Household Septic System

txdon · Mar 19, 2015

When was the last time the tank was pumped out. They do fill up in 5 to 20 years depending on type/size/usage, and when they do the sludge goes into the line and the system fails and backs up. Thats what happen to my Dads (emergency pump out and line replacement during Christmas)- after he bragged about never having to pump it out. I get mine pump mine out every 5 years and it is just about full.

forgeblast · Mar 19, 2015

I pumped mine this summer. When we moved in the previous owner had a ceramic cat statue (yep) over the top of the septic, well that didnt last a winter and I though I marked down exactly where it was. Couldn't find it, over the years we did some landscaping etc.... Had a guy come out to find it and I started digging. I think I was 2 -1/2 to 3'' down before I found the top. I added risers 3-4 sections and then put a paver stone over the top of the lid, to make the next clean out much easier.

jlgurr · Mar 19, 2015

txdon said:
When was the last time the tank was pumped out. They do fill up in 5 to 20 years depending on type/size/usage, and when they do the sludge goes into the line and the system fails and backs up. Thats what happen to my Dads (emergency pump out and line replacement during Christmas)- after he bragged about never having to pump it out. I get mine pump mine out every 5 years and it is just about full.

We moved in December 2005 and it's not been pumped since we've lived there. Sounds like we ought to get more serious about finding the access lid. It's a 1500 gallon tank, which sounds quite large.

doxford jim · Mar 19, 2015

In BC we are supposed to have risers on all large openings as dictated by the new regulations (2005).
My septic tank top is 4ft down and the tank is approximately 5ft deep. The outlet from the house is around 4.5ft down as it goes into the tank at the top of the side. The tank is around 20ft from the house.
My guess is to look for the tank around 15ft from the house and you might even have risers that have been covered up with dirt. It would be worth your while to find out where it all is and then make it so you can inspect and pump it easily - it will pay dividends down the road.

Paul Thornton · Mar 19, 2015

I always do the digging to access the tank cover, it saves me money.

mark02tj · Mar 19, 2015

dmccarty said:
I try to pump our tank every Presidential election.

That's also kind of symbolic considering the last several elections! :laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

MacLawn · Mar 19, 2015

Like Erma Bombeck said, the grass is always greener over the septic tank.

Here's wha' I do when I need to locate an underground water pipe:

1. Cut two pieces of #12 copper wire about 18" long each
2. Bend into L shape
3. Loosely hold the short end of L in ye hands, long ends pointing straight from ye parallel to ground
4. Walk around where ye think tank/lines are
5. The long ends of wire WILL slowly turn inwards when ye cross over underground pipe

Mock all ye want scientific boys, this works.

GPintheMitten · Mar 19, 2015

Pumping out every presidential election is not only symbolic but sounds like good therapy.

I think I'll adopt that schedule/therapy.

Paul Thornton · Mar 19, 2015

MacLawn, works for me too.

jlgurr · Mar 19, 2015

MacLawn said:
Like Erma Bombeck said, the grass is always greener over the septic tank.

Here's wha' I do when I need to locate an underground water pipe:

1. Cut two pieces of #12 copper wire about 18" long each
2. Bend into L shape
3. Loosely hold the short end of L in ye hands, long ends pointing straight from ye parallel to ground
4. Walk around where ye think tank/lines are
5. The long ends of wire WILL slowly turn inwards when ye cross over underground pipe

Mock all ye want scientific boys, this works.

Does this method require a certain material used for the pipe; i.e. cast iron, terra cotta, PVC?

Do you lay the two "L"'s together in one hand or do you have one in each fist alongside each other with their long sides back to back?