Septic Tank Cleaning Error FAQs

Q&A on Septic Pumping Mistakes to Avoid

Septic Tank Access & Covers for Pumping FAQs

How much of the septic tank do I uncover to allow pumping?

Do I have to uncover the whole top of the tank or just a section On 2018-12-08 by Anonymous

- by (mod) -

To clean a septic tank it is normally necessary only to uncover enough of the tank to expose and safely remove the tank access cover not the entire tank cover.

If that requires a lot of digging you may need a hole to be larger to provide safe access without falling into the Tank.

In that case I would add a septic tank riser to make future service easier.

OK to leave septic tank cover openings un-sealed after pumping?

Just had a septic guy come out to empty the tank. He said he didn't have anymore seal to "seal" the septic opening. Is this OK to leave it unsealed? On 2017-02-08 by April

by (mod) -

A septic tank opening that is not being flooded by groundwater ( thus flooding the septic tank in wet weather) may be OK if it's not sealed water-tight.

Watch out: but A septic tank with a cover that could be moved aside by a child or that could allow someone to fall into the tank is risking death for someone.

Does the septic tank cover need to be sealed to the septic tank after a pump-out?

After pump out does a tank need to be resealed? Ours had a seal of concrete originally but none was put back. Thank you (Aug 12, 2015) paul said:

Reply:

Great question, Paul.

Maybe yes. If the septic tank is located where surface runoff or ground water can enter it, the best approach is to direct that water away from the tank. Sometimes that's too difficult or expensive.

Certainly in that case we'd want the tank lid, access covers, and sewer piping connections sealed to keep ground water out of the tank lest we otherwise flood the septic tank, flood the drainfield, and destroy it. Flooded septic systems also can lead to a costly sewage backup into the building served.

 

Is a 3" clean out acceptable for pumping out a septic tank ?

Is a 3" clean out acceptable for pumping out a septic tank ? On 2021-04-10 by Mark McClure

by (mod) - NO

@Mark McClure,

no, not to me.

The most that one could expect with just a 3-inch cleanout is that some of the liquid effluent and a small bit of the floating scum and solids are pumped out.

The technician needs a much larger opening in order to

- use a tool to break up solid scum and sludge layers so that they can be pumped out

- move the pumping hose about in the tank to pick up sludge from various areas

- check the condition of the septic tank inlet and outlet baffles

Since the purpose of the pumping operation is to remove solid scum and sludge, and as it's not possible to do more than a trivial job of that through a tiny opening, I wouldn't want to live with just a 3-inch septic tank cleanout point.

It makes the cost of the pumpout a mostly-wasted expense and it fails to do what's needed to protect the life of the drainfield.

How far away and how far down can a septic tank be from where the septic pumper truck parks?

Great site, all the info is appreciated. I have a tank, installed over ten years ago but as of yet unused, on a steep hillside roughly 200 horizontal feet away from where a vac truck could park.

To make issues worse, there is probably close to 20 feet of vertical lift as well. I know this is a very long run, so I am considering laying a dedicated pipe for pumping next to the sewer line running up grade, I'm thinking 1 1/4" 100 PSI poly pipe. My thought is that the truck to hook onto the top end of the line and pull, and we could put a trash pump at the tank to push.

What are your thoughts? There is not really a better location for the tank available, or we would have used it. Local DEQ selected the site and approved the installation, but its tough for sure.

I have installed 3' of 24" riser over the effluent filter access hole to bring it to grade, so there should be room to manipulate a hose or even lower in a submersible pump. Thanks for any advice you can offer. 24 August 2015 Brad

Reply:

Good question, Brad. Septic pumpers, at least some of them, use a rotary vane vacuum pump and have a good lift capacity. Check with your local pumping company to ask what they can lift.

http://natvac.com/ is a a producer / vendor of vacuum pumps whom we consulted in this matter.

Most septic pumpers with smaller trucks will be close to their pump lift limit but may be able to do the septic tank pumping job, though it will take longer with a typical rotary vane pump used on many pumping trucks. Newer high-lift pumps are available that can lift 30 or even 50 feet using a different technology and the assistance of air in the procedure.

I will expand on the topic of septic pumper truck pump types, pumping rates, lift capacities and sources in a related article and will post a link to it here.

In sum, yes your septic tank can be pumped from 20 feet below the truck parking area.

Actually it's probably more like 30 feet of lift when you add the height from ground to pumper truck tank and the depth of the septic tank from top to bottom. Older 200-300 CFM rotary vane pups may not be up to the job.

A newer type higher vacuum air velocity hybrid pump and larger capacity septic pumping truck may be needed for higher lifts.

Details about the vacuum pumps used by septic pumper trucks will be in a new article:

PUMPER TRUCKS & VACUUM PUMPS SOURCES / SPECS and you will also want to

see PUMPER TRUCK OPERATION PROCEDURE

How to pump out a septic tank on a steep, distant hillside

Great site, all the info is appreciated. I have a tank, installed over ten years ago but as of yet unused, on a steep hillside roughly 200 horizontal feet away from where a vac truck could park.

To make issues worse, there is probably close to 20 feet of vertical lift as well. I know this is a very long run, so I am considering laying a dedicated pipe for pumping next to the sewer line running up grade, I'm thinking 1 1/4" 100 PSI poly pipe.

My thought is that the truck to hook onto the top end of the line and pull, and we could put a trash pump at the tank to push. What are your thoughts? There is not really a better location for the tank available, or we would have used it.

Local DEQ selected the site and approved the installation, but its tough for sure.

I have installed 3' of 24" riser over the effluent filter access hole to bring it to grade, so there should be room to manipulate a hose or even lower in a submersible pump. Thanks for any advice you can offer. On 2015-08-24 by Brad

by (mod) -

Brad:

Details about the vacuum pumps used by septic pumper trucks and the lift and pumping capacity of these septic pumpers are now found at

PUMPER TRUCKS & VACUUM PUMPS SOURCES / SPECS at https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Pumper_Truck_Vacuum_Pumps.php

Most septic pumpers with smaller trucks will be close to their pump lift limit but may be able to do the septic tank pumping job, though it will take longer with a typical rotary vane pump used on many pumping trucks. Newer high-lift pumps are available that can lift 30 or even 50 feet using a different technology and the assistance of air in the procedure.

I will expand on the topic of septic pumper truck pump types, pumping rates, lift capacities and sources in a related article and will post a link to it here.

In sum, yes your septic tank can be pumped from 20 feet below the truck parking area. Actually it's probably more like 30 feet of lift when you add the height from ground to pumper truck tank and the depth of the septic tank from top to bottom.

Older 200-300 CFM rotary vane pups may not be up to the job. A newer type higher vacuum air velocity hybrid pump and larger capacity septic pumping truck may be needed for higher lifts.

Good question, Brad. Septic pumpers, at least some of them, use a rotary vane vacuum pump and have a good lift capacity. Check with your local pumping company to ask what they can lift.

http://natvac.com/ is a a producer / vendor of vacuum pumps whom we are consulting in this matter. When I can get some vertical lift specifics I'll add them here.

When using the septic tank as just a holding tank, how often to pump?

I'm using a septic tank just as a holding tank (no outlet to drain field) tank will be pumped out when full. i was told to pump out tank once a year even if not full is this true. (June 18, 2014) steve f

Reply:

Not in my opinion, Steve. Pump the tank when it is nearly full. Watch out.mfor the case you describe if you don't monitor the sewage level in the tank toilets may back up.

To be smart: install a septic tank alarm system to give you warning enough in advance of a full tank that you can schedule a pump-out.

Otherwise you're asking for a sewage backup into the building.

Septic Pumpout Job Completeness FAQs

Septic company was hired but never completed the work

I hired a company to check out my old system 15 MONTHS AGO. Nothing has been done. In fact, they want me to pay FULL PRICE ($500) for another clean-out, since I'm worried about it backing into my home. After getting permits and surveys, is it possible to switch companies? On 2022-06-07 by Tara

by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - read your contract before paying any money

@Tara,

Hang on, here a moment. Is this right: you paid $500. to a company a year ago and they never did a thing, no inspection, no cleaning, no service, nothing?

Do you have a copy of your contract? If so take a look at it. What was the company obligated to do.

if the terms of the contract were not met

1. Do not pay another cent to the company, and consider asking for a complete refund as they did nothing

2. Find a different septic cleanout company and have them inspect and clean your septic tank.

You don't normally need your own permit or survey simply to have an existing septic tank cleaned and inspected.

But

Watch out: you may have been sold some sort of "insurance policy" for your septic - in which case you collected nothing and probably, in my OPINION, could have spent that money more wisely.

by Tara - one pumpout and thoussands of dollars for a survey, perimits, plans

@InspectApedia-911, No, sorry I wasn't clear. They did one pump out for $500. Then I paid a few thousand for them to get the survey, permits, and an engineered plan.

It has been 15 months; so I feel like I need another pump-out. I also want it done. Also, each of my contacts is no longer there.

Lastly, the engineer told me that the plans were very difficult because we are graded down toward a creek, and have a well, a pool, and neighbors with septic 50 feet from the property line where they'd like to move ours. (NJ) So all that was done was a pump-out, two inspections, and a survey.

by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Tara,

Good grief! You paid thousands of dollars simply for a survey and "plan" ?

Does that mean you and your experts already knew that the whole septic system needs to be replaced: tank and drainfield?

If so, and if you've got nothing for your thousands of dollars, you should contact the company and make clear that they have to either do the work or refund your money.

Pumping the septic tank will not fix a failed drainfield.

by Tara

@InspectApedia-911,
Yes, the money was to identify the problem and get the survey/permit. No work has been done. Because it is a huge project, I went with a company that has been in business for 50 years and has good reviews. I called the engineers and asked if I can switch companies but keep them, just yesterday.

by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - ensure that all contract terms were completed and documentation has been received

@Tara,

Before bailing out be sure that everything that you paid-for has been completed and provided to you: field survey, soil tests, explorations, written reports, design work, permits.

Keep us posted. How your case progresses will doubtless help others.

Is it helpful to remove the sludge and then return the "water" to the septic tank?

Is there benefit to removing sludge, then returning just the water to the tank? Our septic cleaning company charges less if we will have the water returned to the tank. On 2022-04-26 by Barb Langer

by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - No, it's a very bad idea, risks septic system failure

@Barb Langer,

Thanks for a helpful question.

In my experience and OPINION, UNLESS the "water" being returned to the septic tank is very highly-filtered so as to be practically clear, the only benefit of doing so is helping the septic pumping company earn a profit and stay in business.

Watch out: The danger is the following:

The action of pumping solids and liquid effluent out of the septic tank agitates the waste and also macerates solids to a degree as they pass through the septic pump.

As a result the level of fine floating waste inside the pumper truck's tank will be very high - much higher than it was in the septic tank itself before pumping (usually).

If then that fine-particulate wastewater is returned to the septic tank it will readily flow right out of the tank and into the septic drainfield or soakaway beds.

There those particles quickly clog the surrounding soil.

The result can be a significant reduction in the life of the septic drainfield and thus a significant expense to the homeowner when the drainfield needs to be replaced sooner than otherwise would have been necessary.

So as my mentor-friend Tampa home inspector Mark Cramer says: ... it depends.

It depends on how thoroughly the ground, pumped, agitated septic waste in the pumper truck is filtered before it is returned to the septic tank.

Is there ANY filtering at all? If so of what sized particles?

Is it safe for someone to pump our septic tank waste and then put it in someone else's tank?

Is it safe for someone to pump the waste and put it in someone else's tank On 2017-05-28 by Connie -

by Mod - that makes no sense

Connie, the economics of moving your septic tank contents to another septic tank elsewhere would not make any sense whatosever, even if you could physically do so. You'd need a septic pumper truck to evacuate the first septic tank.

At that point the septic pumping contractor will pay a fee to dispose of the septage at an approved treatment facility or dumping location permitted where she operates.

Even if you physically could move your septic tank contents to someone else's septic tank, doing so would overload that tank with too much sewage at once, risking pushing solids into the drainfield and clogging and ruining it.

Does the septic pumper have to remove the floating scum - they said they don't do it

I am having my tank pumped today. My husband said last time it was pumped, the septic guy said they do NOT pump out the scum on the top of the tank. I told my husband they have to, that is part of their job. So I googled it. And it says they are supposed to pump that out.

I am going to watch this new guy pump the septic today, and if they refuse to pump out the scum, I will refuse to pay. Am I correct in this?? On 2022-03-15 by serenna peterson

by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - HIre someone else to do the job correctly

@serenna peterson,

Yes, you are absolutely right. But make that requirement clear before the contractor starts work, not after.

Double compartment Septic Tank - they never pump the first compartment

I have a double compartment septic tank. I have it pumped regularly but I have always opened up the second compartment for pumping.

I suppose there is a lid on the first compartment, but I have never dug it up and had it pumped. When they pump the second compartment is that good enough or should I be opening up both compartment lids?

The guy who pumps it has never said anything about opening up the first compartment.

There is a wall between the two but it is open at the top.

I was thinking he would just put the hose over the wall and do both compartments from the one hole. What do you think? On 2021-06-01 by Double compartment

by mak.church (mod)

@Double compartment Septic Tank,

Please see see SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE step by step photo guideline of how to pump and clean a septic tank - septic tank care

Watch out: the first compartment in your septic tank is where solid sludge and floating scum are separated from incoming sewage or wastewater. That compartment is the most-important one to be pumped regularly, NOT the "second" compartment in your description.

It is possible to remove some of the liquid waste but it is not possible to properly clean and remove the settled solids nor floating scum by simply "reaching over a wall between the two compartments".

By failing to keep the first septic tank compartment cleaned, the accumulated sludge and scum layers ultimately reduce the net free area so much that small floating solids will be sent through your second compartment and out into your septic drainfield, clogging it and thus shortening its life and leading to need for expensive drainfield replacement sooner than otherwise.

Is it good to clean BOTH septic tank compartments?

A septic company is touting that they pump both compartments versus their competitors. I have not found a discussion on cleaning both compartments... On 2020-12-18 by Dana

by (mod) -

Dana:

The first compartment in a 2 compartment septic tank holds most of the scum and sludge; some accumulates, more-slowly, in a second compartment or settling chamber.

Both need to be cleaned, though the second or third etc. compartment usually need less-frequent pumping.

How can we clean sludge out of our septic pumping chamber ourselves?

Hi, we need to clean the sludge out of our pump chamber before an install of a new pump. What is the best way to do this ourselves? Would a wet/dry vac work? On 2021-05-25 by Devon

by (mod) - very dangerous

@Devon,

Are we discussing a septic tank pumping chamber or a sewage grinder ejector pump. The latter is a small basin set into the floor of a basement or crawl space.

A homeowner cleaning out sewage from a pumping chamber is not only facing health hazards, but lacking the proper equipment means that if you use a simple wet-dry vac you're going to probably throw it away after the job; failure to adequately sanitize it means using it again in the future is unsafe.

Watch out: But you should not attempt to clean your own septic tank. It's dangerous, even fatal.

by Devon

It is a septic pump chamber that pumps out our water 250' to a leach field. It is 10x10x7 roughly. I have been in there several times changing out the pump when it goes. It is the bottom of this chamber I would like to clean without having to actually get in there.

Thank you though for your concern about the septic tank. We do have ours pumped out. After reading your article I realized..#1 we are having it pumped out way too often...#2 the company we use never cleaned the bottom. Thanks Dan

by (mod) -

@Devon,

Sewage sludge that may be at sufficient depth as to merit removal from a pumping chamber is not something a homeowner should handle - it needs to be removed by a septic pumping company who then dispose of it at an approved site.

Combine septic tank (the main tank) pumping and cleaning with a cleanout of the pumping chamber.

Once you've done that you should find that cleaning the pumping chamber is needed much less often than pumping the septic tank itself - perhaps cleaning the pumping chamber every fourth septic tank cleanout.

Septic pumping scam claims to remove "just the sludge"

We live in a remote location where pumping costs are up $3000 per visit (large capacity system). Due to this we are trying to keep the visit to one truck and to maximize pump truck volume.

We have been wondering if pumping out liquid into a separate vessel, having the sludge removed then pumping the liquid back in is an effective way of managing this.

Essentially just removing sludge instead of lots of liquid too. Thoughts? Any insight appreciated. On 2021-03-16 by Cliff

by (mod) -

@Cliff,

In my opinion what you describe is a common septic pumping scam - one that risks serious damage to a drainfield as we pump agitated effluent containing a high level of small floating solids back into the septic tank and thus out into the drainfield where the field becomes clogged sooner than otherwise.

That's in part because the return liquid isn 't being adequately filtered.

**IF** you could find a septic pumper truck that could actually filter the effluent sufficiently to make it safe to discharge into the drainfield, then what you want might be technically feasible. That's not going to be a standard septic pumper truck.

Is it correct that I do NOT need to re-fill the septic tank with water after pumping?

I had my septic pumped out and was told I did not need to refill with water. Is that correct? On 2021-02-16 by Don Jlou

by (mod) - the septic tank will re-fill on its own as you use water - but watch out for floating-up plastic or fiberglass tanks!

Don

You should give an extra $50. in THANKS to your septic pumping company for being impeccably honest and working with your own interest in mind.

What your septic pumper told you: (it's not necessary to "re-fill" a septic tank after pumping) is absolutely correct. Dead right. Spot-on.

In normal use, wastewater from your home will re-fill the septic tank in a few days - depending on the size of the tank and the amount of water you use in your home.

There's plenty of bacteria remaining in the septic tank after pumpout and cleaning and plenty more bacteria entering the tank in your wastewater, so that's never a concern.

No septic tank refills are needed nor are any septic treatments or additives needed for a conventional septic tank and drainfield system.

In fact your question is the opposite of a very troubling practice that has been reported by some other readers who described a less-honest septic pumping "service" that pumped out their septic tank and then pumped stirred-up effluent right back into the tank before leaving the job.

That practice is charging for doing almost nothing useful at all, and worse, risks destroying the drainfield by returning ground, agitated septic solids into the tank in a form that flows out into and clogs the drainfield.

I commend your septic pumping company.

But that's not quite the whole story:

Watch out: if your septic tank is a lightweight plastic, HDPE, fiberglass or similar material, when the tank is empty and IF the tank is buried in a wet soils area, there is risk that the tank can float up out of the ground. So IF such a septic tank is pumped out and is in wet soils and IF the building is not going to be occupied and in use (so that the tank is refilled in a few days) THEN there is a floating up risk.

Still I wouldn't return sewage effluent to the tank as floating solids moving out into the drainfield will ruin it. Instead I'd prefer to add some clean water to the tank.

See OIL or SEPTIC TANKS FLOATING UP 

My septic tank filled back up in a day after pump-out - is that a problem?

I pumped out my septic tank and a day later it's full of clear water I pump it out again it fills up again with clear water is this normal On 2021-02-05 by William

by (mod) - septic tank was filled up again a day after pumping

Good question, William;

If the septic tank is pretty small and your daily water usage in the home is high it's possible to re-fill a septic tank in a day or two, but usually it takes several days for the tank to re-fill.

I would check for a couple of things:

- at septic tank pump-out time after the tank is pumped, or even during the pump-out, watch the septic tank outlet end pipe and baffle to see if the drainfield is back-flowing into the septic tank; if it is the field is flooded and in failure.

- in the house look for running toilets or other improper water usage sources

- at the tank again, double check (by inspection) that surface runoff and groundwater are not leaking into the septic tank

Let me know what you find.

See details at SEPTIC TANK BACK FLOODING

and at

FLOODED SEPTIC SYSTEMS, REPAIR

and there is a diagnostic check that may be helpful, described
at
SEPTIC D-BOX FLOODING

Is it normal for the septic pump to stay ON?

Pump to sand filter sporadic.. Works for months then alarm goes off & stops pumping.
Go out fidget with it & it works again.. (I think the float was stuck)

This time after pumping gray water out, the pump stays on.. Is it normal for the pump to stay on, if so.. Will it hurt pump that has no water on impeller? And why would it stay on?
Or should pump stop after pumping all liquids out??
Thank you so very much.. On 2020-11-07 by MARK -

by (mod) -

Mark

That all sounds as if the float control is not working properly; if you are sure that the float itself is never being obstructed or getting stuck then I would replace the switch itself.

Leaving a pump running dry can damage a pump bearing or pump impeller. A result is pump failure.

Other Septic Tank Pumpout Mistake FAQs

Buying a house where the septic tank has never been pumped - should I have the tank pumped beforeinspection?

I'm looking to buy a new house. It was built in 2007 and has a 1000 gallon tank in looking to more info about the exact specifics but they said it has never been pumped. I'm concerned about that. What should I have my inspector look for.

I was gonna have them drain it before inspection but reading your info that doesnt sound smart. Should I jave it pumped prior to inspection. Thanks in advanceOn 2019-11-24 by Joe

by (mod) - NO

Joe

Thanks for the question:

be sure to review HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Certainly there is good information to be found also by pumping a septic tank and inspecting before, during and after that process but NOT before the system receives its initial inspection and test.

Should I pump the septic tank before using Eco Tabs Bio Treatment Tablets to fix my failed drainfield?

I have Eco Tabs Bio treatment tablets to treat my septic system and waterloged tile bed. My question is should pump out my totaly full to the top, tank before I add my Eco Tabs treatmen tabs?
Thank you - On 2019-04-11 by Bob Ash -

- by (mod) - No septic tank additive can fix a failed septic drainfield

Eco-Tabs are a septic tank additive

Bob:

Eco-Tabs are a septic tank additive that claims to improve the oxygenation treatment in the tank.

I am sorry to have to report that:

1. No septic tank treatment will "cure" or "repair" a failed septic drainfield.

2. Pumping a septic tank will also not ever cure or repair a failed, saturated drainfield.

You need an on-site inspection to accurately diagnose the condition of your septic system - is there a blockage or are the leachfields in failure - if the latter, unfortunately, you probably need to re-build the drainfields.

We discuss septic tank additives in detail at

SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS

There we include a description of Eco-Tabs as provided by the company, along with company contact information should you want to get their advice.

Pros and cons of fiberglass vs concrete septic tanks

Concrete or Fiberglass Pros and Cons?

We just got our permit to install a septic tank system on our new property. The more research I do, the more confusing it is. Which system is better, Concrete or Fiberglass? On 2017-05-25 by Niki VB

(mod) - Which system is better, Concrete or Fiberglass septic tanks?

Good Question Niki, and one that's been asked before.

In my OPINION there is no single "best" answer to the choice between a fiberglass or a concrete septic tank. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

If your site is hard to access, a lightweight plastic/fiberglass tank will be easier to get in place and thus you'll save on delivery and installation as well as perhaps have less site damage. But a fiberglass tank also has to be anchored to avoid the risk that in event of a heavy rain an empty septic tank floats up out of the ground - either because it was just installed or because it was just pumped.

A concrete tank avoids the float-up issue and also typically has a heavier cover that is less at risk of damage from heavy lawn equipment driving over the site.

(In general you should not drive a vehicle over the septic fields and should avoid driving over the septic tank).

Connection of risers to bring the septic tank inspection & cleaning port higher if the tank is deep in the soil may be easier with a fiberglass tank; adding a riser to a concrete septic tank will require a bit of sense in sealing the riser to the tank top lest we otherwise flood the tank with surface runoff.

Do a few rocks in in the bottom of the septic tank cause trouble?

We are buying a house that has septic. They pumped it to inspect and found some rocks at bottom of tank.

Septic guy says everything looks fine but won't certify it bc he can't see condition of tank under those rocks.

Our theory is that with a lot of snow the plow may have knocked a few rocks into tank. Do we need to pay for them to remove rocks and inspect condition or is this harmless? On 2017-05-23 by Shari

by (mod) - harnless

A few rocks that fell in during installation or service are harmless. But I absolutely don't want a snow plow driving over or too close to the septic tank.

First, it ought to be impossible for a plow to push rocks into a septic tank. I worry that the tank does not have a proper and safe cover. If someone falls in they are likely to die quickly.

Second if the tank is not rated for withstanding the weight the whole thing could collapse,

Septic tank is overfilling - why? Pumped twice in two week!

Our septic tank is overfilling but not into yard yet. Guy who pumped it says it would have backed up to house except house is higher up than tank.

Why isnt it draining into leechfield. Its a large house with bathrooms and kitchens added.Never had problems in two years and all of a sudden.

Septic was pumped twice in two weeks. Also have clay soil and over seven inches of rain lately. Any ideas? On 2017-05-04 by Bob Aroca

by (mod) -

Bob:

I would start by looking into the distribution box (search InspectApedia for HOW TO FIND THE D-BOX if you need. )

If the D-box is also flooded then the field is flooded, blocked, failed. Your system may be flooding by surface

 

Horse shoe farrier and horse fell into the septic tank

Thank you for this valuable information; although I knew most of it, a good refresher is always helpful, too.

I just wanted to relate an awful / hilarious anecdote about old septic systems. My family lived on a ranch in the West and like all the ranches / farms in the area, we had a septic system.

Over the years, the old system failed go clogged, etc, and my father put in a new leach field plus new tank. The old tank was covered with a couple feet of dirt and 'everybody' knew not to drive there or go around it too close.

One time, the yearly horse shoer (farrier) wasn't able to come and a younger guy came to shoe all the horses in the yard.

One got spooked and fought the guy, then dragged him across the yard (cussing and yelling) and they both ended up in the old septic tank.

Of course there was mostly solids and the guy was able to get out and pull the horse back out too but it could have hurt them both a lot worse. It took the fight out of the horse but the farrier couldn't continue either, for the smell. They both needed to clean up before continuing. On 2017-03-27 by Marty

by (mod) -

Thanks for the comment, Marty. We welcome content questions, critique, suggestions, and ... anecdotes.

Lucky the farrier and horse could get out. Over at a companion article SEPTIC TANK ACCIDENT REPORTS https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Tank_Accident_Prevention.php we report on fatalities.

The methane can not only blow up (a client blew up his septic tank after building a brush fire over it) but it can also quickly asphyxiate someone leaning over a tank or falling into it.

One of my rusty septic tank lid photos shows a hole where my foot went through. Only by throwing myself into the brambles did I avoid falling into the caca.

Daniel

 

Should flooded septic drainfield lines also be pumped out ?

Can feel lines be pumped out I just had my septic tank pumped but I'm informed my feelings are full and they need to be pumped also - On 2017-02-22 by Linda Kennedy jklk6773@bellsouth.net

by (mod) - no: if the drainfield lines are completely flooded then the field has failed and needs replacement

Linda

If you are referring to a septic soakbed or drainfield or leachfield distribution line that disposes of effluent (that is liquid leaving the septic tank), those lines do not need to be pumped and cannot be pumped; rather, if those lines are flooded or contain sewage then the drainfield has failed and needs repair or replacement.

What to do with a septic tank with hard packed sludge in the tank bottom

Just closed on a property, and found out that there is a bunch of hard-packed waste in the bottom of the tank... foreclosure,

property had sat vacant for a few years, likely not pumped out before previous owners vacated. What would a job like this cost for a 1500 gallon tank? What's the best way to remedy the problem? Thanks! On 2015-11-05 by Adam_Miller

by (mod) -

Adam

If the thickness of the settled scum layer is at least 36" below the tank outlet, you might try using the tank for a few months, monitoring to be sure it's not backing-up, and then asking a septic contractor to clean it thoroughly; that'll allow time for the liquid waste to soften the hard-pack.

Could an old condom float to the surface of the septic tank if the tank has been previously pumped out?

Is it possible that after having a hired professional pump your septic tank that a condom could surface that was flushed prior to the professional pump? On 2015-10-24 by Michele

by (mod) -

Yes, Michelle, if the septic tank was not emptied completely and cleaned small items of debris, sewage, and anything else that was either floating in the sewage or settled to the bottom of the septic tank may remain.

Need help with landlord over septic system flooding

6 March 2015 Anonymous said:

Comment:8:07 pm 3/5/2015landlord case,

2/8/2015 do to no maintence or pumpng septic sludge flooded the bottom floor units #1 and #2.Because its hazardous i took family to hotel.

Plumber coming in morning and i assumed a cleaning crew would disinfect carpet/pad and check if the sub flooring was contaminated ,dispose and replace anything that the spill touched.
2/9/2015 after asking what the toilet was doing unattached and laying in middle of floor,thought the place would have been cleaned

instead it was the dumping ground for the upstairs tenants waste because donna did’nt tell anyone it was a septic backup,or even to stop using plumbing till its fixed.

Also removed toys from tub and trashed them(got mad when janelle told her return the property),the when returning property, she also put a notice of disturbance on door;inoperable car could be towed at our expense,and charging 25$ per month for extra car.

Stating in notice “only 2 cars per tenant.So i sent called and ask where in rules or contract that says this….

.And our cars are all running with all insured and registered.

2/17/2015 the eviction notice without cause came the day before my appointment with lawyer,whom says we have proof of retalitory action and in a notice to the landlord dated 2/18/2015.Our health hazard and loss of essential services,is a threat to our health and want the certified cleaning company send the findings and what action taken in mail to me.

Also informed her of no inoperable cars and nothing in the rental agreement saying anything about 25$ for extra cars. In 48 hrs if the problems are not corrected we can terminate the rental agreement.

2/19/2015 i talk to bill,saying that the lawsuit against donna is a go if she dos’nt Stop trying to throw us out and that if i find out that you did not give donna the moneys to get the cleaning company responding and hindered her in her responsibilities, its gonna be your liability and all i ask is that my home is not a health hazard.

2/19/2015 donna sends note written on plain paper”the request you are asking for is not giving me a resonable amount of time to get a repatable company out here to do the testing.I will honer your request but it will take longer than 2 days to get a company out there. I hope to have it done by the end of the next week.”still nothing as of 3/2/2015

Employee civil rights violation

2/22/2015 went to job site told bill that my stones have passed and ready to return to work,he told me to get with mike mon morning.

2/23/2015 mike informs me that i can not return until i drop lawsuit its gonna cost bill lots of money.

2/24/2015 county sanatation inspector called to come and do an onsite inspection of septic system and inform donna the protocol for dealing with septic spill inside home.

I am so depressed and feel like there is nothing i can do to shelter my family getting an eviction is making it hard to find a new place,losing my income too has put me in a place where the inability to shelter and feed my family is making me think about taking my own life,that is what all these actions that my boss/landlord have forced on me.

I want justice and reparations so that i can get a job without fear of my last employer giving me a bad refferal,and the next landlord an eviction.My promised 2 years of lost work or the income plus all the cost to fight. Diminished value of unit for the month of feb.And anytime up until we are assured safe place.
Key wittnesses

Mike chesser (tell ing me cant work till lawsuit is dropped and that im a desireble employee willing to work.
Tom mcgilvra (maintanince,who informed donna about septic tank needing serviced two weeks previous to backup.

And did the repairs.And witnessed donna in our apt. Without a legitamit goul,but to allow more waste from upstairs tenants)

A&s septic system (clearly explains sit.As of the 2/8/2015 and how donna lied to him about the system magically start working again.)

Erin oconnel evironmental serv.Specialist for columbia county land development .(stating that the spill in the hom

6 March Raymond Rackley said: I Didnt mean to be anonymous I need some one to help me.

Reply:

Raymond:

see HEALTH DEPARTMENT HELP for RENTERS

The septic tank appeared to be in good shape but the line running to the D. box is clogging

We bought a house 5 years ago & had the tank inspected & pumped at closing. We had it pumped again two weeks ago. At the time of pumping, the guy said that the tank appeared to be in good shape but the line running to the D. box is clogging.

He said that he purposely did not pump it dry to keep moisture in the line so that it wont harden & clog.

Yesterday, while doing laundry, we had sewage bubbling up out of the septic tank. The service guys are saying that the line between the tank & the D box has hardened & clogged.

Needs to be replaced. Have you ever hear of this? our house was build in 1969 and still has original system. (June 1, 2015) SW said:

Reply:

In can't see what the original septic pumper saw that led him to tell you the septic tank was in good shape.

But IF the line to the D-box was clogging from sewage then solids were leaving the tank, clogging the downstream piping, and ruining the drainfield too. Maybe it was tree roots?

Certainly nobody with an iota of sense and decency would promise you that you were not likely face septic system repair costs on a system that was nearly fifty years old and whose critical components such as the drainf field trenches are buried.

Running a sewer line inspection camera through the septic line between tank and D-box can tell you if that line is damaged, leaking, improperly sloped etc.

Inspecting the D-box can also tell us if the drainfield itself is floode and failed and back-flowing into the D box.