance.

Problem with Septic System - Saturation? So I'm interested in buying a home and we had a septic inspection and they said the absorption feild was saturated and there was water within the first two inches of gravel. also the conveyence pipe leading to the distribution box was flooded just a few feet from the tank. The system is only 4 years old so the owners contacted the contractor who installed it and they said that it is ok and normal for the area to be so wet. Who should I believe? Is it ok to buy the home?

Is the previous homeowner liable if they knew a septic system was failing and didn't disclose at time of sale? We bought a house in April 07 in Warren County Ohio. We have been having problems with septic since moving in. The leach field is not draining (clogged) and groundwater fills the septic tank within hours of pumping. So far the first quote to add extra leach field is $4100 dollars. I just found out that the previous homeowner knew that the system had failed in 2005. They filed for a permit (with the county board of health)to have the same work done and it was approved. The work was never done and the homeowner abandoned ship. They never disclosed any of the problems with the septic/leach system. Can they be held liable at this point? We did not have the system tested because the home inspector told us the county inspected the systems yearly. Is there any way to take the previous homeowner to small claims court/other to recover some of the cost? After all, they were completely dishonest. If we would have known we wouldn't have purchased the house!! I also pulled my disclosure forms from all of my paperwork. The previous owner checked the boxes that stated that there are no known issues with the septic/leach system, and no known issues invloving drainage from the house. If I had to guess I would say we've caught her red handed. I now have the papers from the board of health that state she knew the system had failed in 2005.

Our newly installed sand sand filter septic system smells terrible. What can we do to stop the smell.? We installed this system to the T by the county dept requir 1 yr ago. We don't have a pump system at the end of the septic tank as I have read that others have. Our pipe is 6 foot above our roof. Do we need more lenghth there? The ground isn't saturated anywhere that I can tell. I put a bacteria disk down the toilet 1x a week to help with decomposition. Sometimes the smell is so bad it takes your head off. The smell comes from the pipe over the roof line and also from the vent pipe over the drainage fields. I keep chlorine tabs down the chlorine tank, (last tank) as we are supposed to before the water comes to surface. It doesn't seem to stink at the water run out area. Just from the pipe over the roof and from the vent over the drainfields. It almost seems like we have alot of draft that runs through system from the vent pipe. I have even put plastic over this to stop the draft. Not sure if I am hurting anything by clogging off air flow, but just desperate to stop this smell

What is wrong with this Septic System? The house was raised on stilts and pvc to septic was cut. Plumbers came in and reconnected pipes, but they system sat with an open pipe for a while. Now that every thing is reconnected, when the pump is plugged in, it trips the GFCI right away. I dug down to where the cords (2 of them) go into the system. There are no breaks in the line that I've found. When I run an extension cord to a non GFCI outlet it runs. (But I'm not sure if it is moving water.) Please help And I changed the GFCI.

Addition and Zoning means a revamped septic system? I have a house that is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home on 15 acres. At some point, we will add onto it. Our zoning and planning guides (like msot) base the size of the septic system on the number of bedrooms in the home. So, in going to a 3 or 4 bedroom home, I would need to increase the drain bed (according to the health dept). Its currently a 1000 gallon tank with a 1000 sq ft drain bed. How hard is it to increase the drain bed size? It is as simple as attaching the old tiles to the new tiles, and expanding into a new area? Would I simple just be laying perforated pipe in a sandy area, then filling it? any idea of the cost associated with it?