Main drain clogged at septic

[jimmybinsc]

Twice in the past week our main house drain has clogged right at the end of the drain where it enters the septic tank. Not sure why it started now. Been in this 5 year old house 2 years and had septic pumped a year ago. I can take a stick and poke at the sludge and it frees it up. Seems weird that the water level is at same height as the 4" drain pipe. Seems like it would clog easily. The pic below shows unclogged.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks,

 

[GReynolds929]

That tank looks older than 5 years based on the concrete baffle. Most new tanks use pvc baffles from my experience. The water level does look high to me. Check your outlet and see if the baffle is clogged or has a filter that is clogged.

 

[plowking]

I agree the tank might have filter. It would be on septic plans if it has one. The tanks are filling up faster now because people are staying home from work and school because of covid regulations.I'm cleaning more tanks more often .A solution could be you knock off cement baffle and glue a plastic baffle on pipe.New houses all have the plastic baffles, they can still plug up from heavy toilet paper or wipes but not as often.

 

[jimmybinsc]

I agree the tank might have filter. It would be on septic plans if it has one. The tanks are filling up faster now because people are staying home from work and school because of covid regulations.I'm cleaning more tanks more often .A solution could be you knock off cement baffle and glue a plastic baffle on pipe.New houses all have the plastic baffles, they can still plug up from heavy toilet paper or wipes but not as often.

Where would the filter be located? I dropped a camera down the tank with the pump and saw what looked like a 4" round hole between the two tanks. I could see water running from one tank to the other through this role when running the shower. Couldn't tell if it was plugged or had a filter.

 

[jimmybinsc]

That tank looks older than 5 years based on the concrete baffle. Most new tanks use pvc baffles from my experience. The water level does look high to me. Check your outlet and see if the baffle is clogged or has a filter that is clogged.

Is the outlet the hole between the two tanks? (tanks might not be the right term - basically the basin where the drain goes into and the basin with pump).

 

[Zanne]

Odd question, when you had your tank drained did you watch it getting drained and see if they took all of the hard crud out when they did it? Sometimes you'll get dishonest service guys who will only take the liquid and won't completely empty the tank like they are supposed to. I had that happen with the only guy who does the service in my area-- he refused to get all of the solids out. After I talked to the health inspector I found out he'd been cited for it and that he wasn't allowed to leave solids so now I watch him like a hawk & make sure he drains it- reminds me, we're do for another draining now.

I hope you can get this resolved.

 

[plowking]

Where would the filter be located? I dropped a camera down the tank with the pump and saw what looked like a 4" round hole between the two tanks. I could see water running from one tank to the other through this role when running the shower. Couldn't tell if it was plugged or had a filter.

If you have a combination tank and pump chamber,the filter would be in baffle at outlet of main tank before it flows into the pump chamber.In my state the code requires a riser and cover to grade or less then six inches incase the filter had to be serviced in winter. A filter is a good idea on a pump system .I've seen pumps jammed up from tampons etc. bound up in the impeller on bottom of pump. Reread your post.The outlet is the pipe going thru hole in tank to pump chamber.Should have baffle attached to it inside tank.

 

[jimmybinsc]

Odd question, when you had your tank drained did you watch it getting drained and see if they took all of the hard crud out when they did it? Sometimes you'll get dishonest service guys who will only take the liquid and won't completely empty the tank like they are supposed to. I had that happen with the only guy who does the service in my area-- he refused to get all of the solids out. After I talked to the health inspector I found out he'd been cited for it and that he wasn't allowed to leave solids so now I watch him like a hawk & make sure he drains it- reminds me, we're do for another draining now.

I hope you can get this resolved.

I didn't watch but I do know all the built up crud in the concrete baffle where the drain comes in was cleaned up. I probably just need to have it serviced again and make sure if there's any filter going from tank to pump chamber it gets serviced.