Septic Tank Yourself: How To Unclog A

You can fix this yourself for the price of a pizza, not a plumber’s yacht.

Modern septic systems often have an effluent filter located at the "outlet" side of the tank (the side leading to the drain field). If this filter is clogged, water cannot leave the tank, causing a backup.

Avoid running the dishwasher and laundry at the same time to prevent "flooding" the tank.

If you have cleared the baffles and snaked the lines but the water level in the tank remains above the outlet pipe, your system has a more serious issue. You should call a professional if: how to unclog a septic tank yourself

If you see standing water or smell sewage in the yard over the drain field, the soil may be clogged (a "failed" system).

Do not use caustic store-bought drain cleaners (like Drano). These chemicals kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that break down waste, leading to much more expensive repairs later. When to Call a Professional

Switch to biodegradable soaps and cleaners. You can fix this yourself for the price

Always have someone nearby in case of an emergency.

Now go take a shower—but keep it short. Your bacteria are working.

This is on the opposite side of the tank from the inlet. Avoid running the dishwasher and laundry at the

Before you start digging, you need to determine if the problem is in your house pipes or the septic tank itself.

Before you begin, you must understand that septic tanks are hazardous environments. They contain toxic gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide, which can be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations.