Can the pipe from the septic tank to the leach field be plugged?

Question

tank isnt draining. what can we do?

Answer 1

Determine if the pump is working. If it is, next thing is to check if there is sewage seeping anywhere on the ground. Pipe usually cannot be plugged because it has to go through the pump first. The pipe however can be eroded or split. most likely a pump problem. Call in a honey wagon, then pull up the pump. Have pump checked

Answer 2

The line to the leach field absolutely can become plugged. The real problem that you may have is that usually by the time the line to the field is plugged the leach lines are also plugged. This is usually the result of not properly maintaining the tank.

Septic tanks must be pumped from time to time. The amount of time between depends upon the size of the tank and volume of solids dumped in, but every tank needs to be pumped at some point. If not, eventually the solids will reach a level that allows for solids to enter the leach field.

It is also possible that the pipe is just crushed, they are often near the surface and not heavy enough to take any traffic. Older installations are especially bad for this, under the right circumstances some of the older pipe can be crushed with a lawn mower.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this could get expensive. If solids are in the leach field it will probably have to be replaced. If the pipe is simply crushed, it may not be quite so bad. Either way, you will have to have your tank pumped and the problem fixed. There is not much you can do to get by with this the way it is.

This is not a job to tackle on your own. The work should be completed by a licensed contractor. Generally you can legally complete this work on property that you own, but you will have to get proper permits and follow some fairly strict guidelines. Call the agency in your area that licenses septic systems for a list of contractors.

If you work on a septic system without proper permits, you can be subject to substantial fines. In many states the fines are mandatory, so you are better in the long term to do it right.

Also, there are grants or low interest loans available in many areas for correction of septic tank problems. Sometimes there are income limits with these programs, but they are generally high. Ask about this when you call for a list of contractors as well.

Answer 3

First of all: the tank does not have to be pumped "from time to time": this is an urbane legend and, putting stuff into a tank to "help it" is also an urban legend.
Your tank, operating normally should in all respects run well under normal conditions. It should take care of itself unless there's a problem. Trees near the drain field, the roots run for the water supply, your drain field, etc.
Call "Roter-Rooter" and they'll run a auger through the lines for roots, it'll take care of any plugs also.

Forget about all the serious stuff, worry about that after the drain lines are unplugged. You might have to get the tank pumped also, this would be a good idea now, it will run from $75.00 to $150.00 each area is different.

If your lines and drain field are in trouble, they'll let you know, then worry about all the other stuff. Get the tank pumped, the lines cleared.

Answer 4

It could be the pipe between the holding tank and leach bed. It comes out your house to a septic tank, from there to a holding tank probably of cinder block to allow liquids to escape and not overflow and then continues to the leach bed. Pump out the tank unto leach bed with a submersible pump and you'll be good for a year.

Answer 5

Could be loads of things (tree roots, time to have your tank pumped, broken pipe ... ), you can call a septic tank service - that's all they do. You can research it yourself:

Septic tank troubleshooting:
http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt9403.html
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD7040.html

Answer 6

In addition to all that was stated in the other answers,in which I agree w/most info,around here lately our problem has been with water from heavy drainage has moved sediments and solids around, creating more restrctions in the pipe. when you do get it cleared look at what comes out first from any clean-outs you may have.