Over time, your septic system can start to produce gases (primarily methane) that deteriorate concrete. This can be a big problem for your D-Box, a part of your septic system that is completely made of concrete.

The distribution box, or D-Box, is a crucial component of your septic system. Like the name suggests, this part takes the water from your septic tank and distributes it to your drain lines.

When you use a water source in your home — your sink, washing machine, toilet, etc. — the water you use goes down the drain to your septic tank. Once the water in the septic tank reaches its limit of 900 gallons, every gallon of water that enters the tank will push another gallon of water through an outlet pipe to the D-Box.

Then, the same sort of process is repeated in the D-Box. The water reaches the container’s capacity and enters the drain lines. If the D-Box is not working like it’s supposed to, you could have a major clogging issue on your hands.

D-Boxes don’t last as long as septic tanks because they are a lot smaller and thinner and are made of concrete. That’s why D-Box issues are some of the most common septic problems we find during our inspections.

Here are some of the issues that can come up with your D-Box:

• Lid needs replaced
• Entire D-Box disintegrates over time, needing complete replacement
• Lines need to be unclogged, reset, or untangled
• Excessive backing up of indoor plumbing

The distance between your septic tank and D-Box is not fixed. Rather, it depends on the layout of your property. But here are some tips that can help you track it down a little more easily:

• Look for any sunken areas in your yard. The depression will be a couple feet wide and will be located between the tank and the drain lines.
• Track down your septic system plan or drawing. These would have been filed when your county environmental health representative approved the septic installation plans.
• When you find the D-Box, record the distance between from the tank. Keep this record in a safe place you will remember if you have to find it again.
• If all else fails, ask us for help! We have the expertise to help you track down your D-Box in no time.