Septic Sounds and Smells | Southern Sanitary Systems Inc

You didn't install a septic system for the sensory experience, but you may get one anyway. The sounds and smells that you may experience coming from your septic system can cover a wide range and can sometimes be alarming if you don't know what's going on. Here's a quick primer on some of the sounds and smells you can expect.

Sounds

Most septic systems aren't noisy, but an occasional sound may occur. Here are some of the types of sounds to look out for.

Pump Sounds

An aerobic system's air pump typically makes a low humming as part of its day-to-day function. However, aerobic systems are uncommon. You're more likely to have a system with an effluent pump.

If your system does have an effluent pump, you likely won't notice the sound of the pump since it's so quiet. An exception is if the pump is broken, in which case it could make very noisy banging or screeching sounds.

Gurgling

You may also hear gurgling or trickling water. Whether you hear this when standing near the tank or when using your home's drains, it likely indicates a problem. A blockage somewhere in the system, such as in the main sewer line, could cause a disturbance in the water flow that results in a trickle or gurgle.

Beeping or Buzzing

A triggered septic alarm typically makes a loud beeping or buzzing. While this alarm is designed to be disturbing, the sound may or may not actually mean something is wrong. In some cases, it could just mean that the power is out.

If you hear the alarm, first check the power source and then turn the alarm off and wait about half a day to see if the issue goes away. If water levels are just high because your yard is soggy, giving the system a little time can help (as long as you don't put much more water into the system).

If the alarm hasn't resolved and the red light is still on after the wait, contact your septic contractor. A leak that's letting groundwater into the tank or even a failed leach field that doesn't absorb water like it should can keep high water levels from resolving on their own.

Smells

Septic smells can be less pleasant than septic sounds, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're catastrophic. Here are a few types of smells your septic system may produce.

A Smell Near the Tank

If your septic tank has proper vents, some smelly gases may find their way to ground level. If you notice the smells, you may find them unpleasant, but the vents are there for a reason. One of the smelly gases in a septic tank can turn into acid and dissolve concrete (which tanks and lids are often made of), so letting the gases disperse is in your septic system's best interest.

However, if the smell is disrupting your outdoor living, you could install activated-carbon-based filters that fit on the vent to capture some of the odor as the gases leave the tank.

A Smell From Your Drains

Smelly drains don't always signify a septic system problem. They could just mean you need to clean your drains. But if the problem persists after cleaning the drains, or if it comes along with other septic symptoms, you may have smelly drains because your septic tank or leach field are damaged. In this case, get in touch with your septic contractor.

A Smell After Pumping

One exception to the above reasons for smells is if you've recently had your tank pumped. A smell immediately after pumping doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong with your drains. It could just mean that the smelly gases have been stirred up by the pumping procedure. If the smells go away quickly (within a few hours), you likely have nothing to worry about.

As you can see, smells and sounds can be part of your septic system's day-to-day functioning, or they can herald a problem. Monitor your system from time to time so you know when an unusual sound or smell occurs, and contact your septic contractor if you suspect one of the sounds or smells you discover requires maintenance or repairs.