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Septic Repair in Fort Smith, AR

Free referral service. Fort Smith Septic Help is not a septic company. We connect homeowners in the Fort Smith area with local septic providers, who do the work and quote you directly.

Backups, odors, a tank alarm going off, or a cracked lid? We'll connect you with a local septic provider who can find the problem and quote the repair.

Common septic repairs

• Broken or missing baffles in the tank
• Cracked or damaged tank lids and risers
• Clogged or broken pipes between the house and the tank
• Failed pumps, floats or alarms on systems that use them
• Problems with the distribution box or lines to the drain field

If the drain field itself is failing, see drain field repair.

Warning signs

The EPA lists sewage backing up into the home, very slow drains, gurgling plumbing, standing water or damp spots over the tank or drain field, sewage odors, and unusually green, spongy grass over the system as common signs of a failing system.

A smell doesn't always mean failure. The EPA notes that odors can also come from a blocked or frozen vent pipe, or from wind patterns pushing vent air down. A provider can tell the difference on site.

Arkansas repair permits

Arkansas rules make it unlawful to start construction, alteration, repair or extension of an onsite wastewater system until the owner has a permit from the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent. The installer has to notify the authorized agent at least 24 hours before starting. For emergency repairs, work can start without that notice as long as a permit is obtained within 10 working days. Your provider should know the process. Ask them who pulls the permit.

Check your provider's license

Arkansas licenses septic work through the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Companies that pump or clean septic tanks need a Septic Tank Cleaner license; septic installers need an installer license; and soil tests and system designs are done by licensed Designated Representatives. ADH has a searchable database of onsite wastewater licensees, linked from its Onsite Wastewater FAQ page.

Sources: U.S. EPA, Resolving Septic System Malfunctions; 14 CAR § 21-301, Code of Arkansas Rules (permits); Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater FAQs.