Stop first if
- Anyone is about to enter or lean into a tank.Stop. Nobody goes in, even if the tank was just pumped. Call emergency services if someone is inside or down.
- A lid is missing, cracked, loose or unbolted.Keep everyone back and block the opening. Call a septic technician.
- Sewage is on the ground.Keep people, pets and vehicles away. Cut water use. Call a septic technician or the health department.
01
Ask on the call
6Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.
- Is the smell only indoors, or outside too?
- Do you see wet ground or a lush strip?
- Are you using additives, cleaners or odor products in the system?
- When was the tank last pumped?
- Is there an aerobic unit, and was there a recent power outage?
- Are all lids and risers in place and fastened?
02
Bring
5- Gloves and eye protection
- Scum and sludge measuring pole
- Spare lid bolts
- Temporary barrier for open risers
- Flashlight
03
Check on site
6- Pin down where the smell is. Indoor-only smell with a sound system goes to a plumber.
- List additives and cleaners with their start dates.
- Walk the field for surfacing or a wet strip.
- Check lids, risers and fasteners without leaning over any opening.
- A technician measures scum and sludge beside the outlet from the surface.
- On an aerobic unit, compare the odor timing with outages.
04
Keep on the record
4- Where and when the smell shows
- Product list with start dates
- Scum and sludge readings
- Photos of lids and risers
General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.