Hi,
The other posters have some good suggestions. The thing that just leapt out at me was:
"2) The present system is about 6 years old."
Now, some say a septic typically lasts 10-15 years, but ours is 27 years old. I am sure other forum members have systems that are older than that. But six years in my opinion, is WAY too short a life cycle for a septic system.
Even with clay soil, a system should be capable of lasting 15-20 years. Our previous system was an "evapotransporation" type of system, because we had essentially -zero- percolation at 40 inches after one hour. That is BAAAAD.
Our system nonetheless lasted 27 years, and only failed, I am convinced, because we added "soft water" (high sodium) about 3 years ago. Our system has not totally failed, but backs up if we take 4 showers, run the dishwasher and two loads of laundry---all within an hour.
"3) The current system is just the concrete tank and the pipe and gravel field... no aerator, no pump back...nothing fancy."
Well, the ideal septic system doesn’t NEED to be fancy most of the time. My notion is that the need for all of these chlorinators and pumps is a concept “sold” by various interested parties to local health departments, who "require" them. A lot of "fancy” equipment will usually cost more to maintain, and fail sooner than any so-called simple system.
"2 people in household."
Again, this doesn’t make sense, as 2 people should not be able to overload practically ANY septic system. It is possible that 2 people wearing out a septic system within 6 years, means it was improperly installed or configured in the first place.
"6) The area around the septic tank and out into the field is mostly clay. (Which is probably why the septic man wants to go into the woods.)"
Eleven acres if sufficient to create dispersion channels out into the woods.
"Besides, the smell of that graywater running out into the woods,"
Graywater usually means water from washing machines and dishwashers, which is just water and soap, and usually contains no harmful bacteria. It MAY smell, but your septic should be handling this as well. It may be that the graywater is not going through your system, but just being piped out into the top of field.
If it is ONLY soap and water, it will most likely be in accord with “residual effluent” health department regulations. It doesn’t look so nice, and may not even smell so nice. But, is likely poses no health hazard. You could have that standing water tested, and compared to health department codes.
My advice to you is to locate, and hire, a "septic engineer." Ask around to real estate agents and general building contractors. They will be able to provide several names. Or look in the phone book yellow pages. Any “residential” engineer will know how to design a septic system.
It will probably cost $80-100 for him (or her) to come out and fully evaluate your current system. If it has failed or is failing, he will create complete blueprints for a proper replacement system, that will of course not only handle your septic needs, but also conform to all health and building codes.
I got estimates from $1,500 to $20,00 from various "experts' I consulted. They all were trying to sell me something. In the end, I got the best and straightest answer from the state-licensed engineer.
He charged me $550 for the evaluation and new septic plans. Total cost will be around $6,000. No, I don't like to spend it, but am assured that it is really what I need, and hopefully, I won't have to come back (in six years) and do it over again.
Also, do a search in the TBN forums on “septic” and “septics.” There have been a couple of long and very good threads on septic systems, wouldn’t ya’ know.
All the best,
