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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IF YOU SUSPECT A
SEPTIC TANK PROBLEM
Septic
tank problems can be identified in a number of areas.
1/.
Backing up of sewage in the drainage pipe work and manholes.
2/.
A high level or possible flooding of effluent in the area of the tank
access covers.
3/.
Dark effluent with an unpleasant odour emerging onto the surface near
the tank or at some other location from the tank.
4/.
A combination of all of the above factors.
The
common septic tank problem that is encountered with is the
failure of the soakaway system to function correctly.
As
detailed in (The Operation
of a Septic Tank), if the system is not effectively
separating solids from liquids then the effluent leaving the septic
tank and entering the soakaway will in time tend to clog the
soakaway.
As
more and more solid material enters the soakaway then less of the sub
soil has sufficient permeability to allow dispersion of the effluent
into the sub soil.
If
the rate of sewage entering the tank per day is greater than can be
dissipated by the soakaway then an excess of sewage in the system will
result. This will build up in the drainage pipes and manholes and/or
may rise above the soakaway and breakout onto the surface.
To
rectify the problem a simple de-sludge of the tank and if possible a
jet clean of the soakaway may be all that is necessary. It is more
likely however that some repair work to the soakaway will be required.
Please return to Septic Tank Help
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