New Septic, Nasty Smell

You mention ice damage, have temperatures been low since installation? All bacterial activity is slowed at low temperatures but not evenly. This could upset the bacterial balance in your tank, leading to smelly operation.

How well is your tank insulated?

The suggestion has been made to inoculate the tank. Good idea, it will do no harm and may well solve your problem.

Good luck

Here in India I learn that all new septic tanks are initial loaded (I don't know the quantity) with common salt for generating bacteria which decomposes the night soil. It may solve your problem but consult local Civil Engineer first.

Set you a small flame at the end of the vent pipe untill you can get the repairs done on the trap. The flame will burn off the gas and kill the smell.

We always installed a properly installed trap in the line between your home and your septic tank to catch water and provide a water seal to prevent gas oder from backing up.Also,too much of a angle on this pipe could empty your trap when flushing.A crack or leak allowing your trap to drain will also allow this.I would get in touch with the ones who installed your tank and the inspector as inspection is required in most places before the system is covered.Check in your codes.Make sure this trap is in your line or you will be venting your septic tank through your vent and in large burst as you flush.

Bleach from your washing machine,the caustic in Dishwasher detergents,garbage disposal residue and grease will often kill your septic tank bacteria .This is why they were often and still are often piped to a separate smaller tank and systems.These were often called "grease traps".

Please do not attempt to light your vent pipe off as suggested.The right gas and air mix in the pipe will go BOOM!This is rare but has happened.

Normally your drain field will get root bound or plug up with solids before the septic tank goes bad.Septic tanks fill with solids and have to be pumped or dipped out(Dipping is a bad,bad job).I know of septic tanks built out of block in the early 50's that are still great today.They have been dipped and pumped out many times over the years.The drain fields have had to be reworked or extended.Something is WRONG with your system.The vent is there for the relief of air when you have a flush or slug of water traveling down your pipe.Also you normally have a second smaller vent near the kitchen and wash machine with the larger vent for the bathrooms.Without these vents,the action will often blow out the water in your traps and allow odor.

Last,but did happen to a relative.A rotting opossum was found in the vent pipe by removing the pipe.Crawled in and could not back out???Alfred