Why Septic Tank Caving In? (Best solution)

How does a septic tank work?

The septic tank collects wastewater from connected drains and toilets. The treatment chamber portion treats the sewage prior to it being discharged in the drain field. The treatment process consists of a biochemical treatment. In the tank, the solids settle while light materials like oils and greases float to the surface.

What can cause a septic tank to collapse?

Once a tank is emptied of water, it is much more prone to collapse. That is because the pressure of the surrounding soil is no longer counter-acted by the water inside the tank. Regular maintenance and proper user behaviors will keep your septic tank working properly for years without major issues.

How can you tell if a septic tank collapse?

Here are the signs your septic system’s got an issue and it’s time to call in the pros.

Water (or sewage) is backing up inside your home.
Green, spongy grass around your septic tank.

You’ve got trees or shrubs near your system.
Water’s pooling in your yard.
A rotten egg smell.

Slow drains.

Does homeowners insurance cover septic tank collapse?

Yes, your septic tank is considered part of your home and would be covered by the dwelling coverage portion of your home insurance in the event that it is suddenly damaged.

Do concrete septic tanks collapse?

However, no matter how well-built, septic tank problems do occur. Issues may arise in older septic systems, but tanks can also fail prematurely and collapse for several reasons. Above-ground pressure– Placing too much weight over your septic tanks is never advisable, as they’re not designed to be load-bearing.

How do you unclog a septic tank drain?

Sprinkle the drain with baking soda, then dump vinegar into the pipe. Leave the mixture to sit in the pipe for an hour or two. Finally, flush the drain with hot water. If the clog is small, this could be enough to clear the pipe.

How do I know if my drain field is failing?

The following are a few common signs of leach field failure:

Grass over leach field is greener than the rest of the yard.
The surrounding area is wet, mushy, or even has standing water.
Sewage odors around drains, tank, or leach field.

Slow running drains or backed up plumbing.

Can a drain field collapse?

An inlet line that is not well-supported by the ground below it won’t be able to resist the pressure from above as the fill material attempts to settle evenly into the ground. Under this pressure, the pipe can buckle and collapse. This damage can also happen to the outlet line that leads to the leach field.

Can I shower if my septic tank is full?

Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.

How long do septic tanks last?

A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.

Can septic tanks cause sinkholes?

On Dangerous Ground Improperly abandoned septic tanks have been known to cause dangerous sinkholes around them, which can cause injury or even death. In 2017, a 75-year old Apple Valley, California man fell into a sinkhole created by an old septic system.

Do plastic septic tanks collapse?

Guide to Plastic or Fiberglass Septic Tanks Fiberglass or Plastic Septic Tanks: are very resistant to some of the problems occurring with concrete (cracks) or steel (rust) septic or home made (collapse) septic tanks.

Should old septic tanks be removed?

Septic tanks are decommissioned for safety reasons. If a tank is not going to be used any longer, the best decision is to render it inoperable. Tanks that were well constructed, as well as those that are surrounded by excellent soil for the drain field, can have a lifespan of 50 years.

Can you build over an abandoned leach field?

Overall, it is not recommended to build over your leach filed and you should also not put anything heavy on top of it, such as parking a vehicle.

Do Septic Tanks Collapse? The Why & How

Do Septic Tanks Collapse? – Do Septic Tanks Collapse? The Why and How Even a high-quality septic tank system can become a source of potential danger if not subjected to regular inspection and maintenance. Sinkholes may occur quickly and without notice, thus they should not be taken lightly in any situation. It is possible that there are fall-in safety concerns that are not addressed, putting your family and pets in danger. Septic tank systems can fail for many reasons, and knowing the reasons why they could fail can help you avoid a potentially hazardous situation with your septic tank system.

Septic tank systems and its design

Multiple porous tanks and pipelines are used to construct septic tank systems. In order for the system to function, surplus wastewater must be distributed across the drain field. The water includes a variety of substances that work as a fertilizer for the wastewater treatment process. Following this, the surplus water that enters the drain field will be removed by various natural processes such as evaporation or transpiration from plants. When new wastewater is introduced into the septic tank, the tank displaces the water that has previously been stored there.

And, in order to keep harmful gases from entering your home, traps designed to hold the gas within the tanks have been installed.

Reasons why a septic tank may collapse

Septic systems that are well-designed and effective perform an excellent job of processing sewage. They are made to last and may provide service to your household for up to ten years at a time. Septic tank issues, however, can arise regardless of how well-built the system is. In addition to problems with older septic systems, septic tanks can fail prematurely and collapse for a number of other causes.

Above-ground pressure (also known as surface pressure) Placing an excessive amount of weight on your septic tanks is never a good idea because they are not intended to be load-bearing structures. An excessive amount of pressure on the covers and the ground may cause them to crack and shatter, creating holes that can range in breadth from a few inches to several feet in diameter. This is extremely unsafe for anyone who may be walking through the impacted region. Aside from that, a collapse might result in the emission of methane gas from wastewater products, which is harmful to both humans and animals. As a result, it is critical to verify that your systems are properly installed and that there are no weight concerns that might cause them to collapse. It is critical to maintain the land above your leach field clean in order to avoid a septic tank from collapsing, whether this means restricting grazing or not allowing trucks or heavy equipment to be driven over the septic system.

Forest fires may inflict more harm to your tanks than you would imagine. They may readily clog intake pipes, which might make it difficult for them to function properly. Cutting the tree roots that are clogging the pipe is a fast remedy. However, it is possible that this may just be a temporary remedy because the roots will regrow just as rapidly. You should consult with professionals when you need to do excavation, pipe repair and/or replacement, or a total tank removal, as these tasks are more complicated.

Tank for aging– One of the most common reasons for septic tanks to fail is because they are old and inefficient. The most difficult aspect of dealing with this sort of septic system failure is that it is not visible from above ground when it is ready to occur. As a result, the specialists at Streamline recommend that you have your septic system tested on a regular basis. Cracks and other indicators of deterioration can be diagnosed and detected by our staff because they are well-versed in the field. We can then provide the finest advise possible when it comes to septic system replacement or repair.

How to prevent septic system collapse

When it comes to reducing the hazards of a collapsed septic tank, proper usage is the key. It all boils down to being conscientious about what you put down your drains and how you keep your septic system in general in good working order.

Make certain that there is an appropriate discharge of water– Too much water in the tank might upset the biological balance of the tank. The greater the amount of water present in the system, the greater the likelihood that backups and system failure will occur. Control your water use and make sure you have a tank that is the appropriate size for your family’s needs. Using chemical drain cleaners or cleaning materials is not recommended since the bacteria within the tank will not be killed by the chemicals. The use of more dangerous substances such as insecticides, solvents, and paint, on the other hand, should be avoided at all costs. It is preferable to dispose of this sort of garbage through the use of waste collection services
Grease from the curb– Grease can cause damage to drainpipes, even those that are connected to a septic tank. When grease builds, it has the potential to obstruct the flow of wastewater, preventing it from performing at its best. This is why it’s critical to utilize a grease trap while cleaning. Maintain their cleanliness on a regular basis to ensure that grease is properly intercepted before it enters your system. Consider the weight of your car or heavy equipment while parking or placing it on a septic tank, since this can cause pipes and tanks to burst.

Make a septic tank maintenance a priority

Septic tank collapses and failures are not regular occurrences in the United States. However, appropriate usage and septic tank maintenance may go a long way toward ensuring that your systems are operating at their safest and most efficient. If you are a responsible property owner, it is critical to arrange frequent inspections to verify that everything is in perfect functioning order. A wide range of services, industry-leading equipment, and trustworthy personnel are available at Streamline to safeguard the health of your systems.

We will assign a car to your area in order to handle your urgent problems.

5 Reasons Septic Inlet Lines Can Collapse

Septic inlet lines, often known as sewer lines because they transport sewage from your home to a sewer or septic system, may survive for decades if properly maintained. However, if something goes wrong, they may fail early or perhaps collapse completely.

If the installation is done poorly, this collapse can occur years before the line’s typical life span should end, or even immediately after installation if the installation is done incorrectly. Here are five possible reasons why your septic inflow line may have failed.

1. Above-Ground Pressure

If you lay a significant amount of weight on your septic tank or leach field, things may fail. Another reason why experts urge that you avoid constructing anything in these regions, driving any vehicles over the system, or allowing animals to graze in these places is the potential of flooding. It’s possible that you’ll miss the tank but wind up driving over the intake line, which will result in a shattered pipe and inconvenient and costly damage.

2. Freezing

Infrequent use, excessive weather, and poor insulation are all factors that increase the likelihood of a septic intake line freezing and bursting. Because the line is buried deeper into the earth, it has a greater amount of insulation. Allowing your grass to grow a few inches longer before winter sets in might be beneficial if your septic tank isn’t buried very deeply and you expect a tough winter ahead of you.

3. Poor Backfill Support

Infrequent use, excessive weather, and insufficient insulation are all factors that increase the likelihood of a septic intake line freezing and break. A line’s insulation value increases according to how deeply it is buried in earth. The grass should be allowed to grow an extra few inches longer before winter sets in if your septic tank isn’t buried very deeply and you expect a hard season.

4. Tree Root Infestation

Infrequent use, excessive weather, and poor insulation are all factors that increase the likelihood of a septic intake line freezing and rupture. Because the line is buried deeper into the earth, it has a greater amount of insulating properties. Allowing your lawn to grow a few inches longer before winter sets in might be beneficial if your septic tank isn’t buried very deeply and you expect a tough winter.

5. Backwards Installation

It is possible that if the septic tank is constructed backwards, the input line will end up below the level of the outflow line rather than above it, as is intended. As you can probably guess, gravity is used to dump the septic tank into the inflow line rather than the other way around with this configuration. Consequently, backups and clogging can occur, which can result in burst and collapsed pipework. Rolls of toilet paper, baby wipes, and kitchen disposal waste can all become entrapped inside the pipe and cause internal damage to the system.

Under pressure, clay pipes are particularly prone to this type of failure.

Get in touch with us now to set up an appointment and learn more about the comprehensive expert services we provide for the cleaning, maintenance, and repair of septic systems.

my septic tank is collapsing?

After living in my home for seven years, I made the decision to have my septic tank pumped. My wife had contacted a number of businesses to obtain price quotations. It would cost 225 dollars if I excavated the holes to gain access to the lids, according to the cheapest man. It was only after pumping 1000 gallons today that he came out and informed my wife he believed my plastic tank was collapsing and that he should stop pumping at that point. He stated that he could install a new system for 4100 dollars, but that he would give us a $500 discount if we completed the system quickly.

They also agreed that if the earth was draining properly, there was probably no problem.
Putting in a new system if there is no problem is not something I want to do, but I also do not want to overlook a problem that might result in newborn ruths flooding into my basement.
I would encourage him to put the tank in an area where the sun doesn’t shine if it is 7 years old because they were still making concrete tanks at the time.

Approximately 4 years ago, mine began spouting baby ruths out of the access cover, where I assume they are attempting to root out the system.
They came out and pulled up the lid and somehow cleaned out the lines, and everything has been OK ever since.
perhaps getting away with a simple clean and flush I would encourage him to store the tank somewhere where the sun doesn’t shine if it is 7 years old because they were still making concrete tanks at the time.

It’s made of plastic.

as well as scent They were forced to utilize plastic since they were unable to get the concrete structure to the site.

I’d be a little wary.

As long as you can see inside, you should be able to determine if it is collapsing or not.

What if I told you how hard you’d have to suck on that item in order to make it collapse like a coke bottle?

Don’t get the notion that you should poke your head in and see for yourself.

Otherwise, it’s a rotten position, to say the least.

We’re sorry to hear about your difficulties.

When it was first put in place, it was filled with water before being covered over.

However, it is possible that the best price is not available.

If it is not causing you any difficulties, you should retain it and have it pumped at least once every 4-5 years.

Anyone that cleans your tank will most likely only be able to remove the “solids,” leaving the liquid in the tank to keep it from collapsing, at best.

The drain field is in good condition, and I have learned how to perform some basic maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the exit filter and checking the intake to see if there is any back-up.

He is a devout Christian who has stated that he would like to be an honest guy rather than a wealthy one.

It is necessary to maintain your septic tank alive.

After over two decades of living in the same house, I have never had to deal with my system. I’m sure I will eventually have to deal with it, but for now, I’m not digging up any problems until the baby ruths start showing up!

Sinkhole Danger: Old Septic Tanks

In the shape of septic tanks, which have been abandoned in favor of sewers, there is danger lying beneath the yards of tens of millions of houses throughout the United States of America. Mika Brzezinski reports that the earth atop those tanks can collapse without notice, causing anyone who happens to be nearby to fall into the resultant sinkhole and be injured or killed if they don’t get out quickly enough. Brzezinski describes it as “one of the scariest tales” she has ever covered, which she attributes to the fact that she is a mother.

In neighborhoods across the United States, it has happened and, according to some experts, it will happen again in the near future.

James appeared to have vanished from the face of the world—or, to put it another way, he appeared to have fallen into the soil.
When he stepped into the wrong place at the wrong moment, and he was no longer there, “Gerri expresses herself.
It turned out that he had walked on top of an abandoned cesspool, which was actually a concrete cave concealed beneath his backyard.

“A young kid might be going down the street and in they come,” he explains.
You won’t even be aware that they were gone.” “So they’re simply gone, like a flash?” Brzezinski wonders.
Because cesspools were nothing more than a deep hole dug in your yard and into which you flushed your toilets, vonMeier explains that when these areas were being created, they didn’t have sewage treatment facilities.

During the period of modernization, the cesspools were abandoned and forgotten about.

According to Brzezinski, such events have resulted in fatalities.

The next week, in Ingleside, Texas, 2-year-old Maria Carmen Gomez was slain when she fell into an abandoned tank that was just a few feet from her home, killing her.

Carter said that she rolled over onto her stomach and screamed because she realized she just had seconds left.

“And I simply pulled him up out of the hole,” she said.

When asked if she believes someone is keeping an eye on her, tears welled up in her eyes as she replied.

My mother had gone away (passed away) two weeks ago.” “Do you believe she was keeping an eye on you?” “And on him?” After James’ catastrophe, the Carters experienced a second cesspool collapse in their garden, just a few weeks later.

According to experts, it is not uncommon to have more than one possible sinkhole in one’s yard at any given time.

Most likely, you have an abandoned cesspool under your yard if this is the case.

You might hire a septic contractor to come out and inspect your yard. According to Brzezinski, if any are discovered, the contractor should plug holes up so that they do not collapse. It ranges in price from $800 to $1,500.

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In the shape of septic tanks, which have been abandoned in favor of sewers, there is danger lying beneath the yards of tens of millions of houses throughout the country. According to Mika Brzezinski, the earth above those tanks has the potential to collapse at any time, causing anyone who happens to be nearby to fall into the subsequent sinkhole and be injured or killed. Because she is a mom, Brzezinski describes it as “one of the scariest stories” she has ever reported on her show. What if your backyard, where your children play, suddenly collapses into a deep and dangerous sinkhole?

In neighborhoods across the United States, it has happened and, according to some experts, it will happen again.
On the surface of the planet, James appeared to have vanished; on the other hand, he appeared to have sunk deeper and deeper into the earth.

as well as walking into the wrong place at the wrong moment, and he was gone “Gerri has something to say about it.
His mistake had been to tread on top of an abandoned cesspool, which had been buried beneath his yard by a concrete cave.
According to him, “a young kid might be going along and suddenly they’re in.” “And because they’re six, eight, ten, twenty feet deep, you won’t be able to hear them.

Because cesspools were nothing more than a deep hole dug in your yard and into which you flushed your toilets, vonMeier explains that when these areas were being created, they didn’t have sewage treatment facilities.
During the process of modernization, the cesspools were abandoned and forgotten about.
Several people have died as a result of such circumstances, according to Brzezinski After plummeting 15 feet into a cesspool outside her home last winter in the New Jersey town of Stratford, an elderly woman of 92 died.

“He was literally up to his chin in dirt and water,” Carter said of James’s situation at the time of his fall.
Eventually, she adds, she couldn’t break the hole any longer because everything was falling.

But then James stretched out, far enough that she was able to grab his hand and pull him out of the hole, “and I just hauled him up out of it.” She describes it as “something out of a fairy tale.” Her eyes welled up with tears as she answered the question about if she believes someone is keeping an eye out for her safety.

Only a couple of weeks prior, my mother passed away.” Is it correct that you believe she was keeping an eye on you?” “And on him?” The Carters saw a second cesspool collapse in their garden only a few weeks after James’ injury.

According to experts, it is not uncommon to have more than one possible sinkhole in one’s yard at the same time.

Most likely, you have an abandoned cesspool under your property if this is the case.

In order to survey your yard, you might engage a septic contracting company. If any are discovered, Brzezinski recommends that the contractor plug them in so that they don’t collapse under their own weight. A price ranges from $800 to $1,500 for it.

Cesspool Safety Hazards & Cesspool Collapse Warnings – Cesspool Drywell or Seepage Pit Inspection, Cesspool Drywell or Seepage Pit Repair, Septic System Maintenance Concerns for Safety

Send in your question or comment about safety hazards, collapses, explosions, fires, toxics, injuries and fatalities involving septic tanks, cesspools, drywells and other septic system components
Or send in your question or comment about septic tanks, cesspools, drywells and other septic system components.

Send in your question or comment about safety hazards, collapses, explosions, fires, toxics, injuries and fatalities involving septic tanks, cesspools, drywells and other septic system components; or send in your question or comment about septic tank safety hazards, collapses, explosions, fires, toxics, injuries and fatalities.

Cesspool Safety Warnings and Cesspool Capacity Limitations

Send in your question or comment about safety hazards, collapses, explosions, fires, toxics, injuries and fatalities involving septic tanks, cesspools, drywells and other septic system components; or send in your question or comment about septic tank, cesspool, drywell, and other septic system components.

Very Important Cesspool Safety Warnings

Keep an eye out for cesspools and other sites pits and excavations since there is a risk of a deadly collapse if you walk over the top of them or get too close to their edges. Pets and children should be kept away from such systems. Our photograph (on the left) depicts a rapid back yard collapse that may have been caused by an ancient drywell or cesspool, which is addressed in further depth atSinkholes in New York. Keep an eye out: there is a significant chance of cesspool collapse, which might result in death if someone falls into one of these systems. For earlier site-built systems, which were frequently constructed of dry-stacked stone or concrete block, this is especially true, and it is much more true if such systems are not secured by a very secure cover. Caution is advised while pumping cesspools since older site-built systems may be more likely to collapse inwards when their contents are removed. In addition, pumping a cesspool from the bottom in an attempt to break up the sludge layer and “rejuvenate” the cesspool is likely to undermine the structure’s walls and, in the case of dry-laid concrete block or stone, as we warn just below, can result in a dangerous and sudden collapse of the cesspool structure. Experienced septic pumpers who attempt this “cesspool rejuvenation” approach despite significant safety warnings not to do so would still avoid pumping a large amount of trash out of the cesspool in the hopes of avoiding a cesspool collapse Hydrojetting a pre-cast cesspool in excellent shape and standing on firm soil (not sand) may be less hazardous, and it is normally done after a partial pumpout of the cesspool’s contents. Before taking any action, consult with your local health and building agencies to ensure that your cesspool repair plan meets all applicable building code and site safety requirements. When a cesspool is disturbed, the consequences can be severe. Keep an eye out for hydro. System collapse can result from jetting a cesspool, aerating or agitating sludge at the bottom of a cesspool in an attempt to renew its function or extend its life
In particular, if the cesspool is an older type of site-built structure, typically made of dry-stacked stone or concrete blocks, jetting the cesspool bottom, and even pumping out the cesspool can undermine the cesspool walls, resulting in the system collapsing. An investigation has revealed a terrible death that occurred as the result of a cesspool that was jetted and subsequently collapsed, burying the owner. This should not be done. Cesspools constructed of pre-cast concrete structures that are resistant to collapse are safer in this regard. In many cases, however, towns define cesspool end-of-life as the point at which the cesspool reaches its static full level and do not allow for attempts at rejuvenation. See CESSPOOL FAILURE CRITERIA for further information. Caution is advised when driving near or through cesspools (or over septic tanks, septic pipework, or drainfields), as there is a danger of collapse or cave-in. The images of a collapsed seepage pit (which might just as easily have been a cesspool collapse) at the top of this page and immediately below it demonstrate what happens when a huge vehicle drives over a seepage pit that was not built to carry such a large volume of traffic. As an example, seeDRIVING OR PARKING OVER SEPTIC.

In conclusion, it is important to note that Keep an eye out for cave-ins and stay away from cesspools: cesspools, particularly older site-built cesspools, provide a very high risk of collapse due to an unsafe cover or following certain forms of servicing including pumping, aeration, or hydro-jetting. Because of the risk of falling into a cesspool followed by collapse, which is an almost guaranteed cause of death, adults and children should not walk over or even near cesspools. If the presence of a cesspool is known or suspected on a property, the area around the cesspool should be roped off to restrict entry, and the cesspool should be examined by a professional.

When to Install a New Cesspool or Drywell

As a conclusion: Severe caution should be exercised while dealing with cesspools, particularly older site-built cesspools, which provide a very high danger of collapse due to a faulty cover or following certain forms of servicing requiring pumping, aeration, or hydro-jetting. The risk of falling into a cesspool followed by collapse, which is an almost definite cause of death, should discourage anybody from walking over or even near one. Any time a cesspool is discovered or suspected on a property, the area should be cordoned off to restrict entry and the cesspool should be examined by a professional.

Reply: Wet warm weather

The season in which a cesspool is to be placed has an impact on the cost and may also have an impact on the final result:

Obviously, if the ground is frozen, it will be more expensive to excavate in order to install the cesspool
In addition, if there is a lot of snow on the ground, it will be more difficult to deliver the unit and drop it into the new hole, as well as to deliver the necessary gravel underneath and around the unit. The ground where you wish to build a cesspool may be flooded, which you will learn if the excavation is carried out during the rainy season

If this is the case, you will know that the cesspool will not function in that area.

As a result, digging during the unfrozen rainy season is likely to be less expensive and more efficient. It’s possible that if your building’s operation is dependent on the proper operation of a cesspool or drywell, and the current system has failed, you’ll be required to install a new cesspool or drywell immediately.

Cesspool cover:

As a result, digging during the unfrozen rainy season is probably both cheaper and more wise. It’s possible that if your building’s operation is dependent on the proper operation of a cesspool or drywell, and the current system has failed, you’ll be required to install the new cesspool or drywell right away.

Putting a Clothes Line over a Cesspool:

If you don’t drive a post into the cesspool top, a clothes line will not cause damage to the cesspool.

Getting rid of Old Sewage Backup Odors:

Cleaning and disinfecting the area where there has been a sewage backup, as well as airing it out, will help to eliminate odors.

A failure outside with sewage scents coming from it, or an inside plumbing vent problem might be the cause of the smells if they continue. For further information, see ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSISCURE.

Building Codes, Permits, Approvals for Cesspools and Drywells

An professional plumber and cesspool installation will assist you in locating the new cesspool, connecting it to existing building drains, and ensuring that the building drain/waste/vent plumbing is in correct operating order. Don’t forget to seek a permission and approval from the building authority or the health department, as well as to install it appropriately and securely. Check with your local building department first, since some communities do not permit cesspools.

Reader CommentsQ A

An professional plumber and cesspool installation will assist you in locating the new cesspool, connecting it to existing building drains, and ensuring that the building drain/waste/vent plumbing is in proper operating condition. Remember to acquire a permission and approval from the building department or the health department, as well as to install it appropriately and safely. Check with your local building department first, since some towns do not permit cesspools. –

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SYSTEMS FOR GREENWATER; HAZARDS OF METHANE GAS THE ABANDONMENT OF A SEPTIC TANK GUIDELINES AREAS OF RESIDUAL WATER THE HOUSE OF SEPTIC TANKS

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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Signs of a Failing Tank

Pumper prevents a potentially harmful scenario from arising. Comment:I went out to a septic tank in the country yesterday to pump it. As I approached the driveway, I noted that the inspection ports and tank were approximately 10 feet away from the roadway. Landscape stones had been laid on top of and around the tank area by the client. The tank had a 6- to 8-inch depression around the middle of it, which I observed as I got closer to it. That didn’t seem right, so I assumed that the tank had collapsed in the middle and began to investigate more.

The landscaping material that had been placed over the earth by the client to prevent weeds from growing through the rock was the next thing I came to after scraping away the rock in the middle.
I couldn’t believe what I was about to witness.
Despite the presence of a 24-inch plastic riser that was approximately 16 inches high, there was no cover on the riser, and there was also no top on the plastic septic tank.

It was the two lads stepping over the top of that tank and plunging through the plastic into the tank that I could only think about.
In the process of cleaning up after myself and approximately 12 inches of dirt, I discovered the lids on the bottom of the tank.
The moral of the story is: Be cautious and vigilant!

Answers: It’s a good thing you were on your toes because you made a terrific catch.

Consider the possibility of falling in and having the landscape fabric collapse on top of you, along with all the dirt.

I was under the impression that the objective of making the access covers round was to ensure that the covers would not fall through no matter how they were positioned.

In the next months, I will be updating my septic system.

*** It wouldn’t even be like that in this case.

That’s even worse than it already is.

You may check it out on the internet.

I would not put my money on it.

My best wishes are with you if you are at the top.

A man who was mowing grass with a professional lawn mower was recently crushed to death by the machine.

He was crushed to death by the machine.

He did not perish in the water.

I’ve stopped installing cesspools and am only installing sophisticated treatment systems now days.

A concrete tank would be much more appealing to me.

Possibly the installer’s fault for not filling the tank as they backfilled, but they are a nuisance to put back on once they have been taken off.

*** Concrete tanks are also susceptible to failure.

One incident occurred at an older property with a tank out in the center of the yard, with the entire top of the tank caving in completely.

It’s conceivable that someone drove right through it.

*** When I recently dug up a tank to fix a baffle, I discovered that the lid had split and was allowing the tank to cave in.

The tank’s top was approximately 30 inches below the surface, and in this depression, all of the vegetation had died.

I’m not sure whether this is widespread information, but I was unaware of it.

I’m pleased I took a lot of pictures of the construction site.

Excess sewage seeping into the ground can foster the development of grass, resulting in some sections of the lawn seeming particularly green and fresh, which is exactly where the cesspool is located. So whether it’s full of dead or growing things, the cesspool is there.

Septic tanks on limestone

Around here (Grange-over-Sands) we have several large new housing developments. Rather than connecting into existing (inadequate) foul water systems, the developers are saving money by using a septic tanks system (one per site) which, in extreme conditions, dumps the overflow into limestone fissures. As there are no surface streams, no water testing, other than squirting water down the fissures and watching it disappear, has been performed to my knowledge.The housing developments are on limestone hills with considerable gradients and undulations, resulting in the need for extensive earthworks.Has anyone any knowledge or experience of the use of septic tanks on limestone?LoggedSceptics wanted!

I believe a few farms in Derbyshire use them. you (will) have a PM this afternoon.Logged

Thanks Alastair. Just to be clear, the septic tanks systems service considerable numbers of houses – 43 in one case and over 200 plus industrial in the other case.LoggedSceptics wanted!

Logged

considerable numbers of housesYes, I guess that’ll make a difference, one or two bums vs 243×2.5=608 bottoms dropping anchor.Logged

Septic tanks need a soakaway – a large area of grassland for the dirty water to drain to. It sounds like this probably isn’t the case there, and being on a limestone hill, it wouldn’t be possible to construct underground soakaways anyway.Is it possible they’re installing package sewage treatment plants? These supposedly treat the water to a sufficient standard to discharge straight back to a watercourse, so should in theory be ok to discharge to limestone. However they need to be maintained and periodically emptied to work well, otherwise they’ll start discharging untreated sewage.I’d expect the EA will have been consulted on the development and consented the plans for wastewater treatment. Even so, it’s a lot easier for them to monitor a single public sewage treatment plant than several hundred private ones. It’s surprising that they haven’t insisted on connection to the mains. Individual systems for each house seems a crazy way of doing things.Logged

considerable numbers of housesYes, I guess that’ll make a difference, one or two bums vs 243×2.5=608 bottoms dropping anchor.It isn’t the actually occupancy number but the potential maximum ie 2x double bedroom = 4 people.BS6297 this is the formula_C= (150 P + 2,000)C is the size of the septic tank in litres. This is litres per day capacityP is the population to be served – this is potential not actual inhabitants.Planning can ask for a hydraulical study to be undertaken on large developmentsIt wil lalso need an Environmental Permitfrom the EALogged

guess that the 2000 is for the water already in the tank.2.5 was a guesstimate on the number of potential inhabitants.Please do not be offended by wild assumtionswhen you consider that if the population is primarily composed of Elderly (retired) Residents then you could expect that to be a high use of the toilets (ie in the house all day), wheres a house comprised of professionals may have a lower use of the toilets (due to spending most of their time outside of the house).I guess with new housing you may expect to see higher occupancy, however Grange over sands is quite close to the Lakes, so could have a bias towards some people taking up houses for retirement.British standards are all well, but this is a generic formula, and probably errs on the side of caution.I’ve just been out to Miami-dade county in florida, there are a large number of Septic tanks serving the locality and most of the water which the population uses comes from subterranean aquifers. some which have a high flow, in the region of 7000gallons per day. there is a huge threat to the environment out there, but as far as I know the Mangroves make more stench than the sewage does. I even went paddling in the water near a sewage treatment site, no smell there!Logged

Source for 7000 gallons per day is probably easily searchable online!Logged

For a new development of 200 houses the Environment Agency will have been well involved in the provisions for sewage from the planning stage.Logged

No problem Alastair – oldish folks like me never take offense at anything.The smaller of the two developments (for 43 houses) is almost complete. At its lower end the development has a small area of wild grass and scrub which acts as a soakaway. Whilst I have no way to confirm this, I would guess that the builders have followed the regulations (thanks for the link Simon) regarding the size of the soakaway but I was surprised to discover that the overflow is to a fissure, the water tracing of which appears to be inadequate. It could be that the procedures specified in the Gov. waste guidelines have not been followed correctly – out of sight, out of mind, until the waste pops up under someone’s house.Downslope from the new development is an area of older housing which extends almost to the salt marsh. The 8 inch sewer pipe is known to be inadequate and frequently dumps sewerage on the road by Kents Bank Station. It is likely that the builders chose the septic tank method as upgrading the current pipe would be very expensive. But it could be that there are Gov. directives which require that new developments are self contained.Regarding the larger development of 200 houses plus industrial the building of which has not yet started, a similar septic tank/soakaway/overflow method is proposed. As similar water tracing problems exist on the larger site but on a much greater scale, a proper solution for dealing with overflow will be needed.LoggedSceptics wanted!

I’ve just been perusing the foulsurface water drainage strategy for the 43 house development (sad times). It shows the foul water connecting to the nearest mains sewer. The soakaways are for surface drainage which is then discharged to the estuary. I thought it was unlikely that such a development would want, or be permitted, to use septic tanks. The 200 house development doesn’t seem to have a planning application yet but I wouldn’t worry about that one either. Sounds like UU will need to upgrade their sewage works though.Logged

Alastair, As someone who grew up nearby.Grange-Over-Rated is the definition of God’s waiting room.Now the waiting room has improved toilet facilities!Logged

Hi Adam. Where is that information?LoggedSceptics wanted!

God’s waiting room.Is that in referance to its proximity to the lakes and also gods own country (yorkshire) or just that theres always a phantom with a scythe nearby to harvest the ripened people?The youth of today.LoggedNo longer ‘Exceptionally antagonistic’ ‘Deliberately inflammatory’

GoS has easy access to God’s Own County, to the Lakes, to the local hills and to the North Pennines so it keeps an old crock like me happy. Too many other oldies and not enough pubs though.I’ve found a supplement to the South Lakes planning documentation that states that the foul drainage on the larger of the two sites is to be into the sewerage system with a soakaway for surface water. The smaller site has a soakaway and a vented septic tank beneath the ‘biodiversity area’ at the lowest point on the site. If the sewerage is disposed of via the already overloaded pipe, the problems at Kents Bank station are going to be exacerbated.LoggedSceptics wanted!

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Thanks Simon but the planning docs don’t usually go into such detail. Some of the larger and more environmentally sensitive sites have planning supplements which specify requirements such wildlife corridors, drainage and preservation of drystone walls. The smaller of the two development sites does not appear to have one of these supplements so I’m going to ask the builder, Russel Armer.LoggedSceptics wanted!

The planning application should have been accompanied by a pretty hefty Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and if that didn’t cover wider drainage impacts given it’s on limestone then I’d be very surprised. It’d be worth your while talking to John Gunn about it as he does consultancy work on limestone hydrology as well as his academic role.Septic tanks are not uncommon round here in the White Peak, my own house has one and even the small sewage works for the villages generally discharge the final effluent into soakaways after it’s been through the reed beds.LoggedDirty old mines need love too.

Thanks for all your replies. In a nutshell it’s rainwater to soakaways then into limestone fissures, foul water into existing sewerage systems.I’ve trawled through a large amount of documentation on the South Lake District Council site and the process has left me depressed. Huge numbers of objections have been raised to the planning applications for the larger of the two sites. Many of these objections relate to the unique flora and fauna of the area, the loss of habitat and the loss of wildlife corridors – perfectly valid concerns. The standard reply is the word ‘noted’ – translation ‘whatever’.Objections made by conservation bodies such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust are met with fine words but are essentially ignored. Even United Utilities’ objections are not taken seriously as is so perfectly illustrated by the dumping of foul water from the 43 houses on the smaller of the sites into a system that could not cope before those houses were built.LoggedSceptics wanted!

What to Do If Your Septic System Fails

The majority of septic systems fail as a result of faulty design or inadequate maintenance practices. On certain locations with inadequate or unsuitable soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables, soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are erected whereas others (those without) are not. Hydraulic failures and pollution of neighboring water sources are possible outcomes of these situations. Regular maintenance, such as pumping the septic tank on a regular basis (usually every three to five years), can prevent sediments in the tank from migrating into the drain field and clogging the system.

Whom to contact if you have problems with your septic system

Contact a local septic system service provider, your local health department, or the regulatory agency in charge of onsite wastewater treatment systems. You may look up the phone number for your local health department online or in your phone book to find out more information. Find a professional in your region by searching online searchable databases of installers and septic system service providers:

The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association’s Septic Locator
The National Association of Wastewater Technicians
And the National Association of Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association

What to do if your home floods

It is important not to come into direct touch with sewage if it has backed up into your home from your plumbing fittings or onsite system since it may contain hazardous bacteria. For further information, speak with your local health department or regulatory body. Personnel involved in cleanup should be outfitted in safety gear (e.g., long rubber gloves, face splash shields). Immediately following the completion of the cleanup, carefully wash all of the equipment, tools, and clothing that were used during the cleanup, as well as the flooded area.

The area should be totally dried out and not utilized for at least 24 hours after it has been entirely dried off.

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website. Flooding and Septic Systems: What to Do After the Flood
See also The Following Questions and Answers Regarding Septic Systems: What to Do After a Flood

In the event that you have a private drinking water well, find out what to do with it after a flood.

Whom to contact for information on septic systems

Those seeking technical support can contact the National Environmental Services Center’s technical assistance hotline at (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191, which is available toll-free.

Septic Tank Replacement

If this is the case, you will want the services of a reliable septic repair service provider such as Lentz Wastewater Management. What if I told you. Before 1970, most houses had septic tanks made of manufactured cinderblock, rock (also known as cesspools), or metal tanks, depending on their construction. We rapidly discovered that we needed to employ more lasting materials, such as concrete or plastic, in our construction. Despite the fact that we still see these sorts of tanks today, they are frequently in need of replacement owing to degradation.

The Septic Tank

An underground, watertight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a waste disposal system. The major function of the tank is to separate solid waste from liquid waste by separating the solids and greases from the liquid waste. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow heavy particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Septic tanks include anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that do not require oxygen to function), which break down the solids and greases. Some sediments are left at the bottom of the septic tank that have not been digested (sludge). Solids must be removed from the tank on a regular basis in order for it to function properly. It is via this pumping that sediments are prevented from being taken intothedrainfield and the effective capacity of the tank is maintained. Grease, sludge, and hair float to the surface of the water. A standard septic tank has a capacity of 1,000 gallons of liquid, is waterproof, and is typically constructed of concrete, however it can also be constructed of fiberglass and plastic. Inlet and outflow flow patterns are controlled by internal baffles located at the tank’s inlet and exit

Historically, single compartment tanks were the norm for systems built before 1980ish. Tanks erected after 1980 are often divided into two compartments. Because both compartments of a two-compartment tank must be pumped when the tank is being pumped, it is critical to understand this before having the tank pumped.

Septic systems are available in a variety of configurations, including gravity, chamber, pressure distribution, and others.

Septic systems differ in the manner in which effluent is transported from the tank to the absorption field, which is often a matter of design. The septic tank itself is the most frequent component of all of the many types of systems on the market.

How often does a septic tank need to be replaced?

In most cases, septic tanks will not need to be changed after a specific number of years. Homeowners should not wait until they are experiencing issues before considering tank replacement. When it comes to your system, regular maintenance is essential. The majority of older septic systems that have been properly maintained are still in good working order today. Septic systems are inspected by a professional septic inspector to determine their condition. He can tell you what sort of soil absorption system you have based on the information you provide.

It is necessary to drain the tank if there is indication of bacterial issues, such as very thick scum or solids accumulation inside the tank.
If your septic system is not properly maintained, it may fail, necessitating excavation and repair or replacement.
Systems that are not maintained will fail.
DON’T NEGLECT TO DO SO!

Septic System Life expectancy

System and component life expectancy are discussed in detail in the next section. How long does a septic tank last before it has to be replaced? A septic leach field or drainfield is expected to persist for several years. Which septic system components, such as pipes, D-boxes, septic pumps, and other septic system components, have the longest expected life span? Septic systems and typical septic system components have a life expectancy that is mostly dependent on the materials that were utilized during the initial installation.

Old age, lack of adequate maintenance, neglect, and misuse are among factors that might cause a septic system to fail.

The normal septic system may survive up to 30-50 years or even longer in some instances.

PROTECT.AND DON’T FORGET!

What to do if you just moved into a new home with a septic system?

If you’ve recently purchased a property that has a septic tank, you’re likely to have a lot of questions. Contact a septic pumping provider and have your septic system cleaned and pumped out as soon as possible. The majority of firms will perform a septic system examination, which will inform you where the tank is located, how big the tank is, and whether or not there are any urgent problems. It is advised that you have your septic system evaluated by a professional septic inspector in order to get a more in-depth review of your system.

Determines the type of system to be used, as well as the position of the tank, absorption field, and distribution boys (if any). Observations of a septic tank

Risers and lids that are working or that are damaged
Tank – flaking, cracking, crumbling, and depth Sanitary Tee — a sanitary tee that is still in good condition. the presence of and functionality of an effluent filter Levels of scum and sludge in the effluent are measured. Tank construction materials include concrete, polyethylene, and other materials.

Pump Chamber is operational
Electrical connections are operational
Pump Chamber is operational
A functional alarm is activated when the floats are activated for wastewater. The pump is located.

Located
Flow – continuous functioning flow from the home to the tank with no backups or effluent spilling to the ground surface
Cleanouts that are visually appealing, useful, and in tact
Saturation is represented by lush vegetation and wet/soggy areas.

Tips for a Healthy Septic System

Reduce the quantity of waste water that your system has to treat and distribute by using water-saving techniques. To decrease waste water and stress on your septic system, for example, spread out your laundry across many days of the week. Keep an eye out for dripping faucets and fix them right away, as this will help to limit the quantity of waste water that must be treated by your septic system. Surface water should be diverted away from your septic tank and drain field. Address the problem of wet soil above your drainfield, which prevents the system from processing waste water effectively. Install septic risers as necessary to ensure that your septic tank is accessible for pumping, inspection, and maintenance. In general, septic tanks should be pumped out every three to five years, depending on their size. Annual inspections can help to ensure that your system remains in good functioning order. Pumping the tank will not restore the drainage field to its original condition if it has been infested with solid waste particles. Maintain detailed records of all system repairs, pumpings, inspections, and other maintenance activities. When it comes to selling your property, these will be really advantageous. When planting trees and plants, use caution. Deep-rooted plants and bushes can infiltrate your leachfield pipelines and chambers, suffocating the flow of wastewater. Do not drive over your septic system, nor should you construct decks, pools, or other structures on top of the tank or absorption field.

Steps to Take for a Septic Tank Replacement in North Carolina

Contact Lentz Wastewater if you want to be put on our schedule as a replacement for an existing system. We will assist you in every stage of the procedure
We will be with you every step of the way. Fill out the septic repair permit application that is needed by your county. Applications for counties near Iredell can be found at the websites provided below.

The “Authorization to Act as Legal Representative Form” must be signed by both you and the homeowner if you are not the homeowner.

You can submit the application to your local environmental health agency for review and approval. Fee schedules are broken down each county.

An inspector from the county will come to the site and complete the permit for the replacement of the tank.

Obtain a copy of the permission that has been completed. Lentz Wastewater will give a written quotation as soon as we have a copy of the new permit granted by the health department. For further information, please contact NC utility find services. The health department will determine whether the current tank will be pumped, crushed, and refilled, or if it will be pumped, crushed, and removed. In addition, the health department chooses the size, material, and placement of the new holding tank.

Environmental Health in Iredell County – StatesvilleContact The following phone number is for Adrienne Shea: (704) 878-5305 ext.

– Statesville, North Carolina 28677 N.

980-314-1680Mecklenburg County EmailPhone: 980-314-1680Groundwater and Wastewater Services3205 Freedom Drive Suite 8000Charlotte, NC 28202Groundwater and Wastewater ServicesGroundwater and Wastewater ServicesGroundwater and Wastewater Services Application for a Charlotte-Mecklenburg CoSeptic Permit Fees for Permits in Mecklenburg County – 336-753-1680210 Hospital StreetMocksville, NC 27028 Davie County EmailFax: (336) 753-1680 Application for a Septic Permit in Davie County Alexander CountyPhone: 828-632-1000 Ext 311Fax: (828-632-13546125 NC Hwy 16 SouthTaylorsville, NC 28681Alexander CountyPhone: 828-632-1000 Ext 311 Application for a Septic System Permit in Alexander County Fees for Permits in Alexander County -– Rowan County’s phone number is 704-216-8533.

Tad Helmstetler402 N.

Elm StYadkinville, NC 27055Yadkin CountyPhone: (336) 679-4200Email Application for a Permit in Yadkin County Fees for Permits in Yadkin County