Septic Tank Field Lines

[UKJon_in_tn]

Folks,
I bought a house 8 years ago, 7 1/2 years ago I found I have a septic system instead of the city sewer that I pay monthly. I've slowly been having issues with said septic and finally had a septic company out today along with a backhoe operator as the tank was built in 1971 and didn't have an access port. Both gentlemen told me my field line was backed up and needed to be replaced to the tune of around $2,500, even though it just seemed like they were randomly sticking a rod in the ground and saying "Yeah it's bad". Big guy had to use a lot of force to get the rod in the ground.

My question is, after doing a little research online, I see where companies sell chemicals that you can flush that will clear a field line that has been clogged. Has anyone ever used these and do they actually work?

FYI, I have looked back over my contract documents and the home inspection has one line that says "sewer type - septic (from listing agent)". This was never brought to my attention and as a first time home buyer, I never noticed that line. I was pissed at being misled and then deflated after I read that line.

Thanks for the help.

UKJon

4 UK in tn

 

[buckethead1978]

Suck it up and pay the money to get the septic working correct. The last the thing you want is it backing up in your house.

Also, if you are on septic then you were not paying much for the sewers. I am on a septic tank and my MSD drainage fee is $5 a month.

 

[Get Buckets]

Ishers full mirite???

 

[Dig Dirkler]

even though it just seemed like they were randomly sticking a rod in the ground and saying "Yeah it's bad".

Was it a copper rod?

If so, they weren't lying. "Witching " for water, or septic lines, is a controversial -- yet scientifically proven -- method for locating both drinking water and turd pipe, but the rod has to be copper.

If it was any other metal then those guys were charlatans trying to rip you off for a couple Gs. Good luck.

 

[UKserialkiller]

Guy named Jon asking about a *******. lol

Best of of luck buddy.

 

[Dig Dirkler]

OP, in all seriousness, before you start letting anybody dig up your yard, especially big guys with big rods, you need to make sure they know exactly where they're digging.

The best way to do this is to get an aerial map of your property -- and the best way to do that is with a drone. You might ask bigblueSean if you could borrow his, if he's not using it to spy on his neighbor's daughter that is.

 

[UK_BlueBlood]

Is it possible there a city sewer line now bordering your property? If so I'd at least investigate the option of just tapping on to the sewer before going to the expense of repairing the septic system. The expense may be a wash either way.

 

[Phantom]

Pay the money and get your system fixed. Actually, at $2500, you're getting a bargain

 

[JohnBlue]

Unless the lines were clearly visible, them sticking rods in the ground and telling you that the line were stopped is pure bs. The first thing they should offer is to pump the tank.

 

[AustinTXCat]

Pay the money and get your system fixed. Actually, at $2500, you're getting a bargain

+1.

Our old septic tank began backing up frequently. During spring 2012, we paid $7,100 to hook into city sewage and collapse the old septic tank.

 

[UKJon_in_tn]

A few things, they did pump out the septic system ($550 pump & backhoe). To hook into the city would require tearing out my entire driveway and going under the road of the cul-de-sac or cut the road as the sewer line is on the other side of the street. They would also have to dig down roughly 20 feet to get to a tap due to the my house sits down from the road. Sorta hard to explain. Not cheap at all.
Also, I pay a sewer usage fee based on water usage around 30-40 a month.

Thanks to all,
UKJon
4 UK in tn

 

[Midway Cat]

Also, I pay a sewer usage fee based on water usage around 30-40 a month.

If you have a septic system, this makes very little sense. I'd strongly suggest checking into it with your water/sewer provider, particularly considering that you apparently live in a neighborhood where some people are on city sewer, while others are on septic. I wouldn't be surprised if they're charging everyone on city water in your neighborhood the same sewer rate without considering that some might be on septic.

Could be wrong, of course, but just a thought.

 

[theoledog]

flushing condoms down the toilet will mess up a septic system (so I've been told)..... think about going to the root of the problem... no pun intended....
you have been offered some good advice/warnings from posters... you'll have to separate truth from BS.

but i gotta wonder how you bought a house not realizing it was on septic? i mean its gotta be written plain as day in the listing????
if you missed this then i'd recommnend you find someone you trust to help you work your way through this issue....

willy4uk maybe?

 

[UK_BlueBlood]

A few things, they did pump out the septic system ($550 pump & backhoe). To hook into the city would require tearing out my entire driveway and going under the road of the cul-de-sac or cut the road as the sewer line is on the other side of the street. They would also have to dig down roughly 20 feet to get to a tap due to the my house sits down from the road. Sorta hard to explain. Not cheap at all.
Also, I pay a sewer usage fee based on water usage around 30-40 a month.

Thanks to all,
UKJon
4 UK in tn

In this case, pay the $2500 and get your septic lines repaired. As others have mentioned, that is a very fair price. You're not likely to find a better deal.

 

[ukalumni00]

In this case, pay the $2500 and get your septic lines repaired. As others have mentioned, that is a very fair price. You're not likely to find a better deal.

I have a septic tank I just had to get pumped out. You will hear different things but my septic guy said you should get it pumped out every 5 years depending on how many are in your household.

Be very careful with what chemical you put into the toilet or sinks because several actually harm the "good" bacteria in the tank that helps break down solids and all.

If your line field is messed up then you must get them fixed ASAP. $2500 actually seems like a really good deal if you ask me. The last thing you want to happen is your septic backing up. A tank that is over 40 years old very likely needs to be completely replaced anyway (if not properly maintained). Replacing the entire tank and field is going to be a lot more then $2500 if done right.

Always make sure to install a riser where the septic tank opening is. My dumba$$ contractor did not put one in and the tank is 6 feet under ground. Had to bring in a mini excavator to dig up the opening so they could get the pump pipe into the tank. Cost me a good bit to have it done right. I originally thought the opening was in a spot that I never looked at closer until I needed the tank pumped. Lesson learned.

Finally, do not flush condoms, wipes, tampons, etc. because they do not break down in the tank. My septic guy said he has cleaned out tanks full of these items that did not break down. The stories he gave me of when they go to clean the actual pumping tank and the things they found was very disgusting.

 

[Big_Blue79]

The best way to do this is to get an aerial map of your property -- and the best way to do that is with a drone. You might ask bigblueSean if you could borrow his, if he's not using it to spy on his neighbor's daughter that is.

New spying on daughters is with a wig and public bathroom. Drones are so March.

OP, in all seriousness, get another opinion and quote. Parents had some big time issues with their septic that took court cases to resolve, but moral of the story was there are some real turds in the septic business, pun intended.

 

[Captain Forehead]

Go to your local plumbing supply store. Ask them for a reputable plumber they themselves would hire. Have them inspect it and get a new quote. Thank me later.

 

[sg24_]

Pay the money and get your system fixed. Actually, at $2500, you're getting a bargain

This.

 

[Orionorl]

$2500 seems too cheap, in fact. Are you getting a new tank, plus the drainlines? What are they installing for drainlines? If someone says 'EZLay', or describes anything that looks like a nylon-covered sack of styrofoam, run away (voice of experience here). Get a leaching chamber system, and avoid any 'pipe and stone' job.

 

[Goose59]

When you have field line problems, it's best to just replace the lines than to repair the old ones. Repairing them usually just results in having to replace them later.
2500 sounds about right, but also get another estimate. Never hurts to check around.
You're best bet with a septic system is to not put any paper products down the toilet, even toilet paper. It'll reduce how much you have to pump your tank, and help keep your lines clear. Also make sure you're not putting any grease down your sink or in your dishwasher. Grease will jack up your whole system quick.

 

[Phantom]

When you have field line problems, it's best to just replace the lines than to repair the old ones. Repairing them usually just results in having to replace them later.
2500 sounds about right, but also get another estimate. Never hurts to check around.
You're best bet with a septic system is to not put any paper products down the toilet, even toilet paper. It'll reduce how much you have to pump your tank, and help keep your lines clear. Also make sure you're not putting any grease down your sink or in your dishwasher. Grease will jack up your whole system quick.

QFT

 

[Kooky Kats]

Just start taking dumps in the backyard... Or, pay deht mahen his muhnee.

 

[wildcatsboston1984_rivals]

Have you been getting it pumped out every 3-5 years?

 

[tammefan]

Found out last year that my washer was not running into my septic. They ran the washer into a distribution box in the front yard. Looks like the amount of loads we do a week and poor soil quality has over taxed the system. I can fix it for $2000 or tear down a basement ceiling down and run it to the septic system. Have been told different things. When it doesnt rain much doing 3-4 loads a week its not bad but i Know it will get worse.

 

[Laparkafan]

+1.

Our old septic tank began backing up frequently. During spring 2012, we paid $7,100 to hook into city sewage and collapse the old septic tank.

I second what this guy said. My parents have a septic tank and it would cost them about 10k to connect to the city line.