recently, we've discover a sewer smell inside our home. We've ahd this smell before and found that we have a septic tank in our backyard. We called to have the tank pumped out about two year ago. We've asked around and others told us to buy the septic clearners to pour in the toilet to clean the tank out. It worked for a few months but now the smell is back and we've notice that the basement aslo have water leaking through the basement walls by the washing machine and drainage area.The basement has a much stronger smell to it then the livingroom area. We've tried to pour the solution but it hasn't worked yet..PLZ HELP!! Should i call the people again and have it drain out again; Or is there a cheaper solution that will work? We are getting pretty sick of this aweful and annoying smell!!! Thank you for the prompt and usefull suggestions

You have had a recurring odor and seem to have moisture infiltration into the basement. Lets talk about how things work. Pumping the septic tanks is intended to remove solids and floating scum that are "indigestible" by the anaerobic organisms. The septic tank must discharge treated liquid to a leach field. Depending on conditions of use, you should maintain (pump) the tank every 2 to five years. Did you pump the tank, or just add enzymes?

If water is backing up in the drains or vents you may have a leach field problem. You won't have to guess, a backup means drains quit working. The expense of a new leach field is very high. The best way to avoid this expense is to properly maintain the tank. The additives you flush down your toilet are not the answer.

Be more specific on what you have done (pumping) and when. Also, very wet and cool weather can adversely affect performance. you might want to mention your approximate location and weather conditions when you notice the problem. Finally, be sure all vents are free. The stacks through the roof can become obstructed and cause odor problems.

Thank you for the respond. We did pump the tank out about 2 yrs ago. Just recently we bought the solution to pour in the toilet.
We don't have anything that backed up into our drains, both the toilets flushed fine.
We didn't even think about the roof part..Thanks...we'll ck that out.I'm not fimiliar with this at all so forgive me for not being able to described to you in the right way. We live in Ny and gets lotsof snow then when the weather gets to be a bit sunny and warm(30's-40's) all this snow melts.Therefore its hard for us to say that the sept area is flowing out or the wet is from the melted snow.I think to be safe we'll take your suggestion and call the septic people and have them come over to pump the tank out or drain the stuff out. Thanks so much again!!!

Seasonal high water tables caused by low infiltraion and runoff rates can result in a flooded leach field. This is not the same as field failure, but exhibits the symptoms you describe. This can be a difficult problem to solve. Curtain drains and grading can help keep excess surface water from flowing into the leach field area. Sometimes where water tables are chronically high, mound or aerobic systems are used.

The guy who drives and operates a septic pump trick may not have your answers. A sanitarian with the county or consulting / engineering company may be able to better identify the problem and solve it, rather than just treat the symptoms.