Aerobic septic systems use a secondary tank, in addition to the primary septic tank, to help further break down sewage and make it safe for disposal. Many aerobic systems come equipped with sprinklers to distribute the effluent, or treated sewage, over the surrounding area. A clogged aerobic septic system may be inconvenient, but is by no means a disaster. As a DIYer, there are a number of things to try to get your septic system running again. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Put on gloves, goggles and old work clothes to avoid being exposed to harmful bacteria.
2. Open the manhole covers on the primary tank and check the level of the effluent inside. This will give you an idea of where the blockage lies. If the effluent level in this tank is within the normal range -- usually indicated by marks on the side of the tank -- the blockage is most likely between the primary tank and the house. An effluent level higher than normal means that the blockage may be between the primary tank and the aerobic system or in the aerobic system sprinkler dispersement field.
3. Flush the toilets and other plumbing fixtures in your house. A slow flowing toilet or sink that refuses to drain is another indication that there's a blockage between the house and the primary effluent tank. Locate the clean-out plug on the main drain that goes from the house to the primary tank. Remove the plug. Run a plumber's snake through the pipe from the house toward the tank. Powerful electric snakes can be rented from hardware or plumbing shops for this purpose. After snaking, check the line by flushing the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.
4. Open the vent caps on the primary tank and run a snake through them and into the tank on both the inlet and outlet sides.
5. Open the clean-out plug in the pipe between the main tank and the aerobic tank. Run a plumber's snake through the pipe in both directions to clear out the blockage.
6. Open the vent caps at either side of the aerobic tank. Run a plumber's snake through the vents and into the tank to clear up any blockages in the inlet or outlet ports.
7. Clean clogged sprinkler heads by removing them with a wrench or pliers, then soaking them overnight in vinegar. This will break up any hard water deposits that may be causing the sprinklers to stick.
Tags: primary tank, snake through, plumber snake, plumber snake through, aerobic system