septic tank problem

Posted on behalf of David Budnik:

I have a septic system and the problem is the stinky gas coming from the vent pipe on my roof. In my old concrete tank the inlet pipe bent and went below the surface of the scum and into the liquid area. This probably prevented the gas in the tank from exiting up my vent pipe. In my new plastic tank, there is no bend. The pipe ends above the scum a few inches into the tank. Thus, the gas can easily escape back through the sewer line and up the vent pipe.

Every “septic” installer I talk to says this is the way they are designed now and no one else seems to have this problem.

Well, it is a stinky problem for me and I want to eliminate it! My thought is to install an elbow on the inlet pipe and then more straight pipe to take the waste below the scum and into the liquid area of the tank.

My question is how far below the surface of the scum should this pipe extend? My thinking is that if the pipe is too long the solids will collect and eventually plug the inlet.

I would appreciate any advice you could give me.

Thanks!