Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [septic-tanks]

27 questions
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3 answers

What should I do with an old, unused septic tank in my yard?

I have a septic tank in my yard that is no longer used. Can I leave it there? Should I remove it? Fill it with something? I'm not entirely sure of the building material used to construct it; I assume whatever was the customary materials in the…
morganpdx
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What could cause my toilet to 'Gurgle'?

The last few days the toilets in the house (2 toilets) are making a gurgling noise. When I go and look, I can see the water is standing very low. When I then flush the toilet, the water either keeps rising (not going down the pipes) or flushes…
Simon Verbeke
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1 answer

Is my septic tank leaking?

I have a 1000 gal plastic septic tank about 25 ys old that drains into a seepage pit. When I am away for 3 weeks the water level drops about 6 inches below the output drain pipe. I fill it back up and it seems to hold the proper level. Is this…
Doug M
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5
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4 answers

Septic Replacement: Can I Do it Myself?

I am looking at a property with a serious fixer-upper on it. I want to place a mobile home on the property while gutting out existing building to see if it can be renovated. My question is about the septic. I has a well and eptic, but has been…
Laura Smith
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3 answers

What can (and cannot) be put down drains that are connected to septic systems?

This might be more appropriate as a community wiki... We have a septic system and I'm extremely paranoid about what can (and cannot) be put down our sink drains. I know the general answer is "nothing but water" but I'm particularly curious about:…
Mike B
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Should I use an additive to my septic system?

I recently bought a house with a septic system. In researching maintenance for a septic system I am getting mixed messages about if I should be putting an additive (Rid-X or bakers yeast) down the toilet every few months. Some places have even…
Josh Pennington
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4
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Why is lots of water bad for septic, and how can I take long showers without hurting it?

I recently bought my first home that has septic, after 26 years of living with sewers. I've heard that putting lots of water down the septic all at one time is bad for the system, but I'm confused as to why. As I understand it, the septic tank pumps…
David Pfeffer
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How do I care for the land area directly above a septic tank?

Any suggestions for how to care for the land area directly above a septic tank? I'm a first-time home buyer with a septic tank in my front yard. I'd like it to be aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the rest of the yard but didn't know if…
Mike B
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Should I replace my septic tank if I don't need to?

Our house is 40-50 years old, and we've recently discovered that our drain field is shot. We're getting that replaced, and figured we may as well replace the tank while we're at it. Are there any down sides to replacing a functioning septic tank?…
dolphy
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Are two smaller septic tanks equivalent to one large tank?

Related: How often do septic tanks typically need to be pumped? Our home has two 800 gallon tanks next to each other, from the previous plumbers drawing it looks like they are connected. I was looking at…
chrisan
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Is it safe to plant shrubs or flowers in the soil above my septic tank?

I have a septic system that has a tank underneath my front lawn. This is an eye-sore as the access points are clearly visible to anyone coming down our driveway. I would like to plant some shrubs/flowers around the access points to hide them. Is it…
Programmer
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Can homeowners install sink grease traps to prevent build up in septic/sewer lines?

My septic system periodically gets clogged with hardened grease build up which I have to manually clean out (about twice a year). I use a bacteria additive monthly and have the tank pumped bi-annually. The system is very old, but I don't believe…
Drai
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How can I build a septic tank?

I am considering renovating my house, that will be turned into a small student housing (approx 10 - 15 people). I would like to know what is the most efficient way to build a septic tank to dispose all excrement. Ideally, the tank should…
Jeremy
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About how much would replacing a septic tank cost me?

We recently had our septic system inspected and were informed that the tanks themselves were shot and would need to be replaced. I'm in the process of getting estimates but in the meantime, I was wondering if someone could describe the procedure…
Mike B
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New septic tank + smell in house

We have recently had a new septic tank put in our house (about 3 months ago). 1 month after the works were complete, there started to be an overwhelming septic tank smell in the house. There is only one room affected by the smell at the top floor,…
Java Guy
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