Septic Odor

Dennisfly · May 26, 2006

I have a year old house with a 1000 gallon septic tank that feeds another 1000 gallon underground concrete tank that has a pump to pump uphill to my drain field. The pump tank has a 2 1/2 foot diameter cylinder that extends above ground with a concrete cap on it for access to the pump.

It all works well, but there is an odor that comes from the cap (it smells more like a dead animal than sewage) and it draws flies. When the wind is right (or wrong) the odor reaches the front porch of the house. I lifted the cap and everything looks OK, but I noticed there is no seal on the cap. I'm considering using some kind of foam or weatherstrip to seal the odor in.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? My only concern is if I make this air-tight, would it have any affect on the performance of the system like an air lock?

Dennisfly · May 26, 2006

I have a year old house with a 1000 gallon septic tank that feeds another 1000 gallon underground concrete tank that has a pump to pump uphill to my drain field. The pump tank has a 2 1/2 foot diameter cylinder that extends above ground with a concrete cap on it for access to the pump.

It all works well, but there is an odor that comes from the cap (it smells more like a dead animal than sewage) and it draws flies. When the wind is right (or wrong) the odor reaches the front porch of the house. I lifted the cap and everything looks OK, but I noticed there is no seal on the cap. I'm considering using some kind of foam or weatherstrip to seal the odor in.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? My only concern is if I make this air-tight, would it have any affect on the performance of the system like an air lock?

Highbeam · May 26, 2006

It is supposed to be sealed tight. My pump tanks access riser has a neoprene seal. The septic tank overflows to the pump tank and the pipe between them and then to the house is normally empty because there is slope through the system. The gasses are to be vented from each tank back through the house and out through the vents on the roof of your home.

You need to get the lids(s) sealed to prevent short circuiting. It's like having a hole in the top of your wood stove.

Highbeam · May 26, 2006

It is supposed to be sealed tight. My pump tanks access riser has a neoprene seal. The septic tank overflows to the pump tank and the pipe between them and then to the house is normally empty because there is slope through the system. The gasses are to be vented from each tank back through the house and out through the vents on the roof of your home.

You need to get the lids(s) sealed to prevent short circuiting. It's like having a hole in the top of your wood stove.