How to Fix a Septic Drain Problem

Septic drain problems are easy to fix once you learn how the system works. Then you must diagnose and follow simple instructions to get the system working again. The drains in the home connect to a sewer pipe that leaves the home and connects to a septic system. All along the pipes there are vent pipes, which allow gas from the waste to dissipate.  Those vents can cause a vacuum, which can cause clogs.

1. Smell around sins, showers, tubs and toilets for bad odors. If there is an odor, check to see if any of them are blocked. Those drains that are not used regularly will allow the water in the traps to evaporate so you must run water down the drains. Pour 1 cup of bleach as you run the water to kill the bacteria.


2. Toilets can have bad odors when there is a space between the wax ring the toilet. The wax ring will have to be replaced.


3. The odor in the home can also be cause by deteriorated or separated vent lines, which will need to be repaired or replaced.


4. If there is only one toiler or one sink in the home causing the problem, the clog is just at that fixture only. You can use basic clog techniques to clear it up.


5. If the problem is with several toilets, sinks or tubs in one area of the home, then it could be a clogged vent or drain line. Use a plumber’s snake to clear the clog. Avoid using chemicals because they are not helpful on this type of clog.


6. If different toilets, sinks or tubs in more than one area of the home is clogging, it could be a clog in the main sewer drain. It can also be cleared with a plumber’s snake. This could also indicate a septic system that needs to be pump. The worst case scenario is a damaged sewer pipe, which will need to be fixed by a professional.


7. Contact the city if there is sewage backing up into the house because the city sewer is probably clogged.