General Septic System Information

 

 

 

 

Click on the link below for information on septic systems.

For maintenance and management of septic systems visit the University of Minnesota website:Maintenance &Management

For information from Cook County Planning and Zoning: Cook County Information Link

Septic System Troubleshooting Guide for Homeowners From the University of MN Extension Service
Problem	Risks	Potential Causes	Potential Remedies
Sewage backs up into house and/or plumbing fixtures don’t drain or are sluggish	Human contact with sewage is a serious public health risk. Many waterborne diseases exist in household sewage. AVOID CONTACT with sewage	Excess water entering system Improper plumbing Blockage in plumbing Improper operation Pump failure Improper system design Roots clogging pipes Improper venting	Fix leaks/vents Install water-saving fixtures Stop using garbage disposal Clean septic tank and check pumps Replace broken or cracked pipes and remove roots Seal pipe connections Avoid willow trees near system
Sewage surfacing in yard	Human contact with sewage is a serious public health risk. Many water-borne diseases exist in household sewage. AVOID CONTACT with sewage	Excess water use System blockages Improper system elevations Undersized soil treatment system Pump failure or improper operation Improper separation from water table	Fix leaks Install water-saving fixtures Clean septic tank and check pumps Consult professionals Fence off area until problem is fixed
Sewage odors — indoors	Toxic gases can cause discomfort and illness.	Sewage surfacing in yard Improper plumbing Sewage backup in house Unsealed ejector sump pump Roof vent pipe frozen closed	Repair plumbing Clean septic tank and check pumps Replace water in drain traps Tighten seals on pumps and cleanouts
Sewage odors — outdoors	Major nuisance, but no serious health risk	Source other than owner’s system Sewage surfacing in yard Inspection pipe caps damaged or removed Unsealed manhole cover Short roof vent pipe (yours/neighbors)	Clean tank and check pumps Replace damaged caps Repair or replace drainfield Seal manhole cover Extend roof vent pipe Add carbon filter to roof vent
Contaminated drinking or surface waters	The direct contact health risks are magnified by possible ingestion of contaminated water. Drinking contaminated water can cause health problems such as dysentery, hepatitis, and, for infants, methemoglobinemia.	System too close to well, water table, or fractured bedrock Cesspool or drywell in use Sewage discharges to surface or groundwater Improper well construction Broken water supply pipe High levels from other sources Broken sewage lines	Replace your well and/or septic system Contact your local government to investigate other potential sources
Lift station alarm activated	Tank effluent may back up into the house.	Pump failed Fuse breaker tripped Pump unplugged Controls malfunctioning Ground or rainwater infiltration High water use	Control water use Check breaker and plugs Check controls and pump Make sure a professional replaces pump with proper size unit Fix leaks in plumbing, tank and piping
Distribution pipes and/or soil treatment system freezes in winter	The system may be inoperable.	Cold temperature with lack of snow cover Water standing in pipes, sags, lack of draining back, undersized pump Foot or vehicle traffic over pipes, trenches, mound or bed Low flow rates or lack of use Lack of vegetative cover Undersized pump Leaking plumbing fixture Low flow from high efficiency furnace Open or cracked manhole or inspection pipes Saturated system	Check piping and pumps Consult a professional Keep people and vehicles off area Increase water use and temperature Have someone use water in house if you are away Don’t use antifreeze, salt, or other additives Fix leaking fixtures Add insulation over tanks, pipes and soil treatment area Don't run water continuously Operate septic tank as a holding tank Don't build a fire over system