How to Repair Septic Tank Problems

  • 2-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 250-500
What You'll Need
Plumbers snake
Garden hose
Roto rooter
Screwdriver
Concrete Epoxy Crack Filler Kit
Wire brush
What You'll Need
Plumbers snake
Garden hose
Roto rooter
Screwdriver
Concrete Epoxy Crack Filler Kit
Wire brush

Septic tank problems can be disastrous. Septic tanks are part of a mini-sewage system. In urban areas, public sewage systems are built by the government or private corporations. However, the case is different in the rural areas. The sewage system cannot reach places in rural regions so people will have to depend on privately owned septic tank to dispose their human waste.

However, because the septic tank transports toxic chemicals, septic tanks do run into a lot of problems. The pungent and sometimes toxic odor from a faulty tank can be redirected back into the house, bringing displeasure and harm to the occupants inside. Learning how to repair the septic tank is a good skill to have in an emergency.

Many a times, you will find a problem in the pipe system of the tank or in the lid. The best part is both can be repaired. The biggest problem that always occurs with the septic tank pipe is that it always gets clogged. It can get clogged by anything from an animal that accidentally went inside it or hardened debris. When toilets are unable to flush or bathtub unable to get drained, chances are it means the septic tank is blocked. The first thing to do is to remove the foreign object that is that is blocking the pipe.

Step 1: Dislodge the Object

A plumber’s snake can be purchased from any tool shop. Run a plumber’s snake down the drain pipe to attempt to dislodge the object.

Step 2: Access the Septic Pipe

Sometimes, that does not work. If that happens, some digging may be required. Use a digging tool like a hoe to dig up the soil. Open the lid of the septic tank and observe the level of the liquid. If it below the inlet of the house, the blockage is at the end of the inlet. Use the water pressure from the garden hose to dislodge the object

Step 3: Check the Drain Pipe

Sometimes large debris flowing out of the tank ends up blocking the drain. Plants also have a habit of growing there. To repair this problem, use a roto rooter tool to cut any blockages into little pieces. The little pieces will flow together with the water.

Step 4: Check Septic Tank Lid

Septic tank lids are made of concrete and will crack after years of weathering and moisture. Septic tank lids are very expensive to replace. If you find a leak here, then please repairing it is the least expensive solution.

Step 5: Scrapping the Lid

Use a screwdriver and begin to scrap and remove debris or other materials as much as possible. Use a wire brush and brush the debris out. Do this until the lid is smooth. For more stubborn debris, wash it out with water.

Step 6: Repair the Cracks

To repair the crack, a special kit called the Concrete Epoxy Crack Filler Kit is needed. Mix the ingredient as directed by the kit. Pour the ingredient into a bucket. Add a little sand and water to it.

Now apply this filler all over the cracks on the lid. Make sure to apply pressure on the filler so that the filler will go deep into the crack. Smooth the filler and wait for the filler to dry.