Wells, Sump Pumps and Septic Sewage Systems - Question from a newbie
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HomeOwnerinPA
09-17-09, 03:00 PM
I live in Midwestern Pennsylvania in an area with moderately clay soil. I have owned my house for almost three years. The home and the septic system are both 25 years old. My wife and I are the only residents. I have always rented places with city sewage and know absolutely nothing about septic systems. When we moved in the previous owner had the septic tank pumped (have the receipt) and he also had the grey water from a downstairs shower and sink and the grey water from the shower and sink upstairs and the washer water routed into the creek next door. We explained he did this illegally because it would destroy the septic tank. It is a 1000 gallon tank with a leech field stretching out across our yard. He claimed to have fixed it before he left and it did pass s septic inspection, but there was a period of about two months between the inspection and before we took ownership. About 8 months ago we realized that out neighbor must’ve rerouted the fixed plumbing back into the creek and we had all those grey water sources tied into our septic.
About two months ago, my dogs started to pay more attention to the ground above our septic lid. Then I began to notice a pool of standing water above the septic lid about 10-15 minutes after using the washer, dishwasher, or showers. The water is accompanied by a foul, sewage odor. It was been a very rainy summer. It doesn’t pool there every time, but it happens more than half of the time even if we space out our water usage. The grass is insanely high where this water seeps up and there are ruts and uneven areas where the water is running away. My first thought is that the washer and other grey lines are placing undue stress on the leech field and has either clogged the lines or done something else to prevent proper drainage. It has also been suggested to me that the tank might simply need pumped again, but it has only been three years. I called a local excavator and without digging up anything or examining anything he stated that the drainage field was failing and we would need one of two options. He claimed he could either dig a pit, fill it in with gravel, and we could use that for our leech field for a family of 3 for 6-8 years. He claims he can do this for under $2500. He said our other option was to dig three new lateral drain lines totaling 150 feet and that would last longer and be the better option provided that our soil was good and didn’t have too much clay. He said this would cost us under $4000 and last a lot longer and support more people. This guy also claimed he would do this all without obtaining a permit and he would guarantee the system for a year if we have decent soil (whatever that means).
I have another guy who seems a little more legit (ad in the phonebook/licensed/free estimates) coming Next Sunday to give me an estimate, as well. I am waiting to see what he says, but in the meantime I decided to get some informal opinions from experts online. I can take any photos necessary if that would help. But basically I’m just wondering these things:
Have you seen similar situations before? If so, what do these symptoms usually indicate?
What are the options to fix this problem?
Should I trust someone who is willing to do this without permits, or will that get me in trouble down the line?
In the meantime while I’m waiting to fix this problem, should I worry about my well water? (Our well is on higher ground/the septic slopes away from the well and is about 75 feet away)
Is there a chemical or other type of treatment that can clear a “plugged” drainfield?
I realize that any responses would simply be providing advice/opinions and would not be a guarantee of fixing the problem, etc. I am just skeptical and concerned with spending this kind of money-- $3000-$4000 is a pinch but it’s doable—upwards of $10000 is impossible for me right now.
Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated, and if this isn’t the place for this question, please direct me elsewhere or send me packing. THANK YOU!!
About two months ago, my dogs started to pay more attention to the ground above our septic lid. Then I began to notice a pool of standing water above the septic lid about 10-15 minutes after using the washer, dishwasher, or showers. The water is accompanied by a foul, sewage odor. It was been a very rainy summer. It doesn’t pool there every time, but it happens more than half of the time even if we space out our water usage. The grass is insanely high where this water seeps up and there are ruts and uneven areas where the water is running away. My first thought is that the washer and other grey lines are placing undue stress on the leech field and has either clogged the lines or done something else to prevent proper drainage. It has also been suggested to me that the tank might simply need pumped again, but it has only been three years. I called a local excavator and without digging up anything or examining anything he stated that the drainage field was failing and we would need one of two options. He claimed he could either dig a pit, fill it in with gravel, and we could use that for our leech field for a family of 3 for 6-8 years. He claims he can do this for under $2500. He said our other option was to dig three new lateral drain lines totaling 150 feet and that would last longer and be the better option provided that our soil was good and didn’t have too much clay. He said this would cost us under $4000 and last a lot longer and support more people. This guy also claimed he would do this all without obtaining a permit and he would guarantee the system for a year if we have decent soil (whatever that means).
I have another guy who seems a little more legit (ad in the phonebook/licensed/free estimates) coming Next Sunday to give me an estimate, as well. I am waiting to see what he says, but in the meantime I decided to get some informal opinions from experts online. I can take any photos necessary if that would help. But basically I’m just wondering these things:
Have you seen similar situations before? If so, what do these symptoms usually indicate?
What are the options to fix this problem?
Should I trust someone who is willing to do this without permits, or will that get me in trouble down the line?
In the meantime while I’m waiting to fix this problem, should I worry about my well water? (Our well is on higher ground/the septic slopes away from the well and is about 75 feet away)
Is there a chemical or other type of treatment that can clear a “plugged” drainfield?
I realize that any responses would simply be providing advice/opinions and would not be a guarantee of fixing the problem, etc. I am just skeptical and concerned with spending this kind of money-- $3000-$4000 is a pinch but it’s doable—upwards of $10000 is impossible for me right now.
Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated, and if this isn’t the place for this question, please direct me elsewhere or send me packing. THANK YOU!!
shacko
09-17-09, 04:01 PM
I would wait for the other plumber to give you an idea, no way would I use a person that said he would do it without permits. That idea of digging a gravel pit and running your system into it is probably illegal, I think you should get another opinion and check out the rules for your area. :(
waterwelldude
09-17-09, 05:20 PM
I would wait for the other plumber to give you an idea, no way would I use a person that said he would do it without permits. That idea of digging a gravel pit and running your system into it is probably illegal, I think you should get another opinion and check out the rules for your area. :(
This about says it all.
Never trust someone that will do something illegal.
If they will try and cheat or get around rules of any type, they will also cheat YOU.
Any of the pour in treatments that go down the drain, does just that, right along with your money.
Get another opinion on your problem. There may be a simple solution on what going on.
Someone with experience may walk up and say,"I see the problem", and fix it on the spot,,
Travis
This about says it all.
Never trust someone that will do something illegal.
If they will try and cheat or get around rules of any type, they will also cheat YOU.
Any of the pour in treatments that go down the drain, does just that, right along with your money.
Get another opinion on your problem. There may be a simple solution on what going on.
Someone with experience may walk up and say,"I see the problem", and fix it on the spot,,
Travis