Septic Tank Question

nyg052003 · 10-31-2009, 06:27 PM

I have lived in my house since Feb 01 , new mobile home. Have never had the tank pumped or anything and over sometime from time to time had to plunder toilets and stuff as I'm sure its quite normal tho. Well today my son was flushing the toilet and it stopped up and also some water began to back up in the tub. We checked our bathroom as well and the shower and tub as well water was backing up.

I called a guy who works on them and he came over , we took the top off the septic tank and he stuck a 6 ft pipe down in the little cover part of the tank where the top came off and the water began to shoot out. He said that was the water that had begun to back up in the house. He looked at it real good and said it would be fine and looked at the drainage area and how the grass was looking and stuff and said he could tell that the drainage and stuff was working as it should.

My question is should I need to get that thing flushed completely empty. He said that within 6 wks of it being flushed completely it would look as it did today but would be operating good. I thought since everthing was up top as we looked at today that it was overfull and needed to be empty. When he stuck the pipe in it immediately went down awhole lot and he said it appears to be in good shape.

Just wanted to know you guys opinion if you have one. Thanx

okdude123 · 10-31-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyg052003

I have lived in my house since Feb 01 , new mobile home. Have never had the tank pumped or anything and over sometime from time to time had to plunder toilets and stuff as I'm sure its quite normal tho. Well today my son was flushing the toilet and it stopped up and also some water began to back up in the tub. We checked our bathroom as well and the shower and tub as well water was backing up.

I called a guy who works on them and he came over , we took the top off the septic tank and he stuck a 6 ft pipe down in the little cover part of the tank where the top came off and the water began to shoot out. He said that was the water that had begun to back up in the house. He looked at it real good and said it would be fine and looked at the drainage area and how the grass was looking and stuff and said he could tell that the drainage and stuff was working as it should.

My question is should I need to get that thing flushed completely empty. He said that within 6 wks of it being flushed completely it would look as it did today but would be operating good. I thought since everthing was up top as we looked at today that it was overfull and needed to be empty. When he stuck the pipe in it immediately went down awhole lot and he said it appears to be in good shape.

Just wanted to know you guys opinion if you have one. Thanx

Main pipe out of the septic to the field was obviously blocked which can happen. Never happened to us, but for peace of mind we get ours pumped every 5 years or so. Cost us $140 to get it pumped.

nyg052003 · 10-31-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okdude123

Main pipe out of the septic to the field was obviously blocked which can happen. Never happened to us, but for peace of mind we get ours pumped every 5 years or so. Cost us $140 to get it pumped.

oh ok yeah this guy who does it on side charges 150 but he doesnt take the stuff just pumps the water out. Called some business and all was around 300-350 but they clean out completely and take the stuff with them. Do whoever do you guy's take the stuff or just pump out the water?

**PFC5** · 10-31-2009, 09:25 PM

If you let the solid matter build up by not pumping it out the solids get into the leach field system (perforated pipes to slowly release the fluids into the ground) and block it and then they have to replace the leach field system. Never go more than 3-4 years or you could be looking at a $20,000.00+ repair job to replace the septic system. Which is worse paying a couple of hundred every 3-4 years, or having to pay mucho bucks to replace the system to save that pumping money? The solids float on the top but as the solids take up more and more of the tank it starts migrating into those perforated pipes underground in the leach field system and you no longer have a working septic system.

Get it ALL pumped out and yes the water will fill back up quickly but the solids are what block the system. So that guy is wrong and the solids are what you need to pump out, but the water goes with it.

nyg052003 · 10-31-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

If you let the solid matter build up by not pumping it out the solids get into the leach field system (perforated pipes to slowly release the fluids into the ground) and block it and then they have to replace the leach field system. Never go more than 3-4 years or you could be looking at a $20,000.00+ repair job to replace the septic system. Which is worse paying a couple of hundred every 3-4 years, or having to pay mucho bucks to replace the system to save that pumping money? The solids float on the top but as the solids take up more and more of the tank it starts migrating into those perforated pipes underground in the leach field system and you no longer have a working septic system.

Get it ALL pumped out and yes the water will fill back up quickly but the solids are what block the system. So that guy is wrong and the solids are what you need to pump out, but the water goes with it.

ok thanks.

okdude123 · 10-31-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyg052003

oh ok yeah this guy who does it on side charges 150 but he doesnt take the stuff just pumps the water out. Called some business and all was around 300-350 but they clean out completely and take the stuff with them. Do whoever do you guy's take the stuff or just pump out the water?

What PFC5 said! Yes, they pump all the solids out as well for $140. Whoever pumps just the water only, I would suggest not to call them again!

sawzalot · 10-31-2009, 11:31 PM

It is surely a good idea to pump it out and after it is empty you should monitor the tank for the first week or so, if it fills up very quickly again it can very well be a case of groundwater intrusion coming back in through the field drain or even the tank wall.The first step is a complete septic tank pump out.

nyg052003 · 11-01-2009, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okdude123

What PFC5 said! Yes, they pump all the solids out as well for $140. Whoever pumps just the water only, I would suggest not to call them again!

I wonder why there is a big disparity in price here in SC its from 300-375 for a professional to do it and you guys are saying 140-150 I mean in most cases state to state is similiar in pricing lol

Perry525 · 11-01-2009, 11:58 AM

May I mention that a septic tank is always full .... of water!
The way it works is, you have a pipe from the home down to the septic tank and another pipe/pipes down to the drain field.

The septic provides an extension of your gut, with the solids travelling down the sewage pipe into the septic, where they are converted into methane and carbon dioxide gases.

The (on average) 55 grams of solids you create every day are mainly water 70% and by the time they have been consumed by the microbes in the septic, they are reduced to almost nothing.

Used correctly, and by the number of people the septic and drain field is designed for... it should take about 20 to 30 years to fill up.

What you probably have is a seasonal high water table. Its been raining a lot.... and the water cannot get away.

When you open the lid, all that happens..... is the water that was uphill from the septic gushes out.

Of course it may not be, just the rain. You may have a new washing machine, or family may be using more water than the drain field was designed to cope with.

Try using using a bit less water and the problem will go away.

nyg052003 · 11-01-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perry525

May I mention that a septic tank is always full .... of water!
The way it works is, you have a pipe from the home down to the septic tank and another pipe/pipes down to the drain field.

The septic provides an extension of your gut, with the solids travelling down the sewage pipe into the septic, where they are converted into methane and carbon dioxide gases.

The (on average) 55 grams of solids you create every day are mainly water 70% and by the time they have been consumed by the microbes in the septic, they are reduced to almost nothing.

Used correctly, and by the number of people the septic and drain field is designed for... it should take about 20 to 30 years to fill up.

What you probably have is a seasonal high water table. Its been raining a lot.... and the water cannot get away.

When you open the lid, all that happens..... is the water that was uphill from the septic gushes out.

Of course it may not be, just the rain. You may have a new washing machine, or family may be using more water than the drain field was designed to cope with.

Try using using a bit less water and the problem will go away.

does all of the water in your house that goes back down its drain go into the septic?

Perry525 · 11-02-2009, 06:04 AM

"does all of the water in your house that goes back down its drain go into the septic? "

Yes. The way it should be set up is, all the water from the bath, shower, hand basin, kitchen, utility room, washing machine, toilet should go down the sewage pipe to the septic.
The water off the roof and from the dishwasher, patio, yard etc; should go into a French drain, it must not go into the septic.

DIRECTVMAN · 11-02-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perry525

Yes. The way it should be set up is, all the water from the bath, shower, hand basin, kitchen, utility room, washing machine, toilet should go down the sewage pipe to the septic.
The water off the roof and from the dishwasher, patio, yard etc; should go into a French drain, it must not go into the septic.

Why wouldn't the dishwasher water go into the septic system if the water from the bath, shower, washing machine, etc.. go to the septic system ? What's so special about the dishwasher water ? It's still soap and water.

Perry525 · 11-02-2009, 02:03 PM

Very often the dishwasher uses salt/sodium to soften the water.
Salt/sodium is an antiseptic and it kills the microbes that decompose our toilet, dead microbes mean the solids build up quickly and you pay to have the septic emptied.
Keep the salt out, septic goes on for years longer.
Also salt makes the soil in the ground round the drain field hard and waterproof, meaning a new drain field many years earlier.
Make sure all salt is wiped off the plates before they go into the dishwasher.

nyg052003 · 11-02-2009, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perry525

Very often the dishwasher uses salt/sodium to soften the water.
Salt/sodium is an antiseptic and it kills the microbes that decompose our toilet, dead microbes mean the solids build up quickly and you pay to have the septic emptied.
Keep the salt out, septic goes on for years longer.
Also salt makes the soil in the ground round the drain field hard and waterproof, meaning a new drain field many years earlier.
Make sure all salt is wiped off the plates before they go into the dishwasher.

I do have a water softener system setup because I have hard water.

DIRECTVMAN · 11-03-2009, 12:14 AM

There sure seems to be a lot of crap to deal with when you have a septic tank.

10-31-2009, 06:27 PM	#1
nyg052003 Love Entertainment Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 452	Septic Tank Question I have lived in my house since Feb 01 , new mobile home. Have never had the tank pumped or anything and over sometime from time to time had to plunder toilets and stuff as I'm sure its quite normal tho. Well today my son was flushing the toilet and it stopped up and also some water began to back up in the tub. We checked our bathroom as well and the shower and tub as well water was backing up. I called a guy who works on them and he came over , we took the top off the septic tank and he stuck a 6 ft pipe down in the little cover part of the tank where the top came off and the water began to shoot out. He said that was the water that had begun to back up in the house. He looked at it real good and said it would be fine and looked at the drainage area and how the grass was looking and stuff and said he could tell that the drainage and stuff was working as it should. My question is should I need to get that thing flushed completely empty. He said that within 6 wks of it being flushed completely it would look as it did today but would be operating good. I thought since everthing was up top as we looked at today that it was overfull and needed to be empty. When he stuck the pipe in it immediately went down awhole lot and he said it appears to be in good shape. Just wanted to know you guys opinion if you have one. Thanx

10-31-2009, 09:25 PM	#4
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,385	If you let the solid matter build up by not pumping it out the solids get into the leach field system (perforated pipes to slowly release the fluids into the ground) and block it and then they have to replace the leach field system. Never go more than 3-4 years or you could be looking at a $20,000.00+ repair job to replace the septic system. Which is worse paying a couple of hundred every 3-4 years, or having to pay mucho bucks to replace the system to save that pumping money? The solids float on the top but as the solids take up more and more of the tank it starts migrating into those perforated pipes underground in the leach field system and you no longer have a working septic system. Get it ALL pumped out and yes the water will fill back up quickly but the solids are what block the system. So that guy is wrong and the solids are what you need to pump out, but the water goes with it. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

10-31-2009, 11:31 PM	#7
sawzalot HDTV Football=Euphoria Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cape May,N J Posts: 524	It is surely a good idea to pump it out and after it is empty you should monitor the tank for the first week or so, if it fills up very quickly again it can very well be a case of groundwater intrusion coming back in through the field drain or even the tank wall.The first step is a complete septic tank pump out.

11-01-2009, 11:58 AM	#9
Perry525 My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 6	May I mention that a septic tank is always full .... of water! The way it works is, you have a pipe from the home down to the septic tank and another pipe/pipes down to the drain field. The septic provides an extension of your gut, with the solids travelling down the sewage pipe into the septic, where they are converted into methane and carbon dioxide gases. The (on average) 55 grams of solids you create every day are mainly water 70% and by the time they have been consumed by the microbes in the septic, they are reduced to almost nothing. Used correctly, and by the number of people the septic and drain field is designed for... it should take about 20 to 30 years to fill up. What you probably have is a seasonal high water table. Its been raining a lot.... and the water cannot get away. When you open the lid, all that happens..... is the water that was uphill from the septic gushes out. Of course it may not be, just the rain. You may have a new washing machine, or family may be using more water than the drain field was designed to cope with. Try using using a bit less water and the problem will go away.

11-02-2009, 06:04 AM	#11
Perry525 My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 6	"does all of the water in your house that goes back down its drain go into the septic? " Yes. The way it should be set up is, all the water from the bath, shower, hand basin, kitchen, utility room, washing machine, toilet should go down the sewage pipe to the septic. The water off the roof and from the dishwasher, patio, yard etc; should go into a French drain, it must not go into the septic.

11-02-2009, 02:03 PM	#13
Perry525 My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 6	Very often the dishwasher uses salt/sodium to soften the water. Salt/sodium is an antiseptic and it kills the microbes that decompose our toilet, dead microbes mean the solids build up quickly and you pay to have the septic emptied. Keep the salt out, septic goes on for years longer. Also salt makes the soil in the ground round the drain field hard and waterproof, meaning a new drain field many years earlier. Make sure all salt is wiped off the plates before they go into the dishwasher.

11-03-2009, 12:14 AM	#15
DIRECTVMAN High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 291	There sure seems to be a lot of crap to deal with when you have a septic tank.