My backyard SMELLS!

[Disney1fan2002]

Oh man, someone's sewer is backing up, and I hope it isn't ours! Our backyard abutts two other neighbors backyards, so it could be one of theirs.

We have only lived here for 2 years, and the sellers got a Title 5 certificate. I wouldn't think, if the septic was inspected correctly, that we would need service after only 2 years.

Please cross your fingers for us that it is one of the neighbors, we don't need an added expense right now.

 

[ChristmasElf]

I hate to say this, BUT if you smell an odor in you backyard, you could be the one with a clogged drainfield.
We don't tske any chances and have our septic pumped every year (most people do every 18 months according to the septic company)
I just don't want any problems.

Do you have any slow drains like the showers, bathtubs, or any sinks?
Have you heard any gurgling sounds anywhere in the house?

If you have been in your house 2 years already, and not had the tank pumped, it very well could be time.

 

[jcsbama]

Hopefully, it will be a neighbor's yard. Can you tell if it's yours just from a visual check or does someone have to come out?

One of my sisters always thought they were part of the city sewer system. Imagine their surprise when their unknown septic tank backed up really bad.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I hate to say this, BUT if you smell an odor in you backyard, you could be the one with a clogged drainfield.
We don't tske any chances and have our septic pumped every year (most people do every 18 months according to the septic company)
I just don't want any problems.

Do you have any slow drains like the showers, bathtubs, or any sinks?
Have you heard any gurgling sounds anywhere in the house?

If you have been in your house 2 years already, and not had the tank pumped, it very well could be time.

Thanks for the info. I did not know how long to go between pumpings, but we lived in our other house for 4 years, and never had a problem with the septic. We got it pumped before we sold the house, it was required for the Title 5.

There is no back up in the house, any other way to determine if it is ours? Would the ground be soft around the septic?

 

[ChristmasElf]

Thanks for the info. I did not know how long to go between pumpings, but we lived in our other house for 4 years, and never had a problem with the septic. We got it pumped before we sold the house, it was required for the Title 5.

There is no back up in the house, any other way to determine if it is ours? Would the ground be soft around the septic?

Personally, I hate septics, but that's the way it is around here! If I were you, I would call a septic pumping company and ask them what to look for in the yard. Tell them what you smell and ask their opinion on what to do. Today is Thursday though. If you end up needing to get the tank pumped, it is MUCH cheaper during Monday-Friday than it is on a weekend.
$175 during the week
$375-500 on the weekends!!!!

The man will come out with a long medal pole and poke around the tank area.
When he found the right area, he dug out the lid to the tank. Imagine our shock that we were filled to the brim!!! and any longer would have had major backing up into the house!!!!!
We had a friend that this happened to (on Christmas Day no less) they ended up throwing out their washing machine,dishwasher, all the carpeting in the house,furniture and even had to replace the hardwood floors in the dining room and kitchen. She was just sick about it.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

From the sounds of what could happen if if did back up I would spend the money to have someone check it out then regret it later if things needed to be replaced, etc. I hope it works out.