My leachfield is wet!!! What does this mean?? System was installed 7 years ago, tank has been pumped regularly. Called GC and he said to call the excavating contractor and have him take a look at it. GC mentioned system failure or possible overuse (new baby in house). Any thoughts or suggestions??
2007-09-22 11:30:37 · 4 answers · asked by shark4279 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
This is the 4th house ive had that has a septic system. So im speaking from experience.
Washing laundry is probably the culprit here. That laundry water has chlorine bleach and harsh detergents in it and it destroys the bacteria in the septic tank itself.
What ive done and it works well it to dig a hole in the back yard about 4x4x4 feet and fill that with crushed large stone. Then run a pipe from the washer right into that hole. That will avoid the septic tank and Im nearly 100% certain this is a permanent fix for you.
On pumping a tank, it is totally un necessary to pump a tank annually. A properly working tank needs pumping once in 7 to 10 years. Surprised, well dont be because your advice on annual pumping came from people who make money off pumping tanks.
Those additives that you add to the septic tank to increase bacteria and enzymes are another waste of money. Plenty of bacteria in that tank. Just keep out the detergents and chlorine and it will work fine.
Thats my experence over the last 40 years on septic tanks. Ive had clay soil, sand , gravel and even a coal pit under my finger system.
Good luck.
2007-09-22 12:08:33 · answer #1 · answered by James M 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't go along with the bleach or the soap, I have had septic tanks for over 65 years. All these are biodegradable now and you can use them safely without worrying.
The problem is the way the leach field was put in, it's as simple as that. I've had county tests made for "gray water" for pumping on to the garden from the washer and bath water, although they wouldn't allow it, they said it was O.K. they use this water in the Southwest where water is scarce, they use it on they're gardens.
If you didn't have the right peculation rate, the way the liquid ran into the ground, if they even took one, then you might be in trouble. If they didn't check the pea gravel or the back fill or any of the other steps in which they might have skimped by on, your in trouble.
A leach field should last you a lifetime, that's what they're set up for, not ten years, or fifteen years, but a lifetime. Mine is forty five years old and, I wash clothes every day, we had five kids raised here, washed every day. And, in fact, we just had the tank pumped for the first time in memory last fall.
A new baby in the house will not fill the leach field. You may have to have a new field put in but, it's because the old one wasn't put in right.
2007-09-23 06:31:25 · answer #2 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two problems I can see happening. One is that you are using an excessive amount of water or have a leak. Check the toilet(s) to make sure the tanks are not overflowing or the flappers allowing water to seep into the bowl. The other problem is that your leachfield is past the saturation point (which could still be from excessive water use/leaks. Septics do nothing as far as the water is concerned. Solids are "ate" by the live bacteria in the tank. The water level will overflow the tank if too much is used and go to the leachfield. Using high amounts of bleach can kill the bacteria in the tank.
2007-09-22 20:14:38 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree with the first two mostly the second,,check with dept of enviromental control to find out what material was used ,it may have been protocol and under warranty,,also they can help get the installer back out to investigate if hes still in business
2007-09-22 20:39:13 · answer #4 · answered by stash1340 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋