6
2011
Common Septic Tank Problems
Over the last decade, we have talked to tens of thousands of people experiencing common septic tank problems with their septic tank and septic system. Here are the most common septic tank problems people calling in describe to us:

Septic tank overflow
Common Septic Tank Problems – High water level in the tank or water bubbling up from the tank
People describe this condition occurring after the tank has just been pumped. This alarms and upsets them because not only is their septic system unable to handle additional sewage, but it creates an unsanitary condition in their lawn. Additional septic tank pumping is often performed without any performance improvement in the system (this can cause more harm than good for a septic system). Frequent pumping will not solve common septic tank problems.

Sewage collecting on ground above drain field
Common Septic Tank Problems – Sewage water collecting on the ground above the drain field
This is a condition that people notice getting gradually worse with time and it is one of the most common septic tank problems. It usually is accompanied by other common septic tank problems (gurgling pipes or slow drains – see below). Again, this problem upsets people because their system sometimes can not handle more incoming sewage and it also creates an unsanitary condition in their lawn, making this part of their lawn unusable.
Common Septic Tank Problems – Septic Odor
People often describe a rotten egg smell emanating from their septic tank. It is offensive and prevents the homeowner from utilizing their lawn.
Common Septic Tank Problems – Gurgling pipes, slow drains or backups
People know something is amiss with their septic system when this common septic tank problems occurs. Although it still can accept the additional inflow, they know their septic system’s capacity appears to be reduced and they fear failure may not be too far down the road.
The top two common septic tank problems described above are almost always a sign of a septic system that is in a failure mode. The bottom two are signs of a septic system veering towards failure. The people calling us know this and often have been shocked by the cost of the recommendation they receive from their pumper, contractor or government official to fix common septic tank problems: system replacement.
Is your only option to solving any of these common septic tank problems a new septic system?
Well, first of all, you need to understand how a typical septic system works. Once you have done a little research, you will discover that common septic tank problems described above are caused by a biomat generated from the anaerobic bacteria environment in the septic tank clogging the drainfield. Fortunately, there is a proven, efficient and cost effective alternative to system replacement that eliminates the biomat and restores a clogged drain field. This solution utilizes controlled aeration to convert an anaerobic system to an aerobic system. This is the best solution to resolve common septic tank problems.
There is bubbling in the yard located at last drain pipe of the field. Tank has been pumped. Field is about 8 years old.
Eric:
We can geet this problem resolved. Call us at 877-254-7093 to discuss the solution.
We have had a lot of rain and flooding over the last 2 weeks and now we have water bubbling up out of the ground in our yard I guess over our field lines. We are on high ground. Our system is on high ground as are the field lines. We are not the original owners, so I don’t know exactly where the lines are. Are our field lines backing up due to the excessive rain? What should we do?
Heavy rain will not have any effect on a properly functioning system. heavy rain WILL create problems with a field that is failing. The field must pass the waste water AND the surface water that falls on the field and soaks into the ground. If the bio-mat is mature the additional hydraulic loading can cause ponding, elevated tank levels, run-back from the field into the tank and back-ups. Converting the system to an aerobic environment using the Pateneted Aero-Stream process will reverse the growth of the bio-mat and eliminate future problems.
We had our tank pumped a week ago and now we have water filling the tub and the ground is wet where they dig up the tank to pump it. What could this be?
Phillip:
These are typical symptoms of a failing drain field. When they pumped the tank did they observe water flowing back into the tank from the drain field? Give us a call and we can further diagnose the issue. If the drain field is failing we can reverse the failure and make the system function as it did when it was first installed … without digging it up and replacing it.
Sincerely,
Karl
Septic system still filling up with water after we got it clean 2 1/2 weeks ago what can we do
We have standing water just at the base of our septic (on a hill near a creek) after 2 weeks without rain. The system is less than a year old and rain had exposed some of the pipes. The septic company insists that the water is not coming from the septic but doesn’t know what else could be causing the muddy yard and standing water. Any ideas? I have pics.
I suggest testing the standing water for fecal coli form bacteria. If it tests positive for bacteria the water is likely coming from the septic system.
I had a new septic tank put in today and its gurgling what could this be should someone come back and have a look? They used a garden hose to fill the tank for some time vut told me to continue flushing tht toilet every 10 mins for a while just wondering what has gone wrong or is it possible there isnt enough water in the tank uet
Gurgling is typically caused by elevated tank levels. I would have the contractor that did the work inspect the system to determine the cause of the gurgling.
I have bubbling in my back yard it’s pretty loud I see on spot where the bubbling is coming out the ground. My wife been complain of headaches. Could gas be involved?
Larry:
The bubbling gas is likely hydrogen sulfide. It can cause these symptoms and even death at high concentrations. It sounds like your drain field is failing as you should not have bubbling in the yard. Converting the system to aerobic with our system will eliminate the hydrogen sulfide gas and odors and restore the function of the septic system. Give us a call and we can work with you to get this issue resolved.
Karl
Tonight I was outside and noticed bubbling sounds and a aweful odor coming from out septic tank. It was 4 years ago we had it pumped out. What could be happening now?
Heather:
It sounds like the tank is over-filled. This prevents the system from venting from the roof stack. The cause of the over-filled tank is either a clooged outlet pipe or a failing drain field.
Call us and we will troubleshoot the issue for free.
Thanks,
Karl