Septic Systems

Before you begin troubleshooting we recommend that you check out the Evolution of the Septic System, to gain an understanding of how systems work and the relationships of their parts.

The Flow Chart appears as a conventional diagram (shown in the thumbnail at right) that allows you to navigate down through just as you would on the original printed version.

This will provide you with Troubleshooting Notes to help you understand where to go and what to do next and a Glossary that defines unfamiliar terms.

You have a choice of four starting points. Select any one of the following:

• Routine Inspection to determine the condition of a system, even if no problem is apparent. (such as for property transfer or to locate a “missing system”)
• Poor Flush if a problem exists with this particular toilet fixture only and all other plumbing in the house is OK. For toilet problems check out www.toiletology.com.
• Toilet and Drain Backup if several of the plumbing fixtures have problems, which means that wastewater is not leaving the house properly, or
• Odor, or Water on Ground if you detect a foul smell outside the house and/or water is seeping out of the ground in the suspected area of the septic system even though there is no problem with the plumbing inside.

For more information try these links:

• The History of Sanitary Sewers
• The Septic system owner’s guide from the University of Minnesota Extension
• Toiletology 101
• For complete information on septic system design and operation including links to various government and private information sites visit: https://www.inspect-ny.com/septbook.htm
• Prototek: Waste pipe and septic tank location equipment

This Guide was originally published in the Journal of Light Construction (RR 2, Box 146, Richmond, VT 05477; E-mail:JLC@bginet.com; Subscription information: 800/375-5981) and is used with their permission.