PREVENTING SEPTIC TANK BACKUP INTO HOUSE

Since we are new to having a septic tank, we are learning the ropes as they say.

Recently, the company that installed the system came out to do what they call a "Septic 101" meeting and went over everything with us. What to do, what not to do, how everything worked, early warning signs for issues, maintenance, etc.  It was great.

One thing they suggested getting was a sewer popper cleanout and relief valve.

This is what a standard cap looks like, what it came with, this screw on cap.  It's access to the system to clean out clogs, etc.  What happens is if the sewage ever does back up, it goes to here but then it reaches a screwed on cap, can't escape and keeps flowing...INTO the house via the toilets etc.  Those are the horror stories you hear about sewage backing up into a house, destroying floors, tile, walls, etc.

So, he recommended this.  It is a sewer pop up protection device.  They have several different styles, we bought THIS ONE ON AMAZON.

You can read the details on the instructions above on how it works, how to install etc, but here are some photos of the process and how it works.

First, you unscrew the regular cap...

Then you screw this piece on.  This is it sitting on a hard surface so you can kind of see how it works.  The center piece is just sitting inside, not attached to anything and will pop up like this in the event of a sewer back up.

Here it is in place!  Super easy, took about 5 minutes (if that) to install.  How it works is really just the laws of physics.  If sewage ever starts to back up, it will flow backwards and up into here because of pressure.  But instead of it meeting resistance with the previous, screwed-on cap and heading further up the line into the house (the direction of least resistance), this little valve pops up and out and the sewage will flow out of this (outside) instead of into the house.  Sure, it's a mess outside if that happens but better outside than INSIDE!

Pretty cool little fix and DEFINITELY worth the peace of mind.