I am on septic. I have a manhole cover that leads to the tank lid for cleanout. Next to the hole is a large diameter pipe coming out of the ground. Looks like around 12". Is that pipe a vent? I put a fake rock over it does that matter? I was smelling sewage when I drain my kitchen sink so I went out just to check it out. The sink also has like a "glug, glug, glug" after it is done draining. When I pulled the manhole cover I got a whiff of sewage as well. Is this something to be concerned about? Should the tank lid be totally sealed? I am calling the septic company to come check it out but was hoping someone here has some knowledge about this. I do have the tank cleaned out regularly and always get a clean bill of health.
Septic "Vent"
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Diehard
In Remembrance
There are many variations of septic tank designs. One thing that comes to mind for a 2nd (or 3rd) riser is possibly an access riser for the inlet and/or outlet baffle areas. Particularly the ones that have a discharge filter, for removing and cleaning purposes. It wouldn't be a vent for the tank.
Were you smelling sewage from the area of that 12" dia pipe?
As far as the sink gluging sound, that sounds like a partial blockage and/or venting problem for the interior piping. Particularly if it's limited to the kitchen sink.
Simply ask the people that do you tank pumping what 12" +/- pipe is. They should know for sure.
In any case it doesn't sound like it's a pipe that should be left open and facing up.
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When I opened the manhole cover (not the tank cover) I smelled it.
Diehard
In Remembrance
I never considered the tank cover to be totally gas tight. Although I never notice a smell when I remove my MH cover. I would think that was fairly normal.
I'm anxious to find out what the plugged pipe is for. Could be a cleanout, I suppose.
Good call I will ask them. It is possible the pipe is just to help locate the tank. Most of the houses do not have a manhole like I have they get dug each time they get a cleanout.
Diehard
In Remembrance
Nahhh! I'll bet it has some function.
Mikey
Well-Known Member
A lot of the systems in my neighborhood -- especially the high-tech ones -- require periodic inspections and have a pipe like that on each leg of the drainfield. I have no idea what they're looking for, but I suspect they'd like to see not-much water in there.
