If you have a slow drain, pooling water in your yard, or bad odors near your septic system, it could be a problem with one of the pipes.You don't have to call a professional to remove a problem in your system.If you see any visible clogs in your tank, you can try to force them out.If you need to reach the clog deeper inside a pipe, try using a mechanical auger.It's important to take care of the septic system after you remove the clog.
Step 1: You can check the inlet pipe by lifting the tank access lid.
The closest plastic or concrete cover to your home is your yard.Lift the tank lid so you can see inside.Look for the end of a white or green pipe on the side of the tank that is closest to your home.The problem may be caused by the clog.If the water level is below the inlet pipe, the problem may be in the drain pipe between the home and the septic tank.If the water level is above the inlet but there isn't anything blocking the end of the pipe, then there may be a problem.You can either dig up the access lid with a shovel or use a pry bar to lift it up.
Step 2: If the scum is stuck at the end of the inlet pipe, push it away with a pole or stick.
Solid waste builds up on top of the tank.If you want to move the scum down or to the side of the pipe, use a long piece of wood or metal.The scum can keep filling your tank if you push as much of it around as possible.You don't want to getbacteria or waste on your hands while working in your septic tank if you wear gloves.If the water starts flowing out of the pipe after pushing around the scum, you have removed the obstruction.
Step 3: The end of the pipe should be probed with a pole or stick.
Feed the end of the pole or stick into the pipe as far as you can.Pull the sides of the pipe out with the end of your probe.If you can break it apart at the end of the pipe, the water will flow again.If the water isn't flowing out of the pipe, the clog is deeper.Depending on the location of the pipe, you may not be able to feed your probe.
Step 4: Use a 5:1 water and bleach solution.
Stir the chlorine bleach and clean water into a large bucket.Let your tools soak in the solution for about 5 minutes to kill anybacteria that are left on the surface.When you're done, put the liquid back in the tank.As soon as you can, take a shower or bathe.When you wash your clothes, use bleach or laundry detergent.
Step 5: If you fixed the problem, put the access lid back on the tank.
Hold the lid over the hole that leads into the tank.To cover the hole completely, lower the lid so it doesn't move.Leave the lid off if you haven't cleared the clog.Nothing can fall in if the tank is left open.
Step 6: If your tank is full, you need a professional service pump.
If the main tank is filled to the inlet pipe, the tank will back up again.Let the service professionals know that the scum level has reached the pipe.If you want to increase the chances of the fluid going back up the pipes, try to schedule them within the next 5 days.The service will empty your tank so the scum can't get into the pipes again.Depending on the size and amount of the tank, it can cost up to 200USD to get it pumped.When it gets full, have your tank cleaned and emptied.
Step 7: To get to the inlet pipe, remove the septic tank access lid.
Pick the one closest to your home since it is most likely to have the inlet pipe.Remove the lid from the tank and set it aside while you work.The end of a white or green pipe can be seen in the inside of the tank.Check your home's as-built drawings or contact a professional service if you don't know where the access lid is.
Step 8: Feed the cutting blade into the end of the pipe.
You put a long metal cable into your pipes and use a rotating bit to cut through it.Start at an access point for the pipe, such as a cleanout port.Push the line in about 1–2 feet (30–61 cm) if the pipe is blocked.You can purchase a mechanical auger from a hardware store.If a local hardware store offers equipment rentals, you can get an auger for a day without paying the full price.
Step 9: Before you turn on the auger, you should wear safety glasses and gloves.
If you lose control of the machine, it is advisable to protect your eyes.If you handle the line with thick work gloves, you won't get hurt.Go to the nearest electrical outlet and plug the auger into it.An extension cord is needed to plug in the mechanical auger.Gloves or safety glasses are needed to run the auger.If you have the cutting end outside of the pipe, don't start the auger.
Step 10: Feed the auger deeper into the pipe to break it apart.
Hold the line with both hands and guide it into the pipe.If the resistance feels solid, try turning the line in your hands to see if it moves further inside since it may have hit a bend in the pipe.Pull the auger in short, back and forth strokes to break up the obstruction.If you keep forcing it into the pipe, it will move through it.Water will flow through the pipe again if you remove the clog.If you can't reach the clog with the one you're using, try renting the next longest size.
Step 11: If you want to pull the auger out of the pipe, turn it off.
If you want to remove it without difficulty, you need to flip the power switch.Pull the line back through the pipe with both hands.Take the end of the pipe and pull it out with a hose or paper towel to remove any debris or waste that is stuck on the ends.It could hurt you if you take the auger out of the pipe.You should not touch the line with bare hands since it is in a pipe that contains waste and harmfulbacteria.
Step 12: A solution of 5 parts water and 1 part bleach is needed to clean the tools.
Stir the solution together by pouring 1 part chlorine bleach and 5 part clean water into a bucket.If you don't want to mess with anything else, wipe the end of the auger with a cleaning rag.When you're done, put the solution into the tank.You should not dump the cleaning solution in another drain since it has harmful pathogens from your tank.
Step 13: Put the lid back on the tank.
Lift the lid off the ground by grabbing it by the handles or sides.If you want your tank to be completely covered, lower the lid on the hole leading into it.If the lid slides or shifts, it will come off of the tank easily.
Step 14: You don't want to put anything in your drain besides water and natural waste.
Water, human waste, and toilet paper are the most important items in the system, so other items can cause it to malfunction.Throw away paper towels, wet wipes, food scraps, or other solid material in the regular trash to prevent it from blocking the pipes.Let other people in your home know what they can and can't do to keep the pipes clear.Don't use harsh chemical cleaners down your drain since they could kill the natural bacteria in your tank that normally breaks down solid waste.Grease can be hard to remove from your pipes and should never be washed down your drain.
Step 15: You should use less water in your home.
Don't run water in your home unless you have to, or you could cause the tank to fill up too quickly.If you want to have as much water as you need, try to limit how much you use.If you have old or leaking plumbing, you can either repair it or use more efficient systems, such as toilets that flush less water or faucets with aerators attached to them.You can save money on your utility bill by limiting your water use.
Step 16: Don't plant or drive over the area with your tank.
If you can, avoid using a vehicle over the area because heavy weight can cause pipes to collapse or break.The roots of the plant can grow into the pipes or the tank.If you want trees or plants, make sure they are at least 20 feet away from your sewage system.If you don't treat the roots, they will grow back if you do.There are root barriers from gardening stores that kill roots on contact.If you dig a trench that is 2 feet deep, it will be 3 feet away from any pipes.Before filling the trench with dirt, place the root barrier vertically.
Step 17: The outlet pipe should be cleaned to improve drainage.
Solid waste is prevented from escaping when the effluent filter is in the outlet pipe.The furthest away from your home is where the access lid is.There is a vertical white or green pipe inside that is holding the filter and sticking out from the top layer of scum.Remove the filter from the vertical pipe and rinse the waste in the tank with a hose.The filter should be pushed back into the pipe.Not every system will have an effluent filter.When you have your tank pumped or inspected, make sure to check your filter.
Step 18: A professional will inspect your tank every 3 years.
Depending on the amount of water you use and the size of the tank, it can take up to 5 years to fill.If you need to make changes to your system, contact a professional service to check the water levels and pipes.If the service has any issues, you should address them as soon as possible.