Just a reminder for those with septic systems

[JK22]

I bought my house in 2013, it was built in 1994. The original owners are in FL in a nursing home (AFAIK). The owner previous to us died just before closing; even if he knew (doubtful), it's irrelevant now. The owners previous to him are useless, I wouldn't trust him to tell me where the front door is.

I have no clue where the septic tank is located nor the laterals (if that's the correct term). We don't get enough snow here to make a difference and during the last drought (last year) nothing was obvious (i.e. obvious greener grass).

So, any ides on how to find the septic tank that don't involve $$$?

Thanks,

Not sure where you are located, but you should be able to get the info from the county health department (assuming your septic system was permitted).

 

[Zerk]

I don't have a disposal. But are they that much different than another person in house?

Grinding up fatty meat would be bad.

Personally I have no interest in one. Have to turn it on. Plus not like it is hats to scrape plate.


I spray down small amounts of food that fit.

 

[teejk]

I bought my house in 2013, it was built in 1994. The original owners are in FL in a nursing home (AFAIK). The owner previous to us died just before closing; even if he knew (doubtful), it's irrelevant now. The owners previous to him are useless, I wouldn't trust him to tell me where the front door is.

I have no clue where the septic tank is located nor the laterals (if that's the correct term). We don't get enough snow here to make a difference and during the last drought (last year) nothing was obvious (i.e. obvious greener grass).

So, any ides on how to find the septic tank that don't involve $$$?

Thanks,

You can get a pretty good idea simply by observing your inside waste plumbing. I don't think I've seen one that didn't leave the house at a straight line to the tank (no sense getting a "hang-up" before it gets to the tank). Length from the house...if you have a clean-out in the house (or maybe even a floor drain close to the exit which I guess satisfies code) a garden hose or drain snake or even a piece of stiff wire can be run through the pipe to tell you the length to the tank (protect your floors of course and maybe wear gloves). From there you should have a good idea of location. Get a sharp stick or something and start probing in that area. You have no idea how deep it is so it may take awhile.

 

[PILOON]

LOL, where the grass is greener!
Actually , here, the first snow is the best indicator. Only over the septic does the snow melt, Actually have seen a 4 x 8 melted outline showing that 750 gal tank. Also about 3' melted circles indicating the access lids.
Careful logistics can help. Smallest window indicates the loo. Septic line generally starts there, Then vegetation also helps. No trees in a septic field and the field wants a level area.
Most municipal bylaws stipulate tank has to be 6=7 ft from a house.
The tank/field wont be uphill unless the terrain is impossible, generally slightly downhill from the house.

I once did a survey with our inspector and we determined about 90% of the installations simply using logic.
LOL, small window, 4" pipe downwards but with a 12" tree within 3 ft of that window suggested no proper system.*
(When advised owner installed proper system.)

* ever try to run pipes thru tree roots?
Well the owner had simply dug a big hole and added crushed stone in a barrel.

 

[Zerk]

Well the owner had simply dug a big hole and added crushed stone in a barrel.

Lots of camps were done this way, or old oil tanks. Works fine, if not used alot


Fluids drain out, its not rocket science.

 

[TomSeller]

"GST" which was known as the "grab and squeeze tax". .

Trump should adopt that name for our current tax system.

 

[Looking4new]

GST= gouge and screw tax.
HST= hose and screw tax.
While we are talking tax, we also have a Provincial income tax on top of the Federal income tax.
We can vote with our pockets/wallets, but it won't make any difference. It doesn't matter which political party gets in, they all sock it to us anyway.

 

[Zerk]

Trump should adopt that name for our current tax system.

He is working on changing it. But I am doubtful anything will change.

 

[check]

Gotta agree here. I had a septic that I dug and cemented myself following plans supplied by the gov't at the time. It was 4' x 8' x 4' with 2 compartments and it went to a 10' absorption pit (approved at the time). After 22 years of usage I decided to have it pumped as my tenants were complaining of poor operation. Well the pumper told me it looked like a 3-4 year old system that had never been pumped. The only problem was feminine products that had clogged the lines. ( he sucked the lines dry with his pumper and displayed the findings) Back then my total outlay was labor and some $50. for cement plus the blocks for the dry well as well as a truck load of crushed stone . I would guess the total was not more than $250 'out of pocket'. Today with all the laws expect to spend more or less $20,000. Heck, today they want a soil engineer to sign off ($$) and if they like that* then another ($$) permit and say goodby to some $20,00K + . * if they don't add another round of soil tests. Shucks, a small hole and a 5 gal bucket of water and I'll confirm as to soil absorption (just like in the good ole days and I don't charge $500/test)

Built our cottage in 2002. Just had to dig a 5' deep hole at the proposed leaching field site so that the inspector could observe ahead of time what the "Percolation Rate" of the soil was. ( Not too fast, and not too slow.). Pretty simple procedure. The whole system cost us only $7,000 back then, and that included a (liquid only) pump tank and line up to the leaching field, since the septic tank could fit nicely beside the cottage, but the leaching field was uphill from the cottage. Pretty cheap IMHO.

 

[FTG-05]

Not sure where you are located, but you should be able to get the info from the county health department (assuming your septic system was permitted).

OK, I'll call them today. Thanks!