Septic tank filling up with rain water?

8 years ago

The tank, not the leech field. The tank is below the house down a slope. It's raining like crazy here. The first big rain the alarm went off and we stopped using water. The tank eventually filled up right to the ground level. Took about 4 days to cycle through.

Now the same thing is in the process of happening. Guests arrive in a week.

Is I t rainwater? It doesn't smell really. Would it help temporarily if I tarp the slope from the patio to where the cover is?

Long term, I need to stop this.

This is a new build but the septic had been installed by a previous owner of the lot who ultimately never built.

A septic service installed the alarms, some other stuff, connected it all up, inspected and certified it. Should they be responsible for fixing it?

I don't know much about this but I am not liking this at all heh.

Appreciate comments! Suggestions?

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Comments (5)

User
8 years ago
You may have an effluent filter on the output of the septic tank that is clogged preventing the water from flowing to the leach field.

Septic problem rarely cure themselves so get on the phone with the company you've dealt with and get them out there... NOW.
User thanked User
User
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the reply. We have only been using the plumbing since August so would a filter clog so quickly?

Yesterday it wasn't raining during the day and I did notice the level going down. Rain was heavy after midnight and this morning the tank had mostly filled up.

I think I will try to call the company and see what they have to say.
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User
Original Author
8 years ago
The guy's number doesn't work, of course.

So the level is still very high even after no rain for 12 hours or so. I turned on the pump manually and it seemed to remove water observed by noting a wire became exposed during the test.

So I will let it go today.

But the ground is soaked. More rain in the forecast. And guests next week. We haven't taken showers done dishes or laundry for 4 days now. I hate this bs.
Vera Cornwell
8 years ago
Hey! you can call a local contractor or septic services to pump it out, they can suggest you better what is possible..
User
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the suggestion. It doesn't really need to be "pumped out."

We will be calling someone to advise how to keep the rain water out of the tanks. It might take some digging which is best done in the spring. We will probably muddle through until then,

The big rains cause the alarm to go off. So if I pumped it after every rain, I would just need the pump truck to hang out in the driveway, because it pretty much rains every day.

Septic tank filling up with rain water?

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