Taking wastewater samples from a septic system is an important task regularly performed by service providers, operators and maintainers along with designers...
Entries Tagged Troubleshooting
Editorial
Look for User Error With Failed Pressure Distribution Systems
Entry 287610Over the past few months, I have received a few questions and comments that pertain to pressure distribution systems. I have...
Editorial
Sewage Is Coming Back Into the House. What Now?
Entry 287815Recently I had a reader ask what he should inspect when there is a tank backup. I took this question to...
Online Exclusives
Troubleshooting Pumps: The Pump Turns On, But There’s No Water
When the septic pump starts but does not deliver any effluent, there are two main areas to check: the pump, and the...
Online Exclusives
Drainfield Troubleshooting: Trench Concerns
Drainfield trenches should be installed level and on the contour. If surfacing occurs at the end of one or more trenches, they...
Online Exclusives
Troubleshooting Tips: Tanks and Risers
After pumping a septic tank, in addition to checking the inlet and outlet baffles, the tank should be examined for any cracks...
Online Exclusives
More Tips for Diagnosing Drainfield Issues
In a recent article titled "How to Troubleshoot Drainfields and Yards," we went over some of the most common diagnoses for drainfield...
Online Exclusives
Another Product That Could Harm Septic Systems
Bath bombs are hard-packed mixtures of dry ingredients that effervesce when wet. They are used to add essential oils, scent, bubbles and color...
Online Exclusives
How to Determine Relative Elevation in a Septic System Inspection
If you are inspecting a system for a real estate transfer or troubleshooting a problem, it is important to know that the...
Online Exclusives
Troubleshooting a System With Basement Footing Drains
Entry 288745
Where I live, the majority of houses have a basement at varying levels below finished grade. From a septic system perspective,...
Online Exclusives
Troubleshooting: Don’t Forget About the Furnace
Entry 288789Since the focus of this series is on potential sources of extraneous water, I am trying to highlight areas where water...
Online Exclusives
Troubleshooting: Check for Hydraulic Overloading
I continually get questions about why systems fail and questions about the cause of certain system problems. When you are called to...
Online Exclusives
Troubleshooting: Water Softener Use and Garbage Disposals
Entry 288811
From a troubleshooting standpoint, another conversation to have with the homeowner focuses on two major water-using devices that can cause problems:...
Online Exclusives
How to Troubleshoot Mound Systems
It has been estimated that mound systems should perform hydraulically for 25 to 35-plus years. However, some systems do not perform as they...
















