From: "JohnW" 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Septic vent in yard - new odor
Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 11:36:25 -0400

Our house is approximately 3 years old and we bought it last August 2004.
It has a septic system with drain fields, and a large candycane shaped vent
over the drain fields.  Records show the previous owner had it pumped out
April 2004, and I had it pumped out earlier this month.  There are 6 of us
in the house.

The weather has been rather dry lately, and I have noticed that the grass
over the septic system and drain fields is a bit greener than the other
parts of the yard.  I have heard this can be a sign of a problem (but not
necessarily so) and I looked around the neighborhood and saw many similar
situations--perhaps this is the norm.  Still a bit concerned, however, I
walked our yard yesterday (checking to see if the greener areas were spongy
or had an odor) and was unpleasantly surprised by a strong sewage odor
coming from the yard vent.  We've been here 10 months, and spend
considerable time in the yard, and this is a first.

What should be my next step?  Continue to monitor the situation or get an
assessment? A quick Google indicates this is not all that uncommon to have
an odor from the house or yard vent, and there are various recommendations
for carbon filters.  Should I call the septic guy back and have an
inspection?

Thanks in advance.

John