MIL-HDBK-1138
3.4
Septic Tank System Failures. Several warning signs
can indicate that a septic tank system is failing and that more
than cleaning of the system is necessary:
a)
Obnoxious odors in the area of the system or
inside the building
b)
Soft ground or low spots in the area of the system
c)
Grass growing faster or greener in the area of the
system
d)
Gurgling sounds in the plumbing or plumbing
backups
e)
Sluggishness in the toilet when flushed
f)
Plumbing backups
g)
Tests showing the presence of bacteria in nearby
well water
Table 2 shows possible causes of septic tank system
failures and suggests remedial procedures.
Table 2
Maintenance Checklist for Septic Tank System Failures
Possible Causes of Failure
Possible Remedial Procedures
Underdesign
Tank size insufficient for
Replace septic tank or add
wastewater flow quantity
additional septic tank(s) in
and/or characteristics
parallel.
Drain field too small
Enlarge drain field.
Reduce
water consumption.
Faulty drain field installation
Plugged pipes
For plugged pipes, insufficient
stone, and uneven grades,
install a new drain field on top
Insufficient stone in
f
i ti
fi ld
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