And this advice could save you money in a case of a backup.
Septic tank clogged baffle.
Finally check the inlet baffle to the tank if you have access to it.
The outlet baffle is often considered to be the most important baffle because it keeps solids from exiting the tank and making their way to the leach field where they could clog up and effectively destroy the leach field system.
Just a reminder this video is not an inspection.
Part of the percolation pipes is clogged.
Sometimes they become clogged with items that should not have been flushed such as tampons wet wipes condoms or paper towels.
You can see that both of these septic tank baffles or tank tees keep the floating scum and grease from blocking the septic tank inlet at left and importantly the tee or baffle keeps the floating scum and grease from exiting the septic tank outlet where it would clog the drainfield.
A block in the distribution box.
The tank was backed up due to a clogged inlet baffle.
Older septic tanks especially those made from concrete tend to contain wall baffles.
Use a snake or water jetting to unclog the main drain.
It did need cleaned but for other reasons.
You can always cut roots out of your pipes with a mechanical auger but they will grow back if left untreated.
Ways to unclog a main drain or full septic tank.
If sewage is backing up into your home or surfacing around the septic tank you might have a problem with the outlet baffle or effluent filter.
The baffle is designed to keep solids from getting into the vulnerable leach field lines but if there are a lot of solids they can actually cause the baffle to clog up.
Part of the drain inlet or outlet of the septic tank is clogged.
The septic tank or septic vents have frozen due to low temperatures.
Wall baffles also give incoming solids more space thus reducing the likelihood of clogs.
The septic tank vent is blocked.
Where a replacement pvc plastic septic tank tee is installed into a steel or concrete septic tank the outlet or inlet tee is a standard pipe tee typically of the same diameter as the incoming sewer line placed at the inlet of a septic tank to prevent the inlet sewer line from being clogged by floating scum and waste in the tank resulting in.
Below is a video of a clogged inlet baffle.
This homeowner called us out for a pumping and thought his septic tank needed cleaned.
A true inspection will involve sludge and scum.
In most cases wall baffles also consist of concrete and are built directly into the side of the tank.