Do it Yourself Septic Tank Repair

If your septic system is in need of repair, you may be able to fix the problem yourself.

Some of the most frustrating things to endure are problems with your septic tank. A septic tank is part of a miniature sewage system. While the government provides sewage systems in urban areas, they are not available for all homes in rural areas. Families who have no access to a public sewage system have to depend on their own small system to dispose of human waste. If a septic system becomes run-down and in need of repair, it can be a very unpleasant experience due to toxic chemicals and foul odors. However, you can repair your system with the right tools and a lot of patience.

Things You'll Need

• Plumber's snake
• Garden hose
• Garden hoe
• Electric roto rooter tool
• Screwdriver
• Concrete epoxy crack filler kit

Instructions

1. Run a plumber's snake down the drainpipe in the septic tank. This is to check if there is an object lodged in the pipe.

2. Use a garden hoe to dig up the soil around the septic tank. Open the lid on the tank and check the level of liquid within. If it is below the inlet of the house, there is an object lodged inside, and it is at the end of the inlet. Dislodge the object with a garden hose set to high pressure.

3. Check the tank's drainpipe. Make sure there are no plants or other debris floating around inside. Use an electric roto rooter tool to cut any items that may be causing a blockage into tiny pieces so that they flow out with the water.

4. Examine the lid of the septic tank. Septic tank lids are made of concrete and are susceptible to wear and tear over the years due to moisture. Repair the lid by applying an epoxy liquid solution from a concrete repair kit to any cracks or tears. Mix the epoxy liquid with water and sand in a bucket. Apply pressure when adding the mixture, allowing it to go deep into any cracks. Smooth out the filler and set the lid aside for a few hours to allow it time to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Repairing a septic tank's lid yourself will save you a lot of money because replacing it can be expensive.

• Never use bleach, drain cleaner or harsh soaps in your septic system. These substances will kill the bacteria that are naturally found in septic systems to properly process human waste.

• Don't grind sewage before sending it to your septic tank because the tank is meant to digest solids.

References

• The Natural Home: Septic tank, sewage filter, filtering basin, leach pit and septic leach field Infiltrator chamber sewage disposal systems for the do-it-yourselfer
• Swopnet: Septic Tank Page - Septic Tank Care and Repair