Chihuahua Floyd
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My dad and mom raised four kids. House built in 1960, tank pumped in 2000. Only needed to be pumped when the inlet clogged up. I don't recommend pumping one unless th e re is trouble.
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Septic Tank: To Pump, or not to Pump?
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For a point of reference, I had ours pumped a few months ago for $250...and that included $50 extra because the lid wasn't uncovered.
I've had four people crapping into a 1,000 gallon tank for 4 years after the previous owner (one lady) hadn't pumped it for 20+. It was a few inches below the influent pipe, so it needed it.
I've seen various charts recommending pumping intervals based on how many people are in the house. I'd say go ahead and pump yours at the 3-5 year mark. Find a company that'll do it for the $200-$300 range and it's a good safety investment.
If you want to be real adventurous, pop the lid yourself and see. If it's pretty full, call it in. If there's room for more, wait a little while longer.
There is no science to it and each tank has a personality of its own. The variables of intake, bacteria, temperature, etc all make an unpredictable environment.
I've had four people crapping into a 1,000 gallon tank for 4 years after the previous owner (one lady) hadn't pumped it for 20+. It was a few inches below the influent pipe, so it needed it.
I've seen various charts recommending pumping intervals based on how many people are in the house. I'd say go ahead and pump yours at the 3-5 year mark. Find a company that'll do it for the $200-$300 range and it's a good safety investment.
If you want to be real adventurous, pop the lid yourself and see. If it's pretty full, call it in. If there's room for more, wait a little while longer.
There is no science to it and each tank has a personality of its own. The variables of intake, bacteria, temperature, etc all make an unpredictable environment.
We had ours pumped last year when it had backed up through the washer drain in the garage. Guy came out ($250) and popped the riser lid and turned out it has a huge root mat over the hole that was blocking the inlet pipe. He pumped it, but said it didn't really need it. Well last week it did it again, so now I'm dealing with this damn root mat again.
Please listen guys- 35 years in septic and plumbing - A lot of what has been said is good. To the OP, what concerns me more than anything is you said your leach ran down in the woods. If trees have grown up near the leach, get rid of them!!! The roots are disaster coming! Once those lines are root bound, you are talking replacement. If you can see the outline of the tank, or it is extra green around the tank it is leaking and/or overflowing in ground -GET IT PUMPED! Once a tank fills with solid waste, it can pass over the secondary chamber and end up in the distribution box and even leach- bad news!!! My rule of thumb is 5-10 years -check it. If you can poke with a stick in the primary (1st) chamber and it moves and is not thick sludge it can go awhile longer. If it is closer than 4" below the inlet pipe -get it pumped! If you have a low pressure system, look in pumping chamber with a flashlight, it you see ANY solids, GET IT PUMPED!! It's not a grinder pump and not designed to pump solid waste. Any questions you can PM me -I'm happy to help. It's a dirty job but somebody's got to do it!
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Had ours pumped last week. Septic tank and grease trap. Cost was $350 for both. First time they have been pumped in at least ten years. Will not wait that long the again for the next pump out. They were both in bad shape.
Any recommendations for taking care of the root mat over the access hole? Already did 2 lbs of copper sulfate and was considering some rock salt to try and kill them off.Please listen guys- 35 years in septic and plumbing - A lot of what has been said is good. To the OP, what concerns me more than anything is you said your leach ran down in the woods. If trees have grown up near the leach, get rid of them!!! The roots are disaster coming! Once those lines are root bound, you are talking replacement. If you can see the outline of the tank, or it is extra green around the tank it is leaking and/or overflowing in ground -GET IT PUMPED! Once a tank fills with solid waste, it can pass over the secondary chamber and end up in the distribution box and even leach- bad news!!! My rule of thumb is 5-10 years -check it. If you can poke with a stick in the primary (1st) chamber and it moves and is not thick sludge it can go awhile longer. If it is closer than 4" below the inlet pipe -get it pumped! If you have a low pressure system, look in pumping chamber with a flashlight, it you see ANY solids, GET IT PUMPED!! It's not a grinder pump and not designed to pump solid waste. Any questions you can PM me -I'm happy to help. It's a dirty job but somebody's got to do it!
Please listen guys- 35 years in septic and plumbing - A lot of what has been said is good. To the OP, what concerns me more than anything is you said your leach ran down in the woods. If trees have grown up near the leach, get rid of them!!! The roots are disaster coming! Once those lines are root bound, you are talking replacement. If you can see the outline of the tank, or it is extra green around the tank it is leaking and/or overflowing in ground -GET IT PUMPED! Once a tank fills with solid waste, it can pass over the secondary chamber and end up in the distribution box and even leach- bad news!!! My rule of thumb is 5-10 years -check it. If you can poke with a stick in the primary (1st) chamber and it moves and is not thick sludge it can go awhile longer. If it is closer than 4" below the inlet pipe -get it pumped! If you have a low pressure system, look in pumping chamber with a flashlight, it you see ANY solids, GET IT PUMPED!! It's not a grinder pump and not designed to pump solid waste. Any questions you can PM me -I'm happy to help. It's a dirty job but somebody's got to do it!
What great advice. I have learned my lesson. The person that pumped mine last week said the same thing you have said. I completely agree with you after seeing how thick my septic and grease trap was.
I'd like second this question and add - any thoughts or opinions on preventative treatments/additives specifically to prevent root problems? Our field is wedged between lots of mature hardwood trees and some smaller ones mixed in. 22 year old system and no issues yet, but I'd like to keep it that way.
I've dropped RootX into the main drain line a couple times over the past three years, but I suspect I'm doing more for my own peace of mind than actually helping to prevent any potential intrusion.
The best remedy is going to be digging out the inlet to tank on outside and getting some hydraulic cement to seal -often the seal to tank was not done well and needs to be repaired
CUT TREES NEAR LEACH!!!!!
I'm not an expert on septic tank issues...but I DO know that trees go for the water. Once they've reached it, you have three choices:
1. Periodically dig/cut back the roots. This includes roto-rootering pipes if required.
2. Eliminate the roots at the source...namely the tree. Get rid of it/them.
3. Deny them access to the water/nutrients. For old systems, an example of this would be to dig up the old tile sewer line and replace it with PVC.
I've never dealt with septic systems...but the principle remains the same.
When I built a new home on my lot I had the tank pumped out after about 15 years. Up until that time I had a separate gray water line for the washer but it was disconnected and everything hooked to the new plumbing system. I asked the plumber about it (he did septic tanks too) and in his opinion the more water you can run through your system to better. I'm not talking grease and wipes and stuff, just plain old dishwater, shower, washing machine. I'm not sure about soap? Bar soap is getting to be a rarity and I'm not sure if the liquid soaps are better or worse. So we run as much water as we can.
I plan on pumping it every 8-10 years whether it needs it or not. $300 over ten years is not that bad of a price to pay.
I plan on pumping it every 8-10 years whether it needs it or not. $300 over ten years is not that bad of a price to pay.
That was my thought when I saw how much people were paying and how often some were having it done.
$30 a year...a tank of gas, a handful of snacks in the shopping cart at the grocery store, a small birthday gift...in perspective, it's very reasonable.