Questions & answers on using a seepage pit or "drywell" to dispose of septic tank effljuent.

This article series explains what a drywell or seepage pit is, gives safety and maintenance advice for drywells / seepage pits, and defines the criteria for drywell failure. We also explain a useful difference between a drywell (accepts only graywater) and a seepage pit (accepts septic effluent).

Seepage Pits Questions & Answers

These questions and answers about septic system seepage pits were posted originally

at SEEPAGE PITS - please review the definitions and specs given there.

On 2019-05-02 by (mod) - How long can a septic tank with 2 seepage pits last?

Cath

In the INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES found at the end of this article you'll find SEPTIC TANK LIFE

Depends on the tank material and other factors.

I suspect you want to ask about seepage pit life.

At 60 years old, zero oredictable life remaining

On 2019-05-02 by Cathu

How long can a septic tank with 2 seepage pits last? We are buying a house with a 60 year old system.

On 2018-08-27 by (mod) - how to diagnose the condition of the seepage pit?

Watch out: first concern: pumping can cause collapses of some seepage pits - depending on construction, making for a very dangerous, even fatal situation if someone falls-in. Don't walk over or lean over the septic tank, cesspool, or seepage pit. The results can be fatal.

To understand the condition of a seepage pit your contractor will open it and look at the wastewater level.

Experts I've read all cite the same point: when the pit is nearly filled it's at end of life. If the level in the pit was below 2/3 it's got remaining life.

Efforts to extend life are of questionable effect/benefit/legality.

On 2018-08-27 by phil

I have a septic tank to seepage pit septic system (3 bedr, 1 bath house, no soft water system) that has worked fine for more than 30 years.

Seepage pit has a 6 inch vertical perforated pipe down the center of it to take liquid effluent from the septic tank).

What diagnostics can be done to determine how well my gravel filled seepage pit is working (perc test on seepage pit, other)?

What can I do to improve the ability of my seepage pit to take fluids as, for the first time, there has been some overflow of sludge and or scum in to it from the septic tank and there may be (not confirmed yet) some plugging to seepage pit). Since I just got the septic and seepage pit pumped, anything I can do to diagnose and or treat the gravel filled seepage pit since in this post pump state? If there currently a unique diagnostic or treatment opportunity?

On 2018-02-27 23:48:59.477058 by (mod) -

I don't understand how these things are precisely connected, Carol, perhaps: dust mite allergies affecting vision? In any event you need to ask for help from a local health and human services agency and from your doctor. This is not something you can fix by internet query. Sorry.

On 2018-02-27 17:50:21.658950 by Carol Smith 508-728- 0083

I can't see Well due to mites infested in home, water, appliances Air Bourne ! Have a Pit for washing machine I think too close to tap water! Cracks in faucets leaks my home is hazardous to my health !! In fear of spouse who Won't allow me to have Anyone come here for mite infestation !! Everywhere microwave refrigerator washing machine water!!

On 2017-12-08 13:19:54.032649 by (mod) -

Millie,

Once a cesspool has failed it is not repairable.

Steps such as pumping or treatment are only at best very temporary and very limited and benefit.

So when the Cesspool is no longer working, which you can determine by noticing that the level in the pool is near the top, it's time to discontinue its use, and to replace it.

On 2017-12-08 04:26:40.500328 by MILLIE

Do you think I could repair it or do I need to replace it with a newer one. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated!

I have a cesspool. House built in 2001 in kailua-kona hawaii. I have been having problems with seepage and smell. I have had it pumped 3 times since. The most recent pumping was sept 2017. And,the serviceman did a chemical treatment 2 weeks ago. We have lava rocks which the excavator had to dig. Now, it's still seeping through the rock walls. I don't have guests using the facility, so problem isn't as bad. Any suggestions?

On 2017-11-25 21:32:33.419381 by (mod) -

Steve,

An accurate guess at the cost to add a seepage pit onto an existing septic tank and system will depend on where you live, local soil conditions, ease of site access, and size of pit needed. Keep in mind that seepage pits may not be permitted where you live so you might start with a check with your local health or building departments.

A typical cost to install a seepage pit or drywell in North America (you don't say where you live) is about $3,600 but costs range from under $1000. to over $12,000.

On 2017-11-25 18:37:44.163287 by Steve

What does it cost to install a seepage pit to an existing septic tank?

On 2015-04-14 20:52:11.118580 by (mod) -

Frank:

There is "work" in the sense of getting rid of wastewater: a properly constructed seepage pit that is also properly distanced from your trees can do that.

at CONTINUE READING in the ARTICLE INDEX you'll see articles giving more details about the effects of trees or other plants near septic systems.

But no seepage pit that discharges wastewater more than a couple of feet below the ground surface will adequately treat the sewage effluent - because of the absence of aerobic bacteria deeper in the soil. So you will be discharging contaminants to the environment, maybe to your own drinking water well.

On 2015-04-14 19:25:32.224710 by frank

the yard is full of trees I have a area that will fit a septic pit how well do they work ???

On 2015-03-31 19:27:24.876830 by (mod) -

Use the "Click to Show or Hide FAQs" link just above to see recently-posted questions, comments, replies

Question:

(June 2, 2014) Paul Hetyei said:
My seepage pit has been tested and has failed the test.The septic company told us they can't repair the pit but must replace the entire septic system. I live in state of NJ. Is this true what thay are telling me

Reply:

Paul.

Unfortunately for your wallet, many municipalities won't allow ner / replacement seepage pits. It's because their depth excludes waste treating areobic bacteria from the process. In short, a seepage pit may dispose of liquid effluent but it it not adequately treating it. Instead it contaminates the environment.

Question:

(Mar 18, 2015) tomshader@aol.com said:
Your article says "Fortunately there are alternative onsite wastewater disposal alternative designs which can handle limited or even zero-space sites, so a simple seepage pit as a destination for blackwater effluent is no longer the only choice for limited-space sites." What alternatives?

Reply:

Tom

At the References section of most of the articles in this series there are citations such as work by Anish Jantrania who has described a completely above-ground wastewater treatment system. Since Anish wrote his text, several companies have begun advertising small wastewater treatment systems suitable for residential properties.

...

Continue reading  at SEEPAGE PITS - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Drywell & Cesspool Articles

• CESSPOOLS
• CESSPOOL FAILURE CRITERIA
• CESSPOOL AGE ESTIMATES
• CESSPOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
• CISTERNS, WATER STORAGE
• DRYWELL DESIGN & USES
  • DRYWELL SAFETY CONCERNS
  • DRYWELLS ARE THEY ACTUALLY DRY?
  • DRYWELL / SEEPAGE PIT SPECIFICATIONS
  • DRYWELL / SEEPAGE PIT CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
  • DRYWELL / SEEPAGE PIT COLLAPSE or FAILURE
• GREYWATER SYSTEMS
• SEEPAGE PITS
• SEPTIC TANKS - home

Suggested citation for this web page

SEEPAGE PIT FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

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Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

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