Septic System Problems?

Question

We had a septic system installed about 1 year ago with a 1200 gallon holding tank. The guy that installed in put in 100' of leachfield but our ditch gets alot of water when we shower and do a couple of loads of laundry. Do we possibly need more leach field? I know nothing about them but we heard from everyone around that the installers were the best in the area.

Answer 1

Yes, more field line should be added. Your soil not absorbing the water as fast as it being used. They make a big todo out of this stuff, but, most people that wanted it correct before the Health Department screwed it up as their way still not work, people would install 100 feet of field line. If, sewage seeped to the top of the ground, they install another 100 feet. A crude way of doing this, but, this what still has to happen if a "Perk Test" not tell the truth.
Something we always do, when the field line connected to the Septic Tank we would add two extra Tees, with caps, before the field line connection. What this do is give places over the years to Tie in new lines. Being before the original line we felt they not be as hard to clear of Debris.

Answer 2

Independent studies have shown that adding bacteria or yeast makes no difference unless you have managed to kill the naturally occurring bacteria in the system. Even then bacteria reproduces so fast that it will replace itself quickly. The wet spot do indicate a drainage problem. One thing that happens to the soil around your leach lines, especially in clay and silt soil is hardening from nitrates. This is not the same as the other post about sediments. The nitrates cause the fine particles of soil to bind together. If you can locate the lines sometimes breaking up the soil around them and mixing in Gypsum can restore permeability. If the lines themselves are in good condition this could be the problem. Where I live the contractor did not even put any rock or gravel around the drain lines. Almost everyone has had problems. I have an aerobic system so I don't worry about it. My system has sprinklers that water the yard.

Answer 3

You say that your ditch gets a lot of water? where does this line end? and have you checked the tank through the access hole to see if you need to have the solids removed? if you are getting water coming to the top of the ground then there isn't enough field line and don't be surprised if a Health Department Official shows up at your door sewer water is not supposed to run into a ditch the Idea is to leech into the ground

Answer 4

Yes, get back to the installer. This doesn't sound right. Hopefully no one has been driving over the drain field or nothing heavy has been stored in the field or septic area...if so that could void your warrenty.

Answer 5

Is there a proper slope away from the living area? And you might investigate the possibility of a blockage in your plumbing. A new septic should not be performing like that.