Why is our septic tank pump clicking on and off louder and more frequently?
March 7, 2011 12:46 AM
Why is our septic tank pump clicking on and off louder and more frequently?
We bought our house 5 years ago, and didn't really use one side of the downstairs until last year when we finished remodeling. On the outside of the house in the area that we now are using, there is a box which has the septic tank alarm and the wiring for the pump. It used to just switch on every once in a while, and then about 15 seconds later it would switch off. We can hear this inside the house as a low thud sound.
Lately, more and more often, the thud is much louder, and it clicks on and off rapidly 3-4 times, before finally switching on for the 15 or so seconds and switching back off.
I would instinctively think that this means we need to get the tank pumped out, but we had it cleaned out last summer, so I don't know if that is the solution.
Is this a common problem? Do we just need to replace the relay or whatever other type of switch is in there controlling the pump? I'd really rather not pay someone to come and look at it if this is something I can fix myself at the control box.
We bought our house 5 years ago, and didn't really use one side of the downstairs until last year when we finished remodeling. On the outside of the house in the area that we now are using, there is a box which has the septic tank alarm and the wiring for the pump. It used to just switch on every once in a while, and then about 15 seconds later it would switch off. We can hear this inside the house as a low thud sound.
Lately, more and more often, the thud is much louder, and it clicks on and off rapidly 3-4 times, before finally switching on for the 15 or so seconds and switching back off.
I would instinctively think that this means we need to get the tank pumped out, but we had it cleaned out last summer, so I don't know if that is the solution.
Is this a common problem? Do we just need to replace the relay or whatever other type of switch is in there controlling the pump? I'd really rather not pay someone to come and look at it if this is something I can fix myself at the control box.
If it is the float (probably), a sump float is actually very easy to replace, and probably only $15-20 at Home Depot or Lowes or what have you. The float works by connecting in-line to the sump's electrical cord (so it goes wall->float->sump); and then supplying power to the sump when the float gets high enough (floating in the water). The trickest part of replacement is getting the float in the same place, so that it kicks on the sump at the right time. Trial & error will probably be the only way to figure it out. Overall maybe 45-60 minutes worth of work.
posted by ish__ at 5:37 AM on March 7, 2011
posted by ish__ at 5:37 AM on March 7, 2011
So i take it all back after realizing we're talking about a septic tank not a sump pump - ignore my "easy to replace" suggestion.
posted by ish__ at 5:37 AM on March 7, 2011
posted by ish__ at 5:37 AM on March 7, 2011
I would instinctively think that this means we need to get the tank pumped out, but we had it cleaned out last summer, so I don't know if that is the solution.
How old is your current drain field? One of the first signs that my septic system's drain field was reaching the end of its useful life was when I needed to get the tank pumped after only 6 months. From everything I've read, they last 20-25 years and then have to be moved.
posted by deadmessenger at 5:41 AM on March 7, 2011
How old is your current drain field? One of the first signs that my septic system's drain field was reaching the end of its useful life was when I needed to get the tank pumped after only 6 months. From everything I've read, they last 20-25 years and then have to be moved.
posted by deadmessenger at 5:41 AM on March 7, 2011
By all means try troubleshooting at the control box first to see if a reset might work or if anything appears to be out of order. Otherwise, you should get this checked by your septic contractor and/or an electrician. The on/off cycling could be taking a toll on the lifespan of the pump itself and it would be better to find a smaller, less expensive fix like a float switch be the issue than to have more expensive repairs necessary.
posted by pappy at 12:43 PM on March 7, 2011
posted by pappy at 12:43 PM on March 7, 2011
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The float switch exists to warn that the tank is full. If you just emptied it, then you have time. But away a few bucks every month, and call some in the fall.
posted by Flood at 4:04 AM on March 7, 2011