Septic system design, installation, maintenance & repair guide questions & answers #6:

These septic system articles explain how to buy, inspect, install, test, diagnose maintain and repair septic tanks, drainfields, and all other components of all types of septic systems. Page top: a peat mound septic system in Two Harbors, MN.

Septic System Buy, Install, Test, Repair FAQs 6

These questions & answers were posted originally at SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR - the home page for an extensive library of onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems.

On 2018-05-08 by (mod) - should the ATU / Aerobic pump be running all the time?

Vickie (and for other readers)

In these aerobic treatment unit septic systems, you may find two different pumps:

a dosing pump operated by a timer sends effluent to the disposal or dispersal system - a dosing pump will not run continuously.

an aerator pump provides air (oxygen) for proper bacterial action in the treatment tank. An aerator pump usually is designed to run continuously.

To understand the aerator pump on an Aqua Safe 500 ATU system we excerpt from the system manual:

Aqua Safe series models of wastewater treatment plants are made with an outer mixing compartment and a center settling or clarifier compartment. They are in many ways similar to large township or municipality sewage treatment plants. They employ an extended aeration, activated sludge process.

This type of treatment depends primarily upon the use of air that is introduced by air passing from the aerator compressor to four air lines located around the perimeter of the aeration mixing compartment.

As wastewater enters the aeration mixing compartment, simple hydraulic displacement is accomplished by the introduction of air which promotes the growth of aerobic organisms in much larger quantities than would occur naturally.

These bacteria break down the organic solids in the wastewater. From the aeration mixing compartment, mixed liquid enters the cone-shaped settling or clarifier compartment from the bottom.

No mixing occurs in this quiet zone where solids separate from liquid and settle to the bottom of the clarifier and re-enter the mixing compartment.

The liquid that separates from the solids in the clarifier continue to flow upward to the discharge pipe.

To start addressing an aerator pump noise complaint let's look first at how the system was actually installed at your property. Here is what Ecological Tanks Inc. says:

The aerator compressor must be installed in a well ventilated, relatively clean and dry location. Install the aerator compressor on the treatment plant's tank top or at a remote location no more than one hundred (100) feet from the treatment plant.

The aerator compressor is supplied complete with all discharge fittings. Install 3/4" Sch. 40 PVC piping (supplied by others) between the aerator and treatment plant. A minimum of twelve (12) inches ground cover is recommended over the 3/4" Sch. 40 PVC air piping.

Details about the company ECOLOGICAL TANKS INC and access to the manual for your system are at AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM ATU SUPPLIERS & MANUALS

On 2018-05-08 by Vickie

is an aqua-safe as-500 atu motor supposed to run continually? We have a new system and we can hear the motor hum continually.

On 2018-04-22 by (mod) - don't build a swimming pool over the septic system

No.

See SEPTIC to POOL DISTANCE

On 2018-04-22 by Andrew

Can I put an intex pool over a leaching bed. It would be about 6500 liters

On 2018-03-16 by (mod) - can't find the septic tank at a house for sale

Jamie,

Depending on local site conditions the septic tank could be further away, but usually it's close to the house.

A sewer line that dumped directly into a "drainfield" is no drainfield and no septic system at all, and would clog quickly.

See SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FINDHow to Find the Septic Tank, how deep will the cover be, how to document its location.

Running water for 20 minutes, assuming a typical flow rate at a bath tub of less than 5 gpm is going to put no more than 100 gallons of water into the septic - not likely to be an effective test.

See SEPTIC TEST VOLUMES & DYE AMOUNTS.

On 2018-03-16 by Jamie

We had a septic inspection prior to a sale on a property. They ran the water and found no drainage issues.

We had then run a camera to locate the septic tank but they could not find the track after 87 feet. The inspection company says they believe there is no septic tank and that it's draining to a field tile.

In Illinois they just run the water for 20 min and say that it's draining properly, and that is usually the entirety of the test. Is there an easy to locate the tank or can it be further that 87 ft out?

On 2018-03-06 by David

Hello, I had a inspection done on my septic system for a pending sale, and the system was satisfactory but with a concern. The concern was the water in the d-box is above the invert when running, the septic tank and field were satisfactory.

what does this mean? it does not appear to be clogged and they stated the d-box is operational and not leaking? is it possible the d-box sunk and even though the effluent in running out it just is not out as fast as it should?

On 2018-03-05 by Norm Henk

Hello. I am in the process of selling a home with a septic system

. Is it possible to get an accurate leach/drain field test done after severe rainfall over the previous weeks? The drains work, the toilets flush but you can't walk on any part of the property (2+ acres) because you sink into the lawn.

Everyone still has standing water on their lawns and fields and more is coming?
I know I could poke a hole anywhere in this area and it'll have water in it.

On 2018-02-25 by (mod) - A leak in your water supply line could send surface or subsurface water into the drainfield area

A leak in your water supply line could send surface or subsurface water into the drainfield area, though it's more likely you'd see a wet spot along the route of the water line first.

If you're seeing a large water bill ascribed to a water leak, then the leak is downstream from your water meter.

On 2018-02-25 by kenny

the ground above my septic Drain Field is "soft". I don't have any in-house plumbing problems, but have seen a large increase in my water bills. Could a leak in my main water line affect the drain field? ....the main is not located near the drain field. Or, is soft ground cover over the field another cause

On 2018-01-29 by (mod) - seeking information on septic systems and drainfield options for a new gymnasium

you need an onsite septic engineer or designer no one can specify a usable design from so little information

nor is unlikely that a conventional septic tank and drainfield would work if you have a large population of users.
more likely you will need an onsite waste treatment system

On 2018-01-29 by Robert Gollehon

Hello, I am seeking information on septic systems and drainfield options for a new gymnasium we are building.

I am tasked with finding out the different tyes of drainfeilds and specifications for adding/ expanding/ moving the current DF. Could anyone suggest a place of refeence or someone that I communicate with aboud questions that I have?

Thank you,

Robert G
odhelena1@gmail.com

On 2018-01-03 by Trevor

Have sewer smell throught the toilet , sewer water is well below the secptic drain. Bring water level up to secptic tank drain ?

On 2017-12-11 by Lara

My floor drain overflows when using my washing machine. Where do i start to look for the problem? It just started all of the sudden so I'm guessing its plugged.

On 2017-11-30 by (mod) - Do septic filters need to be replaced with regular cleaning

Thank you for an excellent question, I'll do some research to see what I can find.

But in general and from what I have seen and read on most septic filters, they're intended to be washed and reused.

When you remove the filter to wash it out if you see that it is physically damaged then it's definitely time to get a new one. If you can tell me the brand and model of the septic that you use that would help with some research.

On 2017-11-30 by Lisa

Do septic filters need to be replaced with regular cleaning and if not when would they need to be replaced, not cleaned.

On 2017-11-08 by becky

are floats required on septic systems

On 2017-10-11 1 by jared

criteria for locating cesspools

On 2017-09-22 by nancy

I have a three sprinkler septic system....all I'm trying to find out why my sprinklers come on when it rains....???
That would mean that water is getting in the tank with the pump.

Everything I've ever read says only water from. inside your home should be spraying out the sprinklers.Please tell me if I have a problem

On 2017-09-19 by (mod) - sewage is being discharged to the surface

Lisa,

In most jurisdictions health codes prohibit discharge of sewage or graywater to the surface, and have septic system design and installation restrictions specifically to protect public health, local wells, other bodies of water, and neighbors.

IF your neighbor has connected his septic system soakbed across a property line and into your property that is surely a local violation as well as a potential health hazard that must be stopped immediately and then remedied properly.

If a septic system is violating these regulations OR if the system has failed (also a health risk) then it needs to be repaired or replaced.

If someone is creating a public health hazard you may have to discuss that with your health department.

On 2017-09-19 by Lisa

This is a long story I will try my best to condense. My parents house was on 6 1/2 acres. 23 yrs ago after my father passed away, my brother acquired 2 acres from my Mom to build on.

His proposed septic was initially denied by the county. The slope of the land being the main reason. He filed an appeal and got the septic approved with the condition of having it inspected one per year which he has never done. He freely has even mentioned about going many years without having his tanks pumped.

His septic & leach field are in his front yard.

Approx. 15 years ago a trench formed in our Moms front yard. It has water in it year round. Often smelling of sewage.

The lawn on either side of the trench also stays wet. We can only weed eat this area because the riding mower sinks and becomes stuck. It dawned on my sister & I that this trench could possibly be connected to our brothers leach field.

Last summer my sister called the county health dept and someone came out. Just from his visual inspection, he said he was 99% sure the trench was a result of our brothers failing leach field. He told us he would be following up with a dye test. In the meantime, he contacted our brother informing him of the date & time he would return to do the test.

My sister & I googled and read up on dye testing. We also read about how to cheat on them. Our brother must have also because one of the things mentioned to improve your odds of passing a dye test was to have your tanks pumped right before the test will take place.

The day before the health dept came to do the test, the pumping service was next door emptying his tanks.

We also read about flushing bleach which probably also took place after the dye was put in the system. The health dept employee that was 99% sure followed up 3 days after the dye was put in saying no dye appeared in the trench water.

When we brought up reading about way to cheat the dye test, he said he wasn't getting in the middle of a family feud, took his clipboard & went to his car. This summer the sewage smell has been extra noticeable. We are searching many sites on the Internet to see how to determine if this trench is a result of the leach field next door.

Would a test of the water that is in it show anything to connect it to the leach field? What type of company would we contact to test the water if that's an option? We understand that if it's connected to his leach, by the time it reaches this trench, things may be filtered naturally as it travels through the ground.

The health dept worker never took a sample. He did dip a cupful out on his first visit and smelled it, but dumped it out. He was so sure on his first visit, but once he contacted and talked with our brother about setting up the dye test date, his entire demeanor changed.

My sister & I just want to get to the bottom of this. Moms house is 60 years old. We all grew up in this house. Played in the front valley. The trench was not there until a handful of years after our brother built on the high side of the property.

My sister found the initial denial for his septic and his appeal on the counties website. Thank you so much for any advice.

On 2017-09-16 by (mod) - If the power goes out can I still flush the toilets?

Rick,

Yes probably and possibly no.

Often municipal water supply pressure continues during a power outage. Obviously if you have no water pressure you can't flush toilets more than once.

Bottom line: IF there are no pumps required for your septic system to operate, and IF your septic system is not in failure for some other reason like a flooded septic tank and field or a blocked sewer pipe, then YES you can flush toilets.

Otherwise maybe not without some worry.

Here's the deal:

IF your septic system does not rely on a grinder pump to get sewage out of the building and up into a waste pipe headed for the septic tank,
and

IF your septic tank does not rely on an effluent pump to move effluent up out of the tank into a drainfield or on an aerator pump to keep an aerobic system working or an effluent spray pump that is used by some aerobic systems to dispose of effluent on the ground surface,

THEN sure you can flush toilets.

Keep in mind that IF you are in a flood zone such as recently created by hurricanes in the U.S. in Texas and Florida, then the ground around your septic system may still be so saturated that your septic system could still back up.

If that's the case you want to keep wastewater disposal to the minimum you can until the area dries out, and you want to keep an eye on the lowest plumbing fixtures or drain openings in the building to be sure there's no sewage backing up into the structure.

On 2017-09-16 by Rick

I have a septic system for my house. If the power goes out can I still flush the toilets?

On 2017-09-02 vby (mod) - mold contamination vs septic systems?

Robert,

I'm now sure why we're discussing mold contamination questions on a septic systems page? It'd help me run the website better if here by comment or by email (Page bottom CONTACT link) you told me how you ended up on this page.

I am guessing it's because the mold question has followed the wetting of a building interior due to a septic or sewage backup.

Mold contamination in or on buildings and their surfaces can be of virtually any color.

The first concern with a sewage backup is stopping the backup - by stopping inflow into the system

The second is to clean up the sewage

The third is to remove wet materials like drywall, trim, insullation. One needs to address every surface that was contacted by sewage

The fourth step is to disinfect all of the exposed surfaces.

Fifth, It may be justified to have follow-up swab tests of a few representative surfaces to be sure disinfection was effective.

Sixth: the cause of the backup must be corrected before the waste system is returned to operation

About your question

What are the possibilities septic tank backups one toilet is the source of a rotten floor

A floor would not rot within days or even weeks of a single-event that wet the building interior, but if there has been a history of sewage leaks or other water entry, that would certainly be likely to rot wood flooring or other materials.

From a pest control source,

Timbor is an insecticide, fungicide and wood preservative for the protection and treatment of lumber against fungal decay and wood destroying insects (including termites, beetles, and carpenter ants). Timbor gets its preservative power from the active ingredient DOT (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate).

I'm not sure why you're asking about Timbor. Timbor is NOT a remedy for mold contamination, nor sewage backup, nor for rot.

On 2017-09-02 by Robert Bang

Likely mold Pine siding interior ceiling subfloor basement plus attic white and black. I never knew about white it looks to me like overspray. Long term slow leaks humidity levels Southern California as high as 70%. Black specks appear to be insects also light-colored? Mold spores?

Seem to sting one person and a dog. Timbor? For floors and walls ceiling? Copper? Psychiatrist? The annoyance seems to cycle 10 days on three days off more or less not exact. What are the possibilities septic tank backups one toilet is the source of a rotten floor which was disguised linoleum

On 2017-09-02 by (mod) - are stains on my walls caused by the septic system?

Robert,

I'm now sure why we're discussing mold contamination questions on a septic systems page? I am guessing it's because the mold question has followed the wetting of a building interior due to a septic or sewage backup.

Mold contamination in or on buildings and their surfaces can be of virtually any color.

The first concern with a sewage backup is stopping the backup - by stopping inflow into the system

The second is to clean up the sewage

The third is to remove wet materials like drywall, trim, insullation. One needs to address every surface that was contacted by sewage

The fourth step is to disinfect all of the exposed surfaces.

Fifth, It may be justified to have follow-up swab tests of a few representative surfaces to be sure disinfection was effective.

Sixth: the cause of the backup must be corrected before the waste system is returned to operation

About your question

What are the possibilities septic tank backups one toilet is the source of a rotten floor

A floor would not rot within days or even weeks of a single-event that wet the building interior, but if there has been a history of sewage leaks or other water entry, that would certainly be likely to rot wood flooring or other materials.

From a pest control source,

Timbor is an insecticide, fungicide and wood preservative for the protection and treatment of lumber against fungal decay and wood destroying insects (including termites, beetles, and carpenter ants). Timbor gets its preservative power from the active ingredient DOT (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate).

I'm not sure why you're asking about Timbor. It is absolutely NOT a remedy for mold contamination, nor sewage backup, nor for rot.

On 2017-09-02 y Robert Bang

Likely mold Pine siding interior ceiling subfloor basement plus attic white and black. I never knew about white it looks to me like overspray. Long term slow leaks humidity levels Southern California as high as 70%. Black specks appear to be insects also light-colored?

Mold spores? Seem to sting one person and a dog. Timbor? For floors and walls ceiling? Copper? Psychiatrist? The annoyance seems to cycle 10 days on three days off more or less not exact. What are the possibilities septic tank backups one toilet is the source of a rotten floor which was disguised linoleum

 

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