Septic Tank Problems

Posts Tagged ‘system’

Question Asked by Michelle S: Can you be evicted when landlord doesn’t want to fix septic system?
My sister lives in Pierce County, WA. and her landlord gave her 8 days to move out because he doesn’t want to fix the septic system. The system has completely failed, the entire drain field needs to be replaced. This is a major health issue due to sewage has backed up into the house once and now she can’t run water or use toilets. PLEASE HELP ASAP!!
She has 3 kids and can’t afford to move.

Best answer:

Answer by kja63
She can’t live in a house that is a major health hazard. What kind of mother would subject her children to such toxic waste and expect the children to live in a house without water or toilets?!?!

The Health Inspector will shut the place down. So out she goes.

Answer by Skargaemer
No, because either way eventually the septic system will have to get fixed, regardless of the client. It should be the responsibility of the landlord to take care of any defect in the utilities.

Answer by litig8r
Oh man, any property lawyer would drool at a case like this.
Without getting into too much detail, the landlord must give 30 days notice (he only gave AND the eviction has to be in good faith (not because he’s a cheap lazy bastard).

I actually did an argument competition in law school on a very similar case. Tell your sister that she can hire someone to fix the place, and then DEDUCT the cost from her rent. If the landlord tries to evict her after that, it is called Retaliatory Eviction, and it DOES NOT end well for the landlord.

E-mail me if you need more details. I know a few attorneys in WA that may be interested in this case.

Answer by Landlord
He can. Not an “eviction” but she has to move out. This is along the lines of the foundation being bad. The repair will be so high that he is better off hooking up to the sewer line, if he can.

Repairing the drain field will take a very long time, and may not even be possible if he has to bring it up to present code, he simply may not own enough land.

This will take him months to repair, and he can’t even start with people living in the house.

Why would she fight this and insist on keeping her kids in this condition? He literally can not fix the drain field without a large amount of $ and many many weeks of repairs and environmental clean up.

Answer by aambelang
tecnically you shouldn’t even be paying rent if the lanlord wont fix anything! If there is a health hazard or any problems that need to be fixed right away they need to take care of them!

Answer by wfhlembo
what choice does she have??? of course he can ask her to leave if it’s a health hazard – I’m shocked she would even want to stay under those conditions!1 Lend her some money, and tell her to find a new home. good luck ♥

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Question Asked by jmchenard: Why does my new septic system smell?
We had a new septic system installed last August. During the fall the smell was awful so we figured out the pipe on the roof was clogged. We unclogged the pipe and the smell got worse outside. Winter came and the smell went away. Now with the warmer weather the smell is back. What can we do? We have and Enviro system and heard that you can block the vent pipe that is in the ground. Will that help?

Best answer:

Answer by Wall S
call your installer there is a problem

Answer by Dubidiocho
I don’t know what a Eniro system is but there have been a lot of systems invented. Someone didn’t do something right,between the Installer and the Inspector. You definitely need to make the Installer correct the problem or pay for the correction. You may want to complain to the Inspector and make him come out and smell the problem. I believe you only have one year to act and then the contractor is free of obligation and his Bond is no longer in the picture.

Answer by me and me
call the contractor you should not have any smell at all if he doesn’t fix it go to the inspector and keep going to get it fixed its not right and you paid for a septic that works!

Answer by yeimi_byers
I would assume that since you have a new system that the lids are above ground. If the lids and/or risers aren’t sealed, the smell can leak out; which would explain why it’s starting to smell again in the warmer weather. You should call a septic installer or a septic hauler to have them look at it and if this is the case they can seal them.

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Question Asked by Greg K: Is Listerine bad for my septic system?
I have a septic system. I recently bought some Listerine, but then I noticed that it says on the front in big letters “ANTISEPTIC”. I don’t want to damage my septic system because that would probably be pretty bad. Should I spit out my Listerine in a bag and then bring it into work where they don’t have a septic system?

Best answer:

Answer by Joseph the Second
No. -In fact it might even make it smell Better !

Answer by Miller Plante
Yes, Listerine is bad for your septic system. Listerine is made of anti-bacterial and anti-germ ingredients for use as a surgical antiseptic, floor cleaner and other uses. Any product that is anti-bacterial will kill the natural bacteria working in your septic system.

Answer by Nursing Student
No, it’s fine for your septic system.

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Question Asked by : Landlords responsibility to clean out septic system?
My landlord complains about cleaning out the septic system as though it is not his responsibility.He claimed I got ripped off the last time when he was on vacation and I called a service to clean it out and took it out of the Rent.What should I do? We do not have a lease,we are month to month so I don’t have a legal document to fall back on.My only hope is Texas State Laws.Anyone have a shortcut to info on this?

Best answer:

Answer by FatPizza9
Local dept of health and/or sanitation. It could become a public health issue.

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Question Asked by Atom: Fruit tress and septic system leach lines?
My wife planted some fruit tress near our leach line area. The lines are probably a good 20′ away, but I’m wondering if I should expect to see some repercussions with my septic system from planting those trees.

Best answer:

Answer by mindshift
If you live in an area that seldom has drought you don’t need to worry about the fruit trees getting into your septic lines. Most tree roots extend just past the drip line (canopy) of the tree. If, howevere, your area has recurring years of drought all trees are likely to extend their roots further looking for moisture. We had 2 years of exceptional drought that ended in Sep ’09, and roots got into the front end of our septic line completely blocking the inflow of waste.

Answer by firstjohnson2000
tree roots can extend a distance equal to the height of a tree.

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Question Asked by MurphysGirl: I just had my septic system pumped. The man who pumped the septic said that Rid-X doesn’t work.?
Does anyone agree that Rid-x for the septic system is a hoax, or is there something better on the market that helps to maintain the septic system?

Best answer:

Answer by expat
It doesn’t.
To maintain septic make sure you only use septic friendly products.

Read each packet/box it usually says if it is o.k for septics or not

Answer by louiesiddog
I have heard that a lot of the chemical cleaners for septics are junk. For a septic tank to work properly you need bacteria growth, this is what breaks down the solids. If someone has used to many chemicals or has put things down the drain that kills the bacteria you can buy a gallon of milk and let it sit out of the fridge for a week or two and then pour that down the drain. This will have new bacteria in it and get things going again.

Answer by Scott H
there is a product called Robic its a all natural bacteria based septic treatment one bottle of K57 septic preventarive maintance solution will treat up to 500 gallons once per year

if you cant buy it online i know a place in southern california that will ship you some for 11.38 a bottle +S&H there number is 951-674-1446 opend mon-frin till 5pm pacaific

and btw most systems are 1000 or more gallons takes at least two bottles

Answer by bigjonesy48
rid-x breaks down the solids but the tank should have pipes called laterals that should drain off any excess liquids into the ground,if a tank is working properly it shouldn’t need pumping out more than every ten years or so

Answer by Ashley
My parents own a Roto Rooter, so I grew up around this stuff, I’m a plumbers daughter I guess. No it doesnt work, it just makes things worse. And other things such as tree roots could be blocking the system and thats not going to do anything for that. The only products that I use when it comes to things like this are Roto Rooter products. If there is a product that this company sells with their name on it, then you can pretty much guarentee that it works, or your money back. I wouldnt buy anything from kroger, or lowes, that has to do with unclogging or so on, because if it doesnt work the agent ends up getting hard and then you have yourself a costly bill.

Answer by Claude B
The best defense for septic is what you put in it. Powdered soaps bad. Cigarettes buts bad, sanitary napkins bad, Bleach kills good bacteria. Don’t use your toilet for a garbage. Avoid putting anything in that don’t decompose well, And so on . Yeast is really good starting bacterial growth.

Answer by James M
I agree. Plain waste of money and a scam perpetuated upon septic tank users.

There is plenty of Bacteria and Enzymes in a good working septic tank. Adding Ridx does zero for you , but fattens the wallet of RidX .

You dont need to pump your tank only once inc 5 years or more. See if you can get rid of harsh detergents and chlorine from the laundry water, those destroy a tank’s efficiency of eating up the sewage by killing off bacteria necessary to do the job.

In my case, i had a 4 x 4 x4 hole dug in my back yard and filled with large crushed limestone and topped with grass. To that hole i dump my laundry wash water and keep the detergent and chlorine out of my septic tank.

I pumped my tank once in 10 years and not much in there either. Septic is working perfectly. You might consider doing the same as i did.

Answer by charleslvjy
I did exactly what James M did, and I have my tank pumped about every 12 years of so. No problems what so ever.

Answer by DICK R
if you clean your tank on a 2 year basts you will be money a head. and you would throw money down the drian. it like pay me nowor pay me more later.to dag it up

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Question Asked by Lex: What is an eco friendly septic system?
My hubby and I were informed that the septic system is no longer a sand mound it is some type of eco friendly system that uses pete moss, i can’t really remember the actual name. Are these more expensive and what is the real name?
Thanks for the expertise!

Best answer:

Answer by Frank
i dont know

Answer by pissy_old_lady
I am in Canada and still use the septic tank and beds here..I haven’t heard of this other one before..I wouldn’t want peat moss holding the septic waste…that doesn’t even sound safe.

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Question Asked by : Is there anything that you can put in an aerobic septic system to rid your yard of ticks and fleas?
I have two dogs and six new puppies and they all have fleas. But I have an aerobic septic system and I was wondering if there is something you can put into the system that, when the sprinklers go off, will help to rid the yard of fleas and ticks.

Best answer:

Answer by oil field trash
I doubt the sprinkler system associated with your aerobic septic tank covers the whole yard in a manner that will eliminate fleas and ticks in the yard. Also it is really not a good idea to be spraying that much insecticide in an uncontrolled manner.

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Question Asked by Amie A: Septic System Question Please Help?
We are looking to buy a house and have come across several that we like. However, some say that the buyer needs to “install a five bedroom septic system.” What does that mean? What do bedrooms have to do with a septic system and how much do septic systems cost (parts, labor, etc.)? What are the pros and cons with a septic system. Any information would help us! Thanks so much!

Best answer:

Answer by stephen j
septic tank systems rely on microbiological reaction to break down the solid amtter of your waste, the bedroom guidance is only given as a general occupancy number what the tank is capable of handling

http://www.drainstore.com/?gclid=CISZ-tuN-ZACFQWNHgodwE9MsA

regards

steve

Answer by CLMB
Septic tanks are rated based upon the number of bedrooms, and therefore the “maximum volume” that it may need to handle… as five bedrooms would dictate how many people could possibly live there and would therefore use the water (all sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, showers, toilets, etc, flow into your septic system).

A five-bedroom septic tank would be a pretty big one (we just installed a 3 bedroom septic tank up at the cottage). I can’t say the exact size, but a septic contractor should give you an idea. My guess, given the size, would be that a new septic system could (depending, again, on the size requirements, plumbing needs, your area and your local contractors, etc. ), run you from $ 15 – $ 25k or more.

If, however, all you need is a replacement tank and the rest of the system is workable, that will cost less.

I’m not sure if there are any pros with a septic system really, it’s pretty much a must-have if you do not have access to local sewer system.

You need to treat them well, you have to be VERY carefuly what you flush down them (as things that aren’t biodegradable can clog the system) and you may need to have it pumped out depending on the frequency of usage (some need annual pumping, others can go for years without requiring it).

Answer by frozen
Septic systems are sized according to the number of bedrooms because that is an indicator of how many people could be living in the house (toilet, bath/shower, cooking etc).
A 5 bedroom system is probably one of the larger if the not the largest.

The cost of a septic system will depend on your location and type of soil. You would have to oalk to someone locally to determine this.

Septic systems have to be pumped out occasionally depending on the amount of use

Answer by HEART ATTACK
septic systems are good. My question is why is there no system installed already? Usually you have the septic plan before you can build the house. Also if you have to pay for the septic knock it off the price. 5-7000 for conventional and 9-11000 for mound systems.

Answer by oil field trash
The best way to get a good ball park estimate is to call a local septic tank installer and ask them for a estimate for a system for a 5 bedroom house. I have found this to be the best and most accurate way to get ball park numbers for this type of work.

A properly designed and installed septic system really isn’t a big problem. You just need to operate them with some care and maintain any parts that need to be maintained. Where we live in East Texas there are a lot of aerobic systems that utilize a compressor to pump air into the system and a pump to remove the treated water. Ours has been no more trouble than a HVAC system.

Answer by Paul C
The size of the leach field is determined upon the total bedrooms, not the tank. the Tank is generally a two compartment tank which seperates the solids from the liquids. the solids need to be evacuated a couple times a decade. the reason for bedrooms (as mentioned by others) is to evaluated the occupancy for typical usage. Here in California, the tank size for a conventional gravity system is 1200 gallon or 2000 gallon. The leach line varies depending on soils (based upon perc test). Let us say 90 feet per bedroom… a five bedroom house would require 450 feet of leach line plus 200% future expansion area. You do not use bleach in your laundry with a septic system, as it is harmful to the bacteria that breaks down the sewage into effluent. In centeral Texas I have seen two tanks used (one for the solids, the other for effluent). These tanks are shallow as the bedrock is just below the ground surface. The cost to install a system varies based upon the soils, type of system, and distance to the quarry. In my area a design may cost 5k to 8k and construction of the system might run between 15k and 20k for a 5 bedroom standard system. A pressure distribution system might run an additional 3-5k, and a mound system might cost 25k+/-. In Moresville NC, a client just went to the county and asked for a septic permit, the county did the design for them at no charge…It really depends on your location. Another client building a 3 bedroom house, has a bid for a 42k because the house site is two hours away from the quarry and the transport cost is expensive ($ 95/hr).

Feel free to email me with more information and I’ll try to provide a more advice and details…

Answer by calvin b
first if u buy a place that has a septic system on the property check if it is still in code (most likely not) then call a certified septic professional they will come out and take a perculation test that is a test that they drill a hole in the ground and dump a certain amount of water if it disappears in a certain time u can get a standard leach Field septic system. if it takes a longer time to drain u will need to get a mound septic system. to classify how big of a system u need is a very easy answer is (100 galons per person per day). this will cost around $ 5000-16000 butt u can take it out of your taxes up to 3 years.

Answer by Charles S
In Massachusetts, a five bedroom septic is more expensive than what I’m reading that others are describing. ALthough I do not deal directly in installing such things myself, I have heard over and over again that an average septic system, installed new, (to replace an old system) is around 25K… as much as 30K… and the average system around here IS NOT five bedrooms, but rather, three…. four would be on the larger size of average.

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Question Asked by : How do I fix my septic system?
How can I fix my septic system? My septic system is leaking sewage above the drainfield and my sinks and tubs are clogged. I already bought some septic tank bacteria from http://www.drsenviro.com and it fixed the problem for a few months but I have to use a year supply a month.

Best answer:

Answer by Dd
First I would suggest pumping your septic tank. Along with using the Biospan from drsenviro.com (works wonders for me.) After that its still clogged and leaking from the tank and/or drainfield then your drainfield and failed! Your most economical solution is to RESTORE your septic system/drainfield. DO NOT REPLACE YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM! Companies like DRAINFIELD RESTORATION SERVICES use a Terralift machine and can fix your septic system in one day! It cost me thousands less than the excavation company wanted! Plus I got a Five year waranty, plus my drainfield has been working for 4 years better than when I moved in! (along with the septic tank additive from drsenviro.com) go to www.restoreyourseptic.com or http://www.Drainfield-Restoration.com for more info.

(Drainfield Restoration Services is based on the west coast)

Answer by Andy
If you don’t pump a septic tank for a very long time the scum layer on the top of the tank gets thicker and heavier until it starts to block the drain pipe in the tank that empties into the drain field.

My tank was like that. There were no solids in the bottom of the tank so the bottom of the tank didn’t actually need pumping but the scum layer on top needed to be removed.

Answer by saaanen
It may not be the tank. Sounds more like the leach field is saturated. You need a pro.

And save your money on the additive. Not a fix.

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Question Asked by zeebya: Anyone in rural Southern California: home septic system question?
How much should I budget to have a septic system put on my land that can handle two small-to-average-sized homes?

Best answer:

Answer by Jeremy M
Depending on DEM code requirements you may have to have two complete systems installed. One for each house. If it’s a start from scratch project you’re looking at $ 20,000 to $ 30,000 per system. HOWEVER the contractor may be able to avoid some of the equipment, excavation, and set up charges if you have the work all done at the same time. I’m going to say low side $ 35,000 and high side $ 50,000.

Answer by aussie
to many factors unknow to answer. Get 3 estimates from contractors that do this work

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Question Asked by blueiggi10: Financing a home with no septic system?
Hi, does anybody know if banks will give a loan on a house that has no septic system installed? I have the money to install it even after putting in the down payment, closing costs, etc. I was just wondering if this would be a major difficulty in securing the loan. Thanks to anyone who replies.

Best answer:

Answer by Mike
With this kind of transaction it is very important that you consult with an attorney who specializes in Real Esate Law where the property is located.

It is certain that if the property is not connected to a sewer or a septic system that this property was built without Building Permits.

It is entirely possible that you will never be able to have a legally permitted strcuture on this lot.

In rural areas structures are often built illegally because for one reason or another the property is not legally buildable.

In that circumstance the local authority with jurisdiction can require that you demolish the structure from the property and remove the structure from the property.

This property does not meet current building code if it is not connected to a sewer and does not have a current septic system.

This property represents a considerable risk to you that you will never be able to get building permits on the structure.

The price of this property should be discounted accordingly.

In most cases I would not pay more than land value for this kind of a property.

In other words I treat the existing structure as if it has no value.

Also if it appears that I will have to demolish the structure and start over, I deduct the cost to demolish the house (including dump fees which are often very large) from the value of the land if it were a bare lot to determine the amount of money that I am willing to offer for the property.

Suppose this property would have a Fair Market Value of $ 135,000 if the house had been built with permits.

For the purposes of the example we will say that the house if it had building permits would have a value of $ 45.000 and the land would have a value of $ 90,000 if the lot were bare and had no structure on it.

For example if the value of the bare lot is $ 90,000 and the cost to demolish the house and dump it is $ 30,000, then I will deduct the $ 30,000 cost to demolish from the $ 90,000 value of the bare lot.

The most Amount of money that I would offer for this property under these circumstances would be $ 60.000.

The law of the jurisdiction where the property is located will determine whether or not you can convert this property to a legal dwelling that does comply with the current Law, Building Code and Zoning Requirements.

You will find it to be extraordinarily difficult to get any financing whatsoever on a house that does not have a septic system and is not connected to the sewer.

I recommend that you ask the seller to provide the financing for a period of time. The period of time to be no less than one year.

Also the seller to provide financing at least for the period of time that you are unable to obtain conventional financing through a lender.

If this property cannot be brought up to code, you will never be able to get fiancing at decent terms. You may need to have seller financing until you can pay off the financing on the property.

If you can bring the property up to code with the necessary permits, then you may be able to refinance the seller financing and replace the seller financing with conventional financing.

Make certain that the jurisdiction where this property is located will permit you to install a septic system.

They probably will require a percolation test.

If the property fails the percolation test they may not permit you to install a septic system.

Speak with the building Depart ment of the City or County where the property is located. Ask them about this specific property.

Ask the Building Department why this property is not hooked up to a sewer system or septic system.

Also ask the Building Department to tell you what will be required to install a septic system or connect this property to the sewer.

Also ask the Building Department what will be required to get all of the required permits on this property.

Remember: If the property does not have a septic system, the structure was probably built without permits.

Explain to The Building Department that you want to get Permits on this property. Ask them what they will require.

Also, I recommmend that you have this property inspected by a Licensed General Contrator to make certain that this property complies with local building codes or can be brought into compliance with the Building Code at a reasonable Cost.
.

If the property passes inspection and is eligible for a building permit for a septic tank, hire a licensed contractor to install the septic tank with the required permits.

Also obtain any other required Permits from the jurisdictin where the property is located.

At this point you should now be able to go to a traditional lender to refinance the property into a conventional mortgage.

Answer by Lakerman
Hi, yes you can. The cost for the “repair” is treated as any other necessary for settlement. If it is a purchase transaction, obtain loan approval with funding provided on a final inspection (as it is for new construction) and after the system is installed you can close. Be sure to get lien waivers. You can also have the seller sign an agreement for you to do the job or have him execute a note and deed of trust for the cost of the repair, minimum loan is $ 5K in many states, and balloon the note to settlement. If he fails to sell after you do the loan you can force sale…there are many ways to accomplish a repair or improvement in a mortgage settlement. Good luck…

Answer by jlf
A house with no septic system or sanitary sewer tie-in must be in a state of incomplete construction. Is that is the case you are talking about? My guess is that lenders would want the seller to make things right first.

Answer by godged
Wow, that is going to be challenging. The only way I can see this coming together is if you can secure an FHA 203k loan, which is designed for rehabbing a home.

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Question Asked by : Can you use a riding lawn mower on a mound septic system?
we have a huge septic system and the grass is crazy on it and don’t want to use a push mower on it because its hot out and its a big hill so not fun. can i use the rider on it without damaging it.

Best answer:

Answer by Tepee
I used a 12 HP lawn tractor to mow over my system for 28 years with no problems.

Answer by pickmefirstplz
I also use a rider over my septic with no problems

Answer by Corky R
Riding mowers generally cause no problem to mound type septic systems. The materials of the septic system are much stronger than is necessary to support most any rider out there. Just be careful about how much sun you get. It can be deadly.

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Question Asked by Jen: Considering purchasing a home with a septic system and well water?
Is it a good idea? What are some things to look for. Depth of well? Septic systems I know nothing about. Anybody have them for a long time or work on them? Thank you for your imput.

Best answer:

Answer by twv706
I have one and you benefit by not having to pay for a water bill. Have a inspector come out to inspect the well and septic tank. You want to make sure your well is deep enough and your not going to run out of water in 5 minutes from the well being too shallow. Also, have the water quality tested to make sure its safe to drink.

Answer by ckm1956
#1) Get the water professionally tested. (bacteria AND minerals)
#2) How old is the pump?
#3) Is there a holding tank for house water?
#4) How deep is the well?
#5) What type of septic system? (tank or drain field)
#6) Last time it had to be cleaned?

Most of the time, having a well is trouble free. (At least ours have been.) If the pump breaks, then it’s not cheap. If the water is high in minerals, you can either buy a treatment system or live with it.

As for septic systems, you should give them “booster” treatments. The intervals depend on the products you use. We got ours from Home Depot.

Good luck!

Answer by Adam J
Make sure you sample the water first. I was on a contract job in Ohio and was put up in a house on well water. The water quality was literally so bad that I started showering at the local YMCA. A minor inconvenience for three months, but not something I would have wanted to put up with permanently.

I think the area I was in (Grove City OH, just south of Columbus) may have had exceptionally low quality water, but make sure you check to see if its OK with you. (I’ve heard it can also be a bit of a shock for people who are on city water.)

Answer by REALLY
well? not sure
septic tank: nothing to worry about really. about every month or so pour a bag a granulated sugar in your toilet and flush. they have other products for the septic tank that does the same thing but are costly.

Answer by Harry W
i have a septic and well system. the deeper the well the better, check the rating for the septic for how many people and how often it has been cleaned out. i m single bought a property rated for 4, has been clean for 3 yrs so far

Answer by yspring64
Homes with a well and septic system are fine. You must realize they do require some maintenance. It depends on the type of septic and water systems the house has. Not every house has a well – they might have a pond, a cistern, or a spring. Also, not every house has a septic tank and leachfield (many do), it might have a tank and filter bed, or an aeration system, or a mound, or something else.

Whatever you do, have the local health department do a well and septic inspection, including a bacterial water test (on the well). Get copies of the well and septic records. When was the septic tank last pumped out?

The health department is your best unbiased resource for well and septic system questions.

Answer by jthessen
before you buy in your offer stipulate that the owners are responsible for inspection of your septic system. the cost is cheap and even if the owners won’t do this you should have that done. depending on where you live your local health department will collect water samples and analize it at no cost, also ask the owners for information concerning the age of the well pump, and if it is a JET pump or Submersible. submersible is what you want. ask your realtor about the aquifer in the area. have a water well company inspect the system. if you do tese things you not have any surprises, a new submersible pump will cost you about $ 1200-1400

Answer by www.lendersgreen.com
Make sure you have the inspection done before you sign the contract of sale.

Answer by Myron
Here is your best answer;
The seller will have to have the septic tank pumped and inspected at sellers expense. Get a copy of such as the lender usually will not fund until they get their copy. Look for rows of buttercups or longer grass in rows in the yard. Either can be evidence of drainfield issues. The well needs to be certified by the county ecology department for purity and adequate supply. All info is extremely handy to keep for when you become the seller years from now. Can the well serve more than one residence ? If so that can be useful in the future. Does the well water require additional filtration such as iron removal or sulfur removal. I have sold hundreds of rural properties that have had wells and septic systems and any good agent should already have had the correct answers for you by now. The septic tank should be full when they open the access lid and the field discharge box access cover should also be uncovered. The tank if not full will be due to a crack in it and that will need repaired. The well cap should not allow bugs to drop down the casing. You can check that yourself. The pump will have a breaker box between it and the house. The breakers should be protected from rain and children being able to access them. Having no water or sewer bill is a good plus as long as the systems are in good working order. Some people use sugar others flush a packet of yeast into their septic once a month to keep the enzymes active. You do not want to use your garbage disposal like you did when on a sewer line as grease is not good for a septic tank. Lastly the tank itself should be large enough for your home to add 1 more bedroom. Septic tanks are rated by bedrooms in a house, not bathrooms. Should you want to add a 4th bedroom in a remodel you cannot sell the house as a 4 bedroom with only a 3 bedroom rated septic tank. Hope this helps you as most of the previous answers are city people that know little about rural things.

Answer by godged
Your state or county probably was a well water website which can give you information about the depths of wells in your area and check to see if yours is comparable. Check to see if your well and septic were permitted, just in case there are issues down the road. If it is an old well and septic, it may not be, and that is not cause for panic. Permits didn’t happen until the mid-70′s in most areas. The type of pump and septic is important. If you write an offer on the house, make sure that it includes that the seller provides either a very recent test regarding the function of the well, the quality of the water and septic or will pay to get it tested. Sometimes if well function is questionable, a house will have a holding tank. In times where you are not using the water (i. e. during the night) the well pump will kick on and fill your holding tank.

A well and septic really isn’t a scary proposition, just write your offer contingent on having a good well and septic system.

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Question Asked by : How much to replace field lines for septic system?
We live in Georgia on a very steep slope and need to have all of our field lines replaced due to roots. I heard the length required is based on the # of bedrooms/baths which is 4/3. The tank itself is fine. Anyone want to offer us some ballparks? Just so we can sort of know what we are facing. We’ve always lived in the city, we have NO idea about septic systems =/

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Answer by Allan Wilkins
6-8 thousand dollars around here.

Answer by George R
Sorry for your luck this is a common problem and is NOT a cheap fix unless you own a backhoe.

Answer by saaanen
IMPOSSIBLE. Too many variables.

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Question Asked by : Weird connection between yeast infection treatment and septic system?
I’ve noticed that when I’m using a mcream for a yeast infection, both toilets in my house stop flushing properly- it takes 2 and sometimes 3 flushes for the waste to go down, and that never happens at any other time! My septic system is about 25 years old, and I have an upstairs and a main floor bathroom. Can anyone explain this?

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Answer by BILL ALBERTO
I can only guess with this question. But if you’re stool’s are floating thy will take some flushing.
So there’s nothing wrong with the plumbing or drains.but if you put some paper on them more than usual it will help to take away your floating stools.
I do hope I have answered this question or should I say interpreted it right be course you will think I’ve gone loopy.

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Question Asked by shannadee1: Is it okay to use bath salts with a septic system?
My husband says using bath salts in the bath tub will mess up the septic system. We have a Jet aeration system with sprinklers (don’t know if that matters).

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Answer by grannygrunt28391
What directions came with the system.?
The only thing I know that is unacceptable is bleach/chlorine

Answer by mettophobic
Good question, but your husband is wrong.

A septic system is made to basically digest sh*t, i think it can handle a little bit of salt. Besides, theres a large measure of salt in your bodily fluids, your skin (which particals of wash down the drain with those bath salts too).

They frankly wouldnt make bath salts if they didnt dissolve, or if they ruined your septic system.

If youre still uncertain, look at the website for the people that manufactured the system, it will say on there what you cant use.

Answer by frozenbrew
if it’s epsen salts it’s OK. in fact it’s also good to use it on your garden by the tomatoes (they need the potassium)

Answer by cowboydoc
I wouldn’t overdo it but it shouldn’t hurt it.

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Question Asked by David H: How much does a septic system cost in Horseshoe bend Arkansas?
Hi, I am thinking about retiring in Arkansas and there are many lots for sale but many require septic systems. I know there are many types and costs of septic systems. Does anyone know what kind is needed in Horseshoe Bend Arkansas and how much it costs?
Thanks Dave

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Answer by That ain’t right
100 but it is only sold at Walmart as is everything in Arkansas

Answer by Watch Dawg
Around $ 2000.00.

Answer by Dan H
No idea. There are too many variables to deal with.

Access to the lot
Distance from the contractor’s shop
Soil conditions
Needed depth of system
Load on system
Some areas require certain modifications for environmental use.

Call a couple of septic system contractors in the area and ask them for a non-specific ballpark, then double the number for a decent budget. As a contractor myself, I wouldn’t give you a number over the phone without an idea of where the system is going and some answers to the questions above and others.

Answer by smokey
You might as well plan on spending a minimum of $ 4,000.00 for a complete system.

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Question Asked by tervl: How much spacing do cedar trees need for planting? How deep/wide is their root system? OK to put near septic?
I have approximately 5 to 6 feet width along a neighbor’s property line to plant a privacy row of trees or hedges. The area is also next to a raised septic bed. Are cedar trees OK to plant in this area? Will their root system harm my septic system? I live in NE Indiana.

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Answer by flossintru
http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ID=43

Answer by killer_queen_fm
When planting a cedar hedge with 4 ft to 7 ft trees try to space them about 1ft apart. Larger trees will need a bit more room. Any roots from any tree can harm your septic bed. When roots find an area they “like” they will thrive there. You can root prune them about every two years. Just simply push a sharp shovel into the ground as deep as you can. Best would be able to go down 2ft or so and just cut all the roots growing in that direction. Hopefully there is enough room between the cedars and septic to establish a healthy root system. About 6ft will do. It will be about 5 or 6 years before the roots from newly planted trees get any farther. So root prune about 5 ft away from the trees in about 5 years from now.

Cedars would likely be best there root system is generally shallow

Happy Hedging

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Question Asked by D: what is the difference between septic system and sewer system toilets.?
Someone said that you cant flush ANYTHING except toilet paper (and excretion) down a septic system. (I don’t know what else you would flush down there anyway?????) so what is the difference between the two

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Answer by edjumacation
Nothing. With a septic system, you have to be a little more environmentally friendly with your soaps. The more organic material that hits the septic tank, the better. As always, never put grease down the drains That will kill a septic system quickly. $ 10,000 +

Answer by S. Schaefer
First off, a sewer system is easier to climb around in.

Going into a septic system feels like you are in a large box, but the hole is a lot smaller and the doody isn’t flowing like it does in a sewer system it just collects.

A sewer system also has alligators and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live in the sewer. Sometimes I drop a pizza off at a drainhole near my house so that they stay well fed and are able to protect the city from Shredder.

I’ll put you on the prayer list at church

Answer by Spell Check!
Mains sewerage involves waste water from your property going into a pipe that carries it away, hopefully to a treatment works, along with a lot of other people’s waste water.

A septic system involves waste water, usually from just one property, going into a storage tank, also usually in the property (generally underground). This tank is then emptied on a regular basis by someone who comes along with a tanker, and a large pump. You probably do have to be more careful about what you put into a domestic septic system than what you can put into a mains sewerage system.

There are also industrial septic systems, for waste that would gunge up the normal sewerage system. For example, the on-side butchery where I work has a septic system for the wastes produced by meat processing. Because meat has fat on it, the waste the butchery produces is rich with fats, and is removed by specialists in dealing with oily wastes. (Again, garages need some special arrangements for disposing of things like used engine oil.)

To add to your waste water general knowledge: waste water is split into two categories, grey water, and black water. Black water contains excrement, grey water is the sort of thing you would typically get after someone has washed their hands, or done the laundry.

Answer by justme
Septic systems are a buried tank in your yard that you have to get pumped out every 5 years or so. Only the water is released out of the tank into the ground around it. A septic system is what I consider to be for city water systems where once you flush it goes through the pipes and through the underground system of pipes and eventually to a waste treatment plant. If you have a septic tank everything you flush stays in it and can eventuall y clog the drainage pipes and fill up so you have to get it pumped out.

Answer by sensible_man
Septic systems work by bacteria eating the solids in the tank. This is why you need to be careful what you put down the drains. Caustic chemicals used in cleaning can kill the bacteria and the tank will fill up faster. Grease and oil are not good for septics.

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