My new septic system keeps backing up, but I can’t get a hold of the installer, is there anything I can check while I’m waiting?

Q:

My new septic system keeps backing up, but I can’t get a hold of the installer, is there anything I can check while I’m waiting?

A:

There is something you can check; in all new modern septic systems there is a filter in the septic tank. The filter is there to stop large objects from getting down into the septic bed and causing damage. Excessive toilet paper usage, or foreign objects will be collected in this filter.

First find the septic tank; it will be the concrete one that will be close to the house, buried about 1 foot down. It should have two lids; you want to access the second one. To access this lid you will need to uncover it, so you will have to dig the topsoil and grass off of it.

Unscrew the lid by the 4 screws that hold the lid in place. Once the screws are removed the lid should just lift off.

If you look down in the septic tank right below the lid you will see a grey filter about 1 to 2 feet long. You need to pull up on the filter, there is a little clip on the inside that you should push down that will allow the filter to slide free.

Completely remove the filter and inspect it, check to see if there are any foreign objects stuck in the filter, these should be removed. Then all you do is wash the filter well with a garden hose until it looks to be clean and clear.

Re-install the filter and put the top back on the lid. Don’t re-cover the lid with dirt because if and when your septic installer comes out they will want to check the filter themselves.

If that doesn’t work then there is a problem somewhere else in the system.

If you don’t get a hold of the installer try calling a plumber to come and snake the drain down to the tank, there could be something blocking it at that point.

Good luck.

Rob Abbott
Operations Manager
Village Builders Inc.