Troubleshooting Septic Backup Issues: Slow Drains, Gurgling, and Backups

Uh oh! You've got slow drains, gurgling, or backups in the house! What now?

Septic tank issues??? We'll figure it out.

Don't hesitate to call us! We can send a technician and figure everything out for you.

But you're the handy type and want to figure out what's happening before we get there? No problem! Here's how to break down and analyze septic backup issues at your home.

Get That Tank Opened Up!

The first step is to get your septic tank lid located and opened up.

Properly functioning septic tanks should have an internal water level equal to the bottom of the outlet pipe. If anything else is happening, here's what it means!

Water Level is High

When assessing the septic tank, if the water level in your tank is above the bottom of the outlet pipe, that means something is stopping the water from getting out of the tank!

Do you have an effluent filter? If there's a filter attached to your outlet pipe, it should be cleaned annually. If not done, the filter may clog and back up your system!

If not, there's likely a clog, break, or other issue between your septic tank and drainfield. Call Michigan Septic to assess the issue and get repairs made.

Water Level is Normal

If the water level inside your septic tank is normal (equal to the bottom of the outlet pipe) and you're still having slow drains or backups, then the issue either lies inside the plumbing in your home, or between the home and the septic tank.

If you have an "inlet tee" check for a clog there.

Is the issue systemic or isolated?

If you're having slow drains and backups in only one fixture, and the water level in your tank looks normal, it's likely that your issue due to an internal plumbing problem specific to that one fixture.

If you're having systemic issues across the house, then it's likely you have an issue somewhere in the main line between the house and the tank.

Engineered or "Pump" Systems

If you have a system which features a pump, controls, and other hardware to move the water from your septic tank to your drainfield, the issues could be more complex.

Troubleshooting a septic panel can be challenging!

Start by looking in the "pump tank" or "dose tank". If the water level in this tank is high, you may have an issue with your pump or floats. Usually this triggers a visual or audible alarm at your control panel as well. However, if there are deeper issues your alarms may fail to trigger even when a problem occurs.

Sometimes the pump can be manually activated on these systems for temporary use. We do NOT recommend homeowner attempt this on their own as improper use can cause system damage.

My Pump Tank Is Low But Septic Tank Is High

If you look inside your pump tank and the water level is low, yet you're still having backups in the home or the primary septic tank, the issue surely lies earlier in the "treatment train" (the pipes and tanks that the water gets to first).

These systems should have a filter between the septic tank and the dose tank which may be the culprit! Make sure this filter is cleaned annually.

Call Michigan Septic

Our technicians are trained to install, diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and replace every part of any septic system!

We can get someone on site to assess the situation and help you with any needed remedies to.

At Michigan Septic, we're happy to deal with your 💩💩💩