Trouble Shooting Guide


Problem: House drains do not work, sewage backs up into basement.
Risks:

  • Unsanitary, total blockage of system may be imminent.
  • Increased potential for continued and worsening blockage of system.

Potential Causes:

  • Tank is full, too much sludge or scum.
  • Tank is full because of blockage between tank and drain field.
  • Blockage between house and tank or plugged house sewer or vent.

Recommendation:

  • Check liquid level in tank and have tank professionally cleaned.
  • Have tank pumped, inspect and repair blocked lines or drain field damage.
  • Call a professional sewer cleaning company to clear lines and check vent between the house and tank.

Problem: Leakage or swampy conditions in drain field.

Risk:

  • to groundwater and area sanitation; human health risk.

Potential Causes:

  • Sewage output too great for system.

Recommendation:

  • Conserve water and reduce sewage output.
  • Install adequate system.

Problem: Contaminated well or ground water.

Risks:

  • Human health risk.
  • Environmental hazard.

Potential Causes:

  • Overloaded system, system leaks or blockages.

Recommendation:

  • Conserve water and reduce waste.
  • Make appropriate repairs.

Problem: No maintenance on record for more than 5 years
Risks:

  • System blockages or failure may be imminent

Potential Causes: N/A
Recommendation:

  • Have routine maintenance done.
  • Pump as needed.