Septic system question

[Bill]

I have a septic system, has 3 concrete holding/storage tanks and a leach field. It’s just my wife and I in the house.

I noticed a day ago that this switch providing power to the pump (in the 3d tank- I remember holding the coils if wire to help the electrician running them underground) is in the OFF position. Why? I have no idea.

Is it supposed to be ON? I called our son who built the house, and he was not sure and said if it’s not broken, don’t mess with it.

What would somebody who knows more about this day? Leave it off or switch it on?

Thanks.

[Duckologist]

I wouldn't be able to NOT throw dat switch just to see what happens

[db@100]

Are you sure it's part of the septic system? It could be a "by-pass switch" to turn on the pump if the timer or float doesn't. This is just a guess!

[rjet]

You positive that is for pump? Is there another switch above for overflow alarm? If not woulg guess that is used to turn off alarm.

[Kingfisher789]

The electric plan for the house should show what it controls.

[MtnMike]

Looks to me that you have no power to the pump with the switch in the off position. What is the purpose of the pump on the third tank? We have one like that at our Lake House, but it is an Aerobic System and does not have a leech field. It sprays the gray water on our yard.

[Okra]

Is it an LPD system then? I would assume they might be using that as a quick on/off for the pump. Should probably be on unless there is an issue with the pump. There also should be a high water alarm if there is an issue

[Paycheck]

My guess is it is an override switch for the float system. Used to pump down the tank manually if needed. Just a limited educated guess.

[TeamAmerica]

My guess is it is an override switch for the float system. Used to pump down the tank manually if needed. Just a limited educated guess.

My guess as well.

[Bill]

Thanks. I’m not sure which of the subs to call and ask. I helped the electrician run the power and wire the pump, I fdn’t rememberer the plumber being involved with it and the excavation contractor dug and pit in the tanks and leech field.

My recollection is we ran three wires in the conduit, black, white, and gray. That says to me that there’s always power for the pump but not an override back up- maybe?

I think it’s time for Google and read about drptic fields with a pump in the tank.

[68rustbucket]

Call the electrician.

[Traildust]

That's the **** sturrin' switch

[Bill]

Call the electrician.

Thanks.

[Hoggslayer]

Pump probably works on float switch. If the high water alarm goes off then that is the manual override you can use to activate pump. It seams like the float switches tend to last about 5 or 6 years until the go out.

[Bill]

Ok, here’s what’s going on. I spoke to tech support at the company who makes the alarm, and a local septic service firm.

The switch provides 120 VAC to the pump AND alarm. Both have been OFF for however long. When I turned it on, the alarm turns on- both red light and buzzer. I have the power ON, turned the buzzer off(rocker switch on the alarm box) and I’ll let the pump run.

The 3d tank with the pump is full, but the liquid has not been pumped into the leach field. Where did it go then?

Looking on the leach field side of the tank, I saw there is discoloration/ stain in the soil. It’s been leaking out around the pvc pipe to the drain field exiting the concrete holding tank. Also, I always have a healthy growth of weeds in that area- obviously they grow ‘like weeds’ with the good source of water and nitrogen below the surface.

Hopefully tomorrow am the red light is off and the tank has been drained. Best part- the woman from the septic company attends the same church we do.

The alarm company tech told me something interesting. While the NEC requires a single, dedicated 20 amp branch circuit if your pump malfunctions and trips the breaker, and waste water rises in the tank the alarm will not sound- it’s also lost it’s source of 120VAC. He said the better way to wire it is to run 2, 20 amp branch circuits with 2 breakers. That way if the pump trips the breaker, you’ll hear an alarm.

If you have it turned on!