Septic Smells

[bigtiller]

I would call a "septic repair & maintenance" company near you. They know their "stuff."

 

[masseyrider]

300 gallon sounds small.
I make sure never to dump fat or grease down. That can/will plug drains and the septic field.
I dump a package or 2 of yeast down to keep the microbial action going.
Also I try to limit the amount of bleach and harsh cleansers so they don't kill the microbial action.
I get it pumped every 3 years.
They just did it a couple months ago and with the lids open you would have been hard pressed to smell anything without sticking your head down into the tank.

 

[gstrom99]

the outlet pipe which is open air dumped about 100' away, the cleanout, or the lid not being airtight.

How 'bout posting a pic of the system and this "open air outlet pipe"?

 

[murphy1244]

A tank that's seldom used is hard to keep a cycle going in your tank.

 

[shock]

How 'bout posting a pic of the system and this "open air outlet pipe"?

OK, not being a plumber, or educated in septic systems, I may have mistakenly mischaracterized the discharge of waste water from the outlet. I just assumed it ran out the end of the pipe from the tank into the open air. Sounds like that is an unlikely setup. I've never smelled anything near where I think the outlet pipe is run to. (it's very likely in a tall grassy, kinda brushy area that is hard to investigate). Regardless, I don't think it comes from the outlet pipe as a potential source of the smell...

And to repeat, there is no inside smell, just outside near the tank.

Edited to add: I put yeast in about every month, and we don't use bleach, as it's mostly used as a hunting shack.

 

[MMC]

OK, not being a plumber, or educated in septic systems, I may have mistakenly mischaracterized the discharge of waste water from the outlet. I just assumed it ran out the end of the pipe from the tank into the open air. Sounds like that is an unlikely setup. I've never smelled anything near where I think the outlet pipe is run to. (it's very likely in a tall grassy, kinda brushy area that is hard to investigate). Regardless, I don't think it comes from the outlet pipe as a potential source of the smell...

And to repeat, there is no inside smell, just outside near the tank.

Edited to add: I put yeast in about every month, and we don't use bleach, as it's mostly used as a hunting shack.

OK, not being a plumber, or educated in septic systems, I may have mistakenly mischaracterized the discharge of waste water from the outlet. I just assumed it ran out the end of the pipe from the tank into the open air. Sounds like that is an unlikely setup. I've never smelled anything near where I think the outlet pipe is run to. (it's very likely in a tall grassy, kinda brushy area that is hard to investigate). Regardless, I don't think it comes from the outlet pipe as a potential source of the smell...

And to repeat, there is no inside smell, just outside near the tank.

Edited to add: I put yeast in about every month, and we don't use bleach, as it's mostly used as a hunting shack.

 

[ruffdog]

OK, not being a plumber, or educated in septic systems, I may have mistakenly mischaracterized the discharge of waste water from the outlet. I just assumed it ran out the end of the pipe from the tank into the open air. Sounds like that is an unlikely setup. I've never smelled anything near where I think the outlet pipe is run to. (it's very likely in a tall grassy, kinda brushy area that is hard to investigate). Regardless, I don't think it comes from the outlet pipe as a potential source of the smell...

And to repeat, there is no inside smell, just outside near the tank.

Edited to add: I put yeast in about every month, and we don't use bleach, as it's mostly used as a hunting shack.

Interesting....does the 300 gal tank collect the solids and the liquid runs out a pipe instead of a septic field?

 

[MMC]

Although I have helped "buddys" put in some septic systems (in my youth), I am certainly not an expert. But I do have opinions. So, here it is: a well designed septic system doesn't really need help. If you are having to put "stuff" in, that's a patch, a band-aid. The comments about inside "traps" are valid - the water in your trap is your gas (methane) seal. But that's inside the house (normally) - if you are away from that cabin and the water evaporates, you will have sewer gas come up. So, pour some water down an unused drain every now and then.

But that's not what you indicate is the real problem. Unless you have a strange vent issue outside (which I would doubt), the sewer smell is coming from the tank or the bleeder field (if originally designed properly). Keep in mind, many folks put stuff in that's not "code." Yes, you can do that, but you really have to know what you're doing. Keep in mind "codes" are a minimum standard, not necessarily the best.

I really would encourage you to find a professional - nobody on this forum can see what you can. We're just guessing. Well intentioned, but still kinda' guessing.

Bottom line: "It ain't right - find a professional - your situation may not be healthy."

 

[grsthegreat]

ALL septic tanks should be pumped every 5 years. Solids do accumulate. This will help protect the drain field.

 

[ruffdog]

Our State requires it every 3 years.


Pumping the septic system as required by Wisconsin law every 3 years