Elimination of waste is a necessary part of our lives.
When you flash your toilet and brush your teeth over your bathroom sink, the resulting water either goes to a septic tank or a sewer treatment system.
The former eliminates it by allowing bacteria to break the solids apart.
The resulting effluent from the tank is then released into a distribution box which further distributes it to a drain field.
All parts of a septic system should work optimally. Any failure negatively affects the working of the entire system.
If you’ve ever had to repair or replace a septic system in the past, you know it is no mean feat—both financially and mentally.
In this guide, I have discussed ten of the common problems with a septic tank distribution box (D-box) and how to fix them.
1. Clogging
If you’ve had your septic system for a while, you have probably run into clogs from time to time.
You might have even experienced backups in the system.
Clogging is by far the number one issue with not just the distribution but the entire septic system as well.
The biggest culprit of clogging in the D-box is the damage of the filter which prevents solids from going into it.
When the filter is broken or clogged, solids will find their way to the box causing further clogging.
The problem can also occur if the outlet and inlet pipes to the D-box are clogged.
Solution
To counter the problem, check for any damage in the D-box filter.
You might need to replace the filter altogether to take care of the problem once and for all.
In case of clogs in the inlet and outlet pipes, find out what’s causing the blockages in the first place.
Perhaps the tank is clogged because of introducing the wrong products.
In that case, take care of the problem, clean the pipes, and you will be good to go.
2. Backups
When you see backups in your drains, it points to clogging in the septic tank.
Sometimes, the tank works just fine except the drain box may have malfunctioned.
See, if the D-box is clogged either because of filter damage or blocked pipes, it will not distribute effluent to the drain field efficiently.
As it fills up with effluent, some of it will sip back up past the septic tank and into your home.
Solution
Check your box to make sure it doesn’t suffer from clogs of any kind.
If it has any clogging, call a septic proffesional to get to the root of the problem.
3. Odors
Despite the fact that the septic tank deals with human waste, it shouldn’t be smelly.
Odors emanating from the distribution box are almost always caused by clogging in the septic tank.
Clogs essentially inhibit bacterial action leading to partially processed waste flowing out of the tank.
Also, it causes backups and overflowing both of which cause odors to build up.
Solution
The solution is to inspect the septic system for a clog and apply the measures suggested in Entry 1 above.
4. Leaks
If you witness water leaking out of the D-box, it’s a valid point of concern.
Two possibilities can lead to this. For one, the soils around the septic field may have gotten saturated with groundwater.
This will result in flooding of the drain field and consequently backing up through the box cover. In such a case, redirect the groundwater away from the leach field.
Secondly, leaks can occur if the leaching beds are saturated and clogged because the drain field soil no longer absorbs effluent.
To sort the issue, you will need to unblock a clogged line in the D-box or replace the whole drain field.
5. D-Box Full Of Water
Water leaking out of the distribution box is one thing. It is entirely another to have a box full of water.
The second phenomenon can be caused by groundwater leaking into the D-box.
Ideally, the cover of the box is tight and doesn’t allow much water in. However, if there’s some damage to it, some water will seep through.
The excess water will only flood the drain field and compromise the entire wastewater treatment process.
Solution
The solution to this problem is to repair the distribution cover.
If it is uneven, it will need to be smoothed out.
If leaky, add a foam gasket or compressible rubber between the lid and the edges of the D-box.
Also, consider correcting surface drainage around your property if you can.
6. Uneven Distribution Of Wastewater
If the box distributes the effluent to the drain field unevenly, it means the D-box is not angled correctly or that one or more of its pipes is damaged or clogged.
Repair any damages, carry out replacements, and ensure that the D-box is level.
7. Weather-Related Issues
Weather is also responsible for some of the common problems with septic tank distribution boxes.
For instance, when it rains heavily, flooding and overflow of the D-box may be witnessed.
Additionally, temperatures can dip too low that water freezes in the box causing blockages and worse, cracks in the distribution box.
Solution
Freezing can be solved by having a good slope in the distribution box.
When the box is angled right, wastewater will pass through to the drain field fast thus avoiding freezing.
Talk to your septic company to help with this.
Flooding and overflows need a strategy of draining surface water efficiently.
8. Problems With The Piping Network
Sometimes the arrangement of the pipes coming in and going out of the D-box is affected during its installation or due to changes in the elevation.
When this happens, it can lead to overloading of some of the trenches and zero flow to others.
In the end, the effluent will move slowly (or not move at all) from the septic tank to the leach field.
Check your piping network and realign any affected trenches.
9. Excessive Solid Buildup
Much like a septic tank, the distribution box can suffer from an excessive solids buildup.
Even with a good filter and inlet/outlet pipes, your D-box can suffer from this problem from time to time.
It mainly occurs when the septic tank doesn’t separate liquids and solids adequately.
In that case, determine what is causing the problem in the tank and deal with it accordingly.
This can be cleaning the tank, repairing some pies, or using septic-safe products.
10. Visible Physical Damage
The distribution box is a rugged, hard-to-break piece of equipment. It is thus difficult to damage it.
Nevertheless, vehicle traffic over it or digging in the wrong place can cause damage to the D-box.
Solution
The solution to this problem will depend on the actual damage inflicted on the distribution box.
First, clear the dirt around the box. If there’s any leaking, be sure to wear thick boots.
Check the pipes for any breakages. If any, you need to organize for repair.
Get rid of broken or chipped cement and add new concrete.
Remove the frame and keep looking around for a good bond in repaired areas.
Finally, seal all the pipes going into and coming out of the pipes.
In the future, mark out the septic tank area clearly to deter anyone from putting extra weight on it.
Conclusion
The distribution box is a vital part of the septic system. It holds the effluent and releases it slowly into the environment.
When it fails to work or malfunctions, you run the risk of having backups, leaks, odors, and the other issues discussed here.
You can stop things from escalating by getting to the root of the cause as soon as you can.
Also check: Most Common Septic Tank Pump Float Switch Problems And Solutions
Image sources: 1, 2, 3