Septic drain field issue

[rangerfredbob]

I don't want this as a project yet so posted it here... I wasn't wanting to know about this issue, but here it goes...

I have a septic system for the house, one 1000 gallon tank with a 470 gallon "dosing" tank with a pump on the outlet with floats since the drain field is higher than the tanks. I was out on a gopher walk (with shotgun, too hot but gotta keep an eye on where they are at least, I've been lucky before... I spooked one with a trap so he's skiddish now) and walked over the drain field and inconveniently noticed a wet spot with water flowing that I could hear. From the rough hand drawn sketch I have of the drain field there are 3 rows of drain line and the area I saw water would be at one of the concrete junction boxes

So, how screwed am I? I saw that and my stomach dropped and saw dollar signs...

Aside from keeping it mowed I don't drive anything big over the drain field (or try not to), unfortunately before I moved in the people that were leasing the field next to me put wheat on that acre area, not sure what they used to work it up but could have been a chisel disc... it's leaking in a concentrated area though, I've never noticed it being overly wet there before.

If it is just a broken junction, is this a DIY project to fix the pipe?

 

[rangerfredbob]

On further inspection looking at the layout from the septic permit it is wet at both junction boxes which from my quick google search means the drain field is plugged probably from biomass? I saw a reference on an additive to hopefully help that, any experience?

 

[defranks]

My experience has been with gravity systems, but you're talking drain field so there shouldn't be much difference there.

I'm a little surprised you can hear water running. I suppose that dosing tank must have been pumping at the time. At any rate, if it were my system I'd dig it up where the water is and look to see what's there. It very well may just be a broken pipe or junction box. Worst case, you're just out a couple hours of digging, best case you find something simple that you can fix yourself.

Several years ago we had an earthquake in WA and it caused the output pipe from my septic tank to sheer. I dug it up and replaced it myself, rather than have to go through an environmental permit and inspection, probably to more stringent requirements than those that were in place when the system was installed. My guess is that Oregon has some pretty tough requirements for septic systems, and you might be well to keep your own council if you can.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I imagine permits aren't cheap, but I've seen that a homeowner can do "emergency repairs" on plumbing, not sure on septic... I heard it flowing because of the pump, yes, I just happened to catch it on a cycle...

Been looking at stuff online and it's sounding like the drain field is plugged, there's high ratings on THIS bacteria treatment so I'll get a couple bottles... probably just put it in the dosing tank and let it go from there... If I can fix it for $50 instead of thousands I'd be happy

Before I moved in the house was vacant for about 2 years, the system is only 11 years old so "should" be fine but I've heard things about septic systems that aren't used being problematic...

 

[jstrick]

I have done several septic systems (all gravity feed) by just renting a backhoe and doing it all myself. It's not difficult, just pay attention to the slope to make sure you don't have any flat spots. I agree with defranks to dig up the spot with the leak and see what is going on. Maybe use the unclogging stuff first, but digging that one spot shouldn't be all that hard. On the other hand digging up a clogged septic system is ALWAYS terrible. If you have a teenager, make them help - it will convince them real fast that they need to go to college

 

[rangerfredbob]

I'll try the goo first, then if that doesn't help I'll dig up the junction box things, at least I know where they are now

 

[4570Man]

If you have a teenager, make them help - it will convince them real fast that they need to go to college

I wouldn’t be so quick to judge. I was ready to buy a pumper truck after I heard what they’re making. ( not really but i wouldn’t be above the idea either) The pumper trucks are netting over $1000 a day and probably dumping the contents on a field for free. And on a side note those 2 tank systems aren’t that nasty in the pump tank. I changed a check valve in one a while back. It’s mostly water with a slight odor.

 

[BrokenTrack]

I fixed my septic system when a rock dislodged a rubber connection that went to old cast iron pipe. The frost worked the connection loose.

It is not that bad. Wear clothes you can throw away, cheap gloves, and take a shower afterwards. It is cheaper to do that then pay someone to fix it.

As for the right to fix. Here in Maine anyway, we can legally repair 2 lengths of pipe without any permit. But good gracious, what court is ever going to fine a homeowner for fixing their septic system? A fixed system is FAR BETTER than one that is flowing human manure out of it.

 

[kthompson]

I wouldn’t be so quick to judge. I was ready to buy a pumper truck after I heard what they’re making. ( not really but i wouldn’t be above the idea either) The pumper trucks are netting over $1000 a day and probably dumping the contents on a field for free. And on a side note those 2 tank systems aren’t that nasty in the pump tank. I changed a check valve in one a while back. It’s mostly water with a slight odor.

Interesting comment on pumping into a field. Know animal waste can be but assume there are regulations on that also but is it legal to, with human waste? Had thought it was not legal at least here. Human waste is likely to also have items in it that will not dissolve which are not suppose to be flushed into septic systems.

 

[3Ts]

In one county in Florida, they were paying to dump sludge from the treatment plants on a farmer's field. There were a set of requirements that had to be met, like distance to drainage ditches, etc.