We have an aerobic septic system. The sprinklers go off & there is a heavy smell of urine. HELP!!!!!!?

Question

Does anyone know what causes this and how I can fix the problem?

Answer 1

It sounds like you may have drain field saturation or failure. Fluids from your septic should spread out over the drain field and perculate (perc) down through the rocks. As they perc they are purified and eventually the clean water joins the water table.

If you can smell urine, your fluids are not flowing downwards. If your rocks in your drain field get coated (for example, I washed all my latex paintbrushes and rollers in the sink and it coated the rocks) the fluid will sit there and not filter down. Instead it sits there and accumulates near the surface, producing that smell.

If your field is over 20 yrs old, it may have failed and will need total replacement. If it's merely saturated, you may be able to put in an alternate field and dry the first one out. By switching back and forth between fields every few years, you can extend the life of your system.

You need to consult a septic person and have them come out for an inspection to make sure.

EDIT: Do you fertilize your lawn or have a lawn service? Fertilizer often contains anhydrous ammonia, and if you use the granular fertilizer, once it gets wet you can smell the ammonia big time. And ammonia smells just like urine.

Answer 2

Sounds like you may have a leak in your septic system and the water being used by the sprinklers is being contaminated by it. You are probably going to have to have the septic company come out and see what's going on and that is going to cost you an arm & a leg unless you can prove it was faulty equipment...

Good luck and turn off your spinkler system till you get it fixed.

Good news is you wont have to worry about deer in your front yard.

Answer 3

When was the last time you had your septic tank pumped out? If it has filled with debris, it may not be allowing the correct holding time to allow your sewage to decompose. I'd have this done before you try any of the other recommendations given so far.

Answer 4

Put a couple of packages of yeast down your drain and follow with hot water. Pour a couple of boxes of baking soda into the drain and flush it through with hot water. I hope this helps.