Septic system leaching bed failure

[Botabill]

I dug down to the header (distribution box) to have a look then opened a leach line. The leach line is plugged with muck. Is it typical to have a line full off muck or should they be partially hollow still. I'll didn't dig a line at the end today to see what's in there. Yes there is a beautiful tree growing right beside the leach bed and I'm sure that's one of my problems. No cast iron it is 20 years old and they used plastic header with clay tiles.

 

[upgw]

Honestly, your system sounds too far gone to save. Our local septic guys told me they try to salvage systems by pumping a strong base like lye down the pipes, and then they have a high pressure spike that they pound into the ground and shoot high pressure air bursts through to loosen the soil in the drain field. Our local regulations require a full pumpout ever other year (we are in the 'exceptional value French Creek watershed'). Here, they rarely put in-ground systems in anymore, we all have giant sand mounds, consider that approach if you replace it. Mine is 100x20x6, with 250 tons of sand in it! Best of luck.
- Patrick

 

[JJT]

I dug down to the header (distribution box) to have a look then opened a leach line. The leach line is plugged with muck. Is it typical to have a line full off muck or should they be partially hollow still. I'll didn't dig a line at the end today to see what's in there. Yes there is a beautiful tree growing right beside the leach bed and I'm sure that's one of my problems. No cast iron it is 20 years old and they used plastic header with clay tiles.

Your lines should be clean, it sounds like the tank was never pumped and solids migrated into the leach bed. Time for a replacement, buckle up, It won't be cheap. I'll second the raised bed suggestion. It's the only way to go. Mine's 1000 tons of sand, 400 tons of stone, 2 1000 gallon tanks, 3 distribution boxes and 15 50' laterals. I handled all the labor and finish work, it still cost $10K+. I had the misfortune of having to replace a drain field at my last house, (brand new, bad installation by pro's....) and wanted to make sure I never had to replace this 1 in my life time.

 

[PBinWA]

I dug down to the header (distribution box) to have a look then opened a leach line. The leach line is plugged with muck. Is it typical to have a line full off muck or should they be partially hollow still. I'll didn't dig a line at the end today to see what's in there. Yes there is a beautiful tree growing right beside the leach bed and I'm sure that's one of my problems. No cast iron it is 20 years old and they used plastic header with clay tiles.

It's probably shot and "legally" you should probably replace it. You could try shoving a garden hose with some clean water running down the line and see if you can get it down there. If it's just clogged at the entrance then you may be able to pull/suck all the crud out and get some new life in the system.

If you can unclog the lines and then get clean water running through the system then it may work for a while longer. Don't run tons of water just enough to test and see if it can still drain properly.

If the leach lines have been dry for a while then they may be salvageable. If they are completey saturated then it sounds like you need to replace it.

Disclaimer: I program computers for a living - I'm not an expert. Where's HighBeam - he's an expert?

 

[upgw]

Your lines should be clean, it sounds like the tank was never pumped and solids migrated into the leach bed. Time for a replacement, buckle up, It won't be cheap. I'll second the raised bed suggestion. It's the only way to go. Mine's 1000 tons of sand, 400 tons of stone, 2 1000 gallon tanks, 3 distribution boxes and 15 50' laterals. I handled all the labor and finish work, it still cost $10K+. I had the misfortune of having to replace a drain field at my last house, (brand new, bad installation by pro's....) and wanted to make sure I never had to replace this 1 in my life time.

Holy Cow! And I thought mine was huge! (It IS huge). I have two 500 gallon settling tanks in series, a zaebel filter on the line to the 1000 gallon pump tank, with the pump a foot off the floor of the tank. Also, a monster 2 HP grinder pump because my sand mound is 500 feet away and 30 feet up.

 

[Bill Barrett]

Have no idea on Canada, but I would guess you have tough codes. If you have "muck" after the tank you have problems my friend! The tank may have never been pumped or your outlet baffle may be broken or gone. I would really talk to a pro if you are unsure what your into, you may be able to do it yourself with some direction.
Illinois License # 049-804586

 

[CurlyDave]

Like the other poster said check on the local regulations the fines are rough myself as a contractor the can fine up to $5000 a day if you install or repair a system with out the proper permits...

I agree with this completely.

I have no idea about Canada, but in Oregon, they will fine me unmercifully if I do even the slightest thing not to their specifications with my septic field. And, if they ever discover I did something without the correct permit, I might as well just turn my entire bank account over to them for the next five or ten years.

 

[Botabill]

Thanks for all your input. Sounds like this could be more complicated than I thought. I'll be calling for some local professional advice.

 

[plowking]

The newer systems can have filters in tank and some have vent or vents located in leachfield to maintain a good oxygen supply to leachfield. Theses things can be added to older systems to possibly help them. Water softener discharge into septic especially if system uses salt,minerals, can be problem for field and cause baffles in older tanks, [because original baffles were precast ]and precast D-boxes to deteriate as well. Washer machines especially top load machines can cause more lint in septic tanks ,than front loader machines which use less water as well.Peple on certain medications, treatment can cause problems for septic because antibiotics, medications kill the bacteria action in septic tank. Newer systems usually call for mulitple tanks or multiple compartment tanks to seperate wastes better to keep solid matter from getting to leachfield. It is legal in NH to seperate softener discharge and drain it seperate outside of house, but can be ilegal in other states like Ma. whereit has to drain into septic. plowking

 

[schmism]

My friend just went around with the plumbing inspector when it came to the "drain" for the water softener.

Said it couldnt drain to the septic... but to just run it outside to the lawn!

my friend was like... how is that better than running it through the septic?!?! weird rules....