Mowing Mowing with CUT on Spetic System Lines?

[KiotiJohn]

One thing you may want to check on the system is whether the lines going from the tank to the drains were sealed properly.
My brother just had a new raised septic system in, and within a few weeks, it was pouring out of all different sides and top of the mound. What was happening was that the installer did not seal the pipe connections and any and all rain that came down got directly into the tank and lines. Then, coming off the mound went right back into the lines again, a viscious cycle. This could be the problem you're having as well. You should not have to pump out your septic system for many years if it's working properly, and you stated you "suck it out" regularly which leads me to believe you're getting ground water into the tank and lines just as in my brother's case.
John

 

[tillboy2001]

When I say regularly, I mean like every 4 years. I think it may have been done twice since 1996 when it was installed. It's saturated pretty much the entire length of 2 of the leach lines...so that's what bothers me. I keep thinking for some reason the soil isn't absorbing it. It stayed pretty damp all through summer too. You know how soil gets nasty, stinky and really black around a leaky leach line? It's sort of like that. Fortunately grass is still growing pretty well over it, but it's very soggy there.

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( When I say regularly, I mean like every 4 years. I think it may have been done twice since 1996 when it was installed. It's saturated pretty much the entire length of 2 of the leach lines...so that's what bothers me. I keep thinking for some reason the soil isn't absorbing it. It stayed pretty damp all through summer too. You know how soil gets nasty, stinky and really black around a leaky leach line? It's sort of like that. Fortunately grass is still growing pretty well over it, but it's very soggy there. )</font>
Very likely that system was not right from the start. You should not have had to pump that tank nearly that often. We have pumped our tanks on average, about 20 years.
There's no way that is should always have been wet and smelly. The part you posted about aerobic bacteria is beginning to sound quite feasible in this situation, and you may be in for a new leach/drain field.
John

 

[tillboy2001]

It's not that I HAD to get the tank cleaned out. I just thought it was a good idea to do it. But also keep in mind the soil conditions. I would imagine your soil is more sandy and MUCH better draining than ours. Our soil in places is the consistency of potter's clay - no joke! It's that thick.

The thought that bothered me the most was that septic system site saying sometimes you need to abandon the leach field and use a new site if certain problems come up with the soil. That would suck. It's in the perfect location right now. Plenty of room and all downhill from the tank. I dread mentioning this to my wife...hehe I won't tell her that I think there might be an issue with the leach lines until I can get a professional opinion from someone that installs these systems locally. She'll freak out if she thinks it needs to be replaced ($$$) I'm not sure if this is something we can get a permit to do ourselves if we buy a back hoe attachment (if it needs to be done). Of course, with proper guidance on how to do it properly. We have access (I think) to a retired plumber.

 

[dooleysm]

Installation of septic systems vary widely, as far as permits needed, who can dig, who can install, etc. In our county in Indiana you have to be an approved installer. In a neighboring county where my cousin works, no such certification is needed. I imagine it just depends on the local politics where you live.

 

[LBrown59]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Installation of septic systems vary widely, as far as permits needed, who can dig, who can install, etc. In our county in Indiana you have to be an approved installer. In a neighboring county where my cousin works, no such certification is needed. <font color="brown"> I imagine it just depends on the local politics where you live. </font> )</font>
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<font color="brown"> You got it the whole thing is a political fiasco. </font>

 

[LBrown59]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( </font><font color="blueclass=small">( I think Lbrown59 said once that he uses the creek? )</font>
Yes, and once again, <font color="red"> it's like pulling teeth to get him to explain his always incomplete statements. </font> Leave it to your imagination, and you can come up with just about anything. You'll probably be right!
John )</font>
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<font color="red"> I have explained my position on septic systems more than once and in much detail in previous post ;therefore I see no object in repeating it agan. Anyone not getting it the first time wouldn't get it now so why should I bother with it? </font>

 

[LBrown59]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( <font color="blue"> I think Lbrown59 said once that he uses the creek? </font>

Yes, as a matter of fact, he did say that he dumps it in a creek. He also said in another post that he knows the proper installation method for a septic system since he worked in the housing industry for 32 years.
Dumping waste into a creek is a proper septic installation??? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif )</font>



A few questions for andy boy.
How many septic tanks have you installed?
Who is having septic trouble me or the others posting about problems?

 

[LBrown59]

1*The thought that bothered me the most was that septic system site saying sometimes you need to abandon the leach field and use a new site if certain problems come up with the soil.
That would suck.
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What sucks is that is exactly what it's designed to do.

 

[tillboy2001]

Just talked to the local gov't. My requirements are that if I fool with the system now, I must use a certified installer, get a permit and have it inspected. Hopefully the 'certified' installer won't be required to be union...or some other crazy rule. The last time we used the excavater but I'm not sure if he had a certification to do this. But it WAS inspected by the local gov't before digging and before covering it up.

The lady at Infiltrator Systems (chamber makers) was very helpful with info. One of her suggestions was to simply add on to the existing lines to make them longer (but they can't be too long - not sure what the limit was). I'm beginning to think I have the bio-mat problem. Where that slimy bio-mat builds up too thick and it stops letting water seep into the ground. Seems to be the most likely explanation for what's happening. Hey...maybe if I dig at night, in the dark, I can get away with doing it myself /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Just kidding