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Questions tagged [septic]

Questions related to septic systems

150 questions
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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 primary question is: how often do septic tanks need to…
Mike B
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Is it safe to have a drain in the floor out to the septic tank with no trap?

I had a contractor add an additional bath. When we were planning out the project, he mentioned my lack of a water heater valve drain pan. Instead, he installed a drain directly into the septic line that runs from the new bathroom (toilet/sinks/tub)…
Austin Seward
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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 serious cause behind this, or do I just have 'crappy'…
Doresoom
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Is Liquid Plumr or Drano safe to use with a septic system?

Just as the title asks, is it safe to use products like Liquid Plumr or Drano in a Septic system?
Programmer
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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 the pump and 120V for the control/alarm system. I'm…
Jay Bazuzi
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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 2". The ones coming out of the ground are what…
Flotsam N. Jetsam
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How to locate septic lid in yard

I have a septic system in my backyard, but I don't know where the lid is. Is there a way to locate it based on the pipes or other method? I think it's under the lawn somewhere. The reason I want to find it? You can save about $50 if you dig up the…
Jay Prall
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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 I have done (the "Septic System Owner's Manual"…
unintentionally left blank
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How should I interpret these septic system diagram markings?

We bought a house built in 1996 with a sand filter septic system. We got the following diagram of the system: but it might as well be ancient runes to us. Specific questions: What does "D.F.S.B.L." mean? What are the circled discontinuities? Are…
crockeea
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Is it a good idea to add oxidizer to 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 that the distribution box was also full and that I…
C Collins
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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 septic. I has a well and eptic, but has been…
Laura Smith
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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 "nothing but water" but I'm particularly curious about:…
Mike B
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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 smelling in any other part of the house. A couple…
Shirley
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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 we're heavily taxing the system (no garbage…
Hank
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Should I use an additive to my septic system?

I recently bought a house with a septic system. In researching maintenance for a septic system I am getting mixed messages about if I should be putting an additive (Rid-X or bakers yeast) down the toilet every few months. Some places have even…
Josh Pennington
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