Septic Tank Will Not Drain

Keep in mind that getting your tank pumped is only a temporary solution to a drain field issue.

Septic tank will not drain.

You ll need to determine where the clog might be. If your septic system isn t draining the way it should your backup issues will return soon enough. Fortunately you do not have to replace your drainfield to return your septic system to an operational condition. If your septic tank was pumped out in the last year or two it is unlikely that it is already full.

The drain field works by absorbing water into the ground that comes from the septic system. Don t wait to address any suspected issues with your septic system. If all of your drains are draining slowly the clog is probably in the pipe leading away from the house which is usually a 6 inch diameter pipe but in some areas could be a 4. They eventually become impermeable so that the sewage outflow from your septic tank cannot be absorbed into the ground.

So in you most likely have some sort of a clog between the house and the septic tank or even in one of the branch drainage pipes between rooms and plumbing fixtures. If it has been raining particularly hard and there s a pond forming in your drain field you may experience the symptoms of a blocked septic system. When the septic tank is already backing up into your house the drain field or leach field may be showing you signs that it is not draining fast enough forcing liquids or solids back towards the home. Most of your septic system is sealed and unaffected by heavy rain but one part the drain field is not and a heavy rain can definitely affect it.

If you discover puddles of water in your yard and it hasn t rained lately schedule a septic tank inspection immediately. If the water level is above the inlet but there isn t anything blocking the end of the pipe then the clog may be in the leach field.