How To Change A Septic Tank Baffle?

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  • How to Replace a Septic Tank Baffle Step 1 – Accessing the Septic Tank. You should access the outside part of the septic tank, where the water flows out to Step 2 – Clean the Area. If there is a tank leakage, you should call the local health officials and ask what you should Step 3 – Pump the

Can you replace a baffle in a septic tank?

By way of review: There should be baffles at both the inlet and outlet of a septic tank. The picture shows a deteriorated concrete baffle at the outlet of a septic tank. The fix in this case is to remove the remains of the concrete baffle that was cast with the tank and replace it with a sanitary tee.

How much does it cost to replace a baffle in a septic tank?

Repairing a baffle costs $300 to $900 on average. You may pay more if it’s tough to access. The baffle helps to prevent buildup in the incoming or outgoing pipes of the tank.

How long do septic baffles last?

Inspectapedia estimates that a steel tank baffles will rust out in 15 to 20 years and may collapse if driven over, but a concrete tank will last 40 years or more as long as the wastewater is not acidic. It’s important to consider the life expectancy of a drain-field, too.

Do all septic tanks have baffles?

Every septic tank contains two baffles, one at the inlet and one at the outlet.

Where is the baffle located on a septic tank?

Septic baffles are located at the junctions where pipes enter and exit the tank. The one at the inlet pipe is called the inlet baffle, and the one at the outlet is called the outlet baffle.

How often does a 1000 gallon septic tank need to be pumped?

For example, a 1,000 gallon septic tank, which is used by two people, should be pumped every 5.9 years. If there are eight people using a 1,000-gallon septic tank, it should be pumped every year.

What is the average life of a septic system?

Age of the System It’s pretty common for a septic system to last 40 years or longer, which means if you buy a new home, you might never need to replace it. However, you might have an older home whose septic system has been in place for nearly half a century.

What is the purpose of a baffle in a septic tank?

The inlet baffle directs the flow of wastewater into your septic tank, and prevents the scum layer in the tank from being disturbed. It also can help prevent solids from backing up toward the house if you should experience a septic system backup.

How do you tell if your septic tank is full?

How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptying

  1. Pooling water.
  2. Slow drains.
  3. Odours.
  4. An overly healthy lawn.
  5. Sewer backup.
  6. Gurgling Pipes.
  7. Trouble Flushing.

How deep should a septic baffle be?

The inlet baffle should extend at least six inches below the invert of the pipe, but no more than 20% of the liquid depth. The outlet baffle should extend between 35 and 40% of the liquid depth.

Why does my septic baffle keep clogging?

When the inlet baffle is damaged or missing, this allows the scum layer to block the inlet pipe in your septic tank. Once the scum layer is low enough, pressure from the water inside your inlet pipe will push the solid clog through into the tank, allowing the plumbing in your home to drain freely.

Should bath water go into septic tank?

In MOST household septic systems, yes. Probably 98%+ of septic systems receive all of the waste water from the house – tub, shower, sinks, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.

Will a flooded septic tank fix itself?

Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.

How to Replace a Septic Tank Baffle

In the event if your septic tank is kept in good condition by frequent plumping, a septic tank baffle is not necessarily essential. Even if there isn’t one, the tank is perfectly functioning. Providing that it is well maintained, with regular pumping, or that there are no other difficulties that might cause a large amount of sludge to accumulate in your tank, this should be possible for you. For example, if your tank has to be pumped out once every 4 or 5 years, or if the wastes are discharged into a drain field, you should consider installing a filter on the outlet side of the tank.

If the baffle on your tank has been rusted or broken, you may replace it rather than having to purchase a completely new tank.

Step 1 – Accessing the Septic Tank

You should get access to the exterior of the septic tank, which is where the water is discharged into the drain field. If you are unable to reach the lid from the ground level, you will need to dig to gain access to the lid.

Step 2 – Clean the Area

If possible, you should enter the septic tank from the outside, where the water drains to the drain field. It is necessary to dig into the earth if you are unable to reach the lid from the surface.

Step 3 – Pump the Tank

If there are any issues, you should pump the tank in order to ease the difficulties that are now present. If you want to replace the baffle or possibly the entire septic tank, this is a very crucial step. Step 4 – Unlock the outlet side of the device. Once you’ve opened the lid on the outlet side, you should be able to reach the top of the baffle and slide the new filter or new baffle down until you reach the handle of the filter, as shown in the picture. The access plate should be elevated above ground level if digging was required in order to reach it.

Extra Tips

You should keep in mind that, while filters can solve many issues, they can also cause many new ones. So be cautious while using filters. If you are the system owner and you perform the work on your own, you are aware that the system and filter must be properly maintained in order to avoid clogging and other problems. Solid waste depositions in the drain field are caused by clogging of the drain. According to other reports, the technology may even back them up inside the house. It is possible to extend the life of a septic tank and system by reducing the quantity of water that enters the particular system.

If you keep track of how much water you use, you may save money on water and avoid having to make costly repairs to your septic tank. Whenever you are inspecting the system for any blockages, you should always look for corrosion, any defects, or degeneration of the baffles, among other things.

How to Replace an Outlet Baffle in an Existing Septic Tank

The baffles in your septic tank are critical to the proper operation of the tank. If the baffles in the tank are not working properly, the sludge floating in the tank might enter the field lines or back up into the home drainage system. It is possible for baffles to rust, crack, or otherwise degrade over time. Every time the tank is emptied out, it is important to inspect the baffles to ensure that they are in excellent working order.

Step 1

Find the location of the septic tank. Most contemporary tanks feature two access doors, one on each end of the tank, which makes for easier maintenance. Excavate to the top of the septic tank and remove enough dirt to expose both access hatches and provide you with enough space to operate comfortably and safely. Check to see that you will not be dumping dirt into the tank while you are working.

Step 2

Make sure you open both hatches and get a professional to pump out the septic tank. A licensed specialist is equipped with the necessary equipment to correctly pump out waste materials and dispose of them in a safe and legal manner, as well. It is not recommended that you enter the septic tank or allow anybody else to enter the tank. The gases are poisonous, and the absence of oxygen can induce asphyxia in a short period of time.

Step 3

Making use of the PVC pipe and connection, you may construct a replacement baffle. Using a hacksaw, cut a portion of tubing long enough to connect to an existing drain and pass through the side of the septic tank. Glue the tee connection onto the pipe that runs through the interior of the tank. Add a length of pipe 24 inches long to the bottom of the tee and a 6-inch piece to the top of the tee to complete the construction. Install a grate cap on the top section of the chimney, which will enable gases to leave but prevent solids from entering the chimney.

Step 4

Check that all of the fittings and connections are securely and firmly in place before proceeding. Check to see that the seal around the pipe where it enters the septic tank is secure to ensure that there is no leaking. For effective liquid flow management into the field line, the baffle on the outlet end of the septic tank should be 4 to 6 inches longer than the baffle on the input end. According to the manufacturer, the 24-inch portion of pipe that was installed should be more than enough to satisfy this requirement.

Step 5

In order to ensure that they are firmly in place, replace the access hatches and back-fill the hole with a suitable material. It is important to check on the new baffles the next time the tank is emptied out to ensure that they are still in place and in excellent shape.

Expert Tips for Baffle Repair

Receive articles, stories, and videos about repair sent directly to your email! Now is the time to sign up. Repair+ Receive Notifications One perk of working on septic systems for more than 40 years is that the folks I’ve met and worked with are frequently willing to offer images or tales that they find interesting. In this particular instance, my colleague Kim Seipp emailed me a photo of a repair work she had completed in Colorado. Hopefully, everyone who reads this recognizes right away that this is not the appropriate method of repairing or replacing a baffle in a concrete tank.

  1. These baffles must be the right length and have a space between their top and the bottom of the tank lid to allow for the exchange of gases and the ventilation of the tank.
  2. Thus, sewage travels through the tank on an irregular course, providing the detention time necessary for bigger particles to be settled out before the effluent is transferred to the final treatment and dispersion section of the system.
  3. A floating scum blockage is prevented by the intake baffle from clogging the inlet pipe.
  4. It is necessary to maintain floating scum in the tank, which is composed of oil and soap residue, so that it can be removed when the tank is cleaned.
  5. A deteriorating concrete baffle at the exit of a septic tank is seen in this photograph.
  6. Due to the fact that the sanitary tee is connected to the tank’s output pipe by couplings, the person(s) who completed this project had the appropriate concept.
  7. This baffle will not perform the critical job of providing a relatively clear liquid to the next component of the system since there is no effluent filter in place.
  8. The concrete around the pipe may require repair, and a rubber gasket may need to be installed retroactively to guarantee that the tank stays watertight and root-free.
  9. The outlet baffle should be extended to a depth of 25 percent of the operating depth in the tank to ensure proper operation.

As an example, if the tank is 60 inches deep, the baffle would need to be 15 inches longer. I’d be interested in hearing how others might go about mending a baffle in the future. Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected] with your baffle repair suggestions.

Tank

Tank System Reconstruction Replacement of the baffle A baffle is a barrier or shield that is installed in front of the tank’s inlet and exit openings. These shields, which are made of concrete, PVC, or plastic, are critical to the effective working of the system. The entrance baffle, which is partly submerged and half exposed to the water, is meant to redirect incoming waste down into the tank, preventing the tank from being agitated. When you agitate the tank, the settled sewage rises to the surface, flows out of the tank, and plugs the drainfield.

  1. One of the most common reasons for septic tank lines to become clogged is the absence of a baffle within the tank.
  2. At each service visit to your septic system, we perform a visual inspection of each baffle to ensure that they are in good working order and performing their function!
  3. Tank Ventilation and Sealing In the course of time, tanks, particularly those built of steel, can degrade and develop holes through which ground water can enter the tank.
  4. Excavation for coverDigging We will find your tank cover and dig up your tank for you at no additional charge.
  5. During the winter months, we may thaw the ground with the help of a heat blanket, which will make digging more convenient.
  6. Some tanks have deteriorated to the point that the structural integrity has been compromised, and in those cases, we urge that they be replaced.
  7. During this repair operation, a tank entrance will be created in order to install a custom-made polypropylene piece that will protect the wall and serve as a baffle.
  8. A rusted tank will eventually need to be replaced, but this repair can significantly extend the life of the tank.
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Preventive Maintenance: Baffle Replacement Becomes Legitimate…

This intake baffle will be unsuccessful at directing flow downward for efficient settling because it will not direct flow downward.

Interested in Onsite Systems?

Get articles, news, and videos about Onsite Systems delivered directly to your email! Now is the time to sign up. Plus, there are Onsite Systems. Receive Notifications In the course of an inspection of a septic tank, how can I determine when the baffles need to be replaced? ANSWER: Many talks with service providers concerning concrete tank corrosion issues have taken place over the years, including baffle degradation – which is often focused on the outlet baffle – and baffle replacement. The baffles in earlier tanks were frequently made of cast-in-place concrete.

These baffles and screens are required by a number of states and municipal governments for new construction.

In order to understand the function of the baffles, which I discussed in this column for a prior discussion on corrosion, it is vital to recall what they are for.

The input baffle guides the flow from the house sewage lower into the tank, resulting in a longer detention period for the solids to settle and settle more thoroughly. In addition, it prevents the floating scum layer from clogging the input pipe with debris.

BE PROACTIVE

The exit baffle prevents floating scum or debris from entering the drainfield and guarantees that the effluent that is discharged to the next component of the system comes from the tank’s clean effluent zone, which is important for water quality. In today’s world, we improve debris removal by utilizing effluent screens to prevent big floating particles from entering the downstream flow. My response to the question is as follows: If the baffle is degrading and the degradation is preventing the baffle from performing its intended function, the baffle should be changed immediately.

  • In this column, I will provide a suggestion for the second half, which is easier than convincing the homeowner that they need expensive repair done on their system, which is more difficult.
  • As previously stated, many licensing agencies need effluent screens when a tank is rebuilt or repaired, as noted above.
  • Salespeople should have little trouble convincing homeowners that an effluent screen is a type of insurance policy that would cover the more expensive components of their system.
  • Thanks to Jeff and Kim Seipp of High Plains Sanitation in Colorado for providing the photo of the outlet baffle that was used in this article.
  • Other photos, including one from Arizona, were taken as part of a point-of-sale real estate inspection and have been shared with us.

FULL TANK REPLACEMENT?

One image depicts a badly built inlet baffle, which, in my view, will not perform its intended role of guiding flow downhill or preventing scum from filling the baffle. Another shot depicts a poorly designed outlet baffle. There are definitely some additional issues with this tank as well; given there appears to be degradation in the cover as well as signs that rebar is beginning to show through, it is possible that the entire tank may need to be replaced at some point. The baffle, at the absolute least, needs to be upgraded or replaced.

There is another issue that is apparent here: the piping is located far enough into the tank that there is not much clean space between the baffle wall and the piping between the baffle wall and the piping.

One crucial point to remember is to proceed with caution when removing the remaining concrete baffle to avoid damaging the tank wall.

The inspection of the baffle may provide signs that the tank is failing and in need of replacement in some circumstances. This instance highlights the need of having an in-depth discussion with the homeowner about the problem.

Septic Tank Repair

Repairs to Your Septic System That You Should Be Aware Of The following information pertains to you if you reside in Sharpsburg, Tyrone, Senoia, Peachtree City, or Fayetteville and have a septic system: For those of us who have a septic system, it is a very crucial and sometimes overlooked component of our home’s infrastructure. It is the most important method for removing wastewater and sewage from your home! That is why it is so crucial to keep it in good condition so it continues to perform at full efficiency.

Septic systems will occasionally require repairs in addition to the routine pumping out; but, if you pump and maintain your system on a regular basis, the likelihood of costly problems diminishes.

It is important to engage a professional for repairs since they may necessitate the obtaining of permits, and if the work is done incorrectly, it may increase the likelihood of sewage backing up into your home.

  • Tank pumping on short notice: In this part of Georgia (Tyrone, Sharpsburg, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Senioa, and the surrounding areas), we’ve been getting a lot of rain lately. Occasionally, the drain field becomes saturated with rainwater to the point that it can no longer contain any more water. It is more likely that the septic tank may overflow and back up in this situation. If this occurs, it is critical that you have the tank pumped as soon as possible to prevent waste from backing up into your home. Another situation that may need the use of emergency pumping is when the amount of sludge at the bottom of the tank has risen to the point where it has completely covered the intake and outflow lines. Sewage might back up into your home or out into the drainage field, where it could leak into your yard. No matter what happens, call Firehouse Septic to get your emergency pumps installed. The Repair of Drainfield Piping: When we bury lines in the ground, there is always the possibility of those lines shifting and breaking as a result of the shifting of the earth or the growth of tree roots through the lines. With the septic drainfield, there are pipes that flow from the septic tank to the drainfield. Natural forces can cause harm to these connections over time, just as they might to anything else that is buried. If this occurs, it has the potential to cause serious problems with your septic system. However, Firehouse Septic takes pride in never giving up on identifying and correcting the root source of your problems. In Tyrone, Sharpsburg, Senoia, Peachtree City, and Fayetteville, they are always willing to lend a helping hand to their fellow citizens. Repairing or replacing broken septic baffles: Here at Firehouse Septic, we understand that the workings of a septic tank might be a strange concept to many individuals. That is why we always go into great detail about what needs to be done and how we intend to go about doing it. A septic tank baffle may be a phrase you have never heard of before so let us explain what it is and what role it has. The baffle in an aseptic tank is responsible for preventing solid waste from exiting the tank and entering the drainfield. The baffles suffer from ordinary wear and tear just like any other instrument and might develop damaged due to sulfuric acid or rust. It will be necessary to replace them if this occurs. A professional will be required to do so. It is critical to replace baffles as soon as they get worn. A failure to do so may result in the destruction of your drainfield, which is a far more difficult and expensive undertaking.
See also:  How To Find My Septic Tank Placement Plans? (Best solution)

We at Firehouse Septic provide a comprehensive spectrum of septic system services, ranging from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. When it comes to identifying your problems accurately, we take great satisfaction in our work. The fact that your drainfield is the most expensive to fix might lead some other firms to conclude that your drainfield is the source of the problem. However, at Firehouse Septic, we strive to make rebuilding the drainfield the last choice, and we begin by thoroughly inspecting all of the previously listed components.

Baffle, Repair Replace

Repair and baffle Replace niftyadmin2022-02-01T19:28:43+00:00 Make an appointment for a free on-site quote now! When it comes to septic systems, the septic baffle is the most crucial component. When the input baffle is closed, wastewater from the sewage line is forced to settle at the bottom of the tank rather than flowing over the surface and into the outlet pipe that leads to the absorption zone. A device installed on the outlet of a septic tank that deflects gas and bubbles away from the outlet while also reducing the amount of solid particles carried over from the septic tank via the outlet.

A flow deflecting device that is used in septic tanks and distribution boxes to prevent the discharge of floating materials, lower the quantity of settleable solids that escape, and reduce the exit velocity of the wastewater are all examples of settling devices.

We provide essential maintenance to all customers!

We feel it is critical to support organizations and businesses who are striving to make a good difference in our industry and community at large. We take great satisfaction in growing as a company by utilizing the greatest products, from reliable vendors, and ethical business procedures in order to provide superior service to our customers. It would not be feasible to deliver the Honest and Ethical Service that we do without the support of our industry partners and the client relationships that we have built across Southern Idaho since 1948.

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Can you repair a septic tank baffle

Furthermore, this is only applicable if your septic tank empties to a soakaway system. As previously stated, the aim of a septic tank baffle is to keep solid waste contained within the tank while enabling waste water to escape via the tank’s opening. Afterward, the waste flows via a soakaway system, which is typically comprised of a network of perforated or slotted pipes that allow the waste to safely percolate through the sub soils. So, what does any of this have to do with septic tank baffle repair, I hear you wonder?

  • This is due to the fact that if the baffle is not functioning properly, solid waste might escape from the tank and into the soakaway system.
  • As a result, the soakaway often becomes blocked.
  • As a result, even if a septic tank baffle repair were possible, it is more than likely that it would not resolve the drainage issues you are experiencing.
  • Instead of the waste water being able to filter into the surrounding soil, it will be unable to do so and will simply flow back to the tank or rise above ground.

3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES

By Admin on November 12, 2020 Your efforts to live as environmentally conscious as possible, as a responsible homeowner, are likely already underway, with practices such as recycling, composting, and purchasing energy-efficient equipment among your list of accomplishments. As a septic tank owner, you want to be sure that anything you put into your tank and septic field is causing the least amount of ground contamination as is reasonably practicable. Fortunately, there are a number of modest improvements you can do immediately to make your septic system even more ecologically friendly than it already is.

  • Have your septic tank inspected and pumped on a regular basis.
  • A bigger septic tank with only a couple of people living in your house, for example, will not require pumping as frequently as a smaller septic tank or as a septic tank that must manage the waste products of multiple family members will require.
  • When in doubt about how often to pump your septic tank, consult with a professional for advice.
  • In addition to locating and repairing any damage, a professional can ensure that the septic field is in good working order and that your septic tank is functional, large enough to handle your family’s waste, and not causing any unwanted pollution in nearby ground water.
  • Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet or down the toilet.
  • Items that are not biodegradable are unable to properly decompose in the septic tank and might cause the system to get clogged.
  • In addition to causing issues in your house, septic system backups can damage ground water in the area surrounding your septic field.

Towels made of paper Products for feminine hygiene Grease or fats are used in cooking.

grinds from a cup of coffee Even if you have a trash disposal, the food scraps that you flush down the drain and bring into your septic system may cause unanticipated harm to your plumbing system.

Food scraps can enhance the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wastewater, which can disturb the natural bacterial balance of the septic tank, among other things.

Water conservation should be practiced.

Exceedingly large amounts of water use will interfere with the normal flow of wastewater from your home into your septic tank.

Limiting the amount of time you spend in the shower and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, as well as purchasing a smaller dishwasher and washing machine that use less water, are all simple strategies to reduce water use in your home.

The following are some basic steps you can take to make your septic system more ecologically friendly: save water, maintain your septic system and tank, and recycle wastewater. To get answers to any of your septic tank-related issues, get in touch with the experts at Upstate Septic Tank, LLC.

Installation – Pumps, Filters, Baffles – A Wesco Septic Service

It is necessary to employ septic pumps in order to transport septic effluent from the pumping chamber to the drainfield. Septic pumps do not have to transport solids, but they are constructed to last a longer period of time and to withstand more demanding conditions than a normal sump pump, which is meant to drain ground water from a structure. We will evaluate your tank and provide and install the appropriate pump for it. The use of Effluent Filters can extend the life of your septic system by removing materials down to 1/16-inch in size.

  1. These filters can last for months or even years before they need to be replaced or cleaned.
  2. In addition, we provide a filter cleaning service in which we visit to your home twice a year to clean your filter.
  3. When the input baffle is closed, wastewater from the sewage line is forced down into the tank, rather than over its surface and onto the outlet pipe going to the absorption area, as would otherwise be the case.
  4. When liquid effluent (effluent) in the tank exists between those layers, the solids and sludge settle to the bottom of the tank, while scum (lightweight materials such as paper, fats, and greases) rises to the surface.

Old Septic System Baffle Repair

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Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:mstruttm (FL)Just had my very old septic system inspected and pumped. Turns out the concrete baffles have rotten and fallen into the tank. It’s not really feasible to use PVC tees as new baffles because the tank is so old that it has two clay outlet pipes. I was thinking about building some baffles out of stainless steel similar to the old concrete baffles and fastening them with tapcons to the septic walls. Is this a good idea?The outlet baffle looked like this _/ if you were looking from the top down into the septic tank, with the outlet pipe in between the opening. It probably went down about two feet. The inlet baffle seemed to just be a wall that went from one side of the tank to the other, but I’m not sure how far it went down.Edited 1 times.
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:Dunbar (KY)Those baffles go to the bottom, and are designed as such to allow the first bay to take on most of the solids, second bay to settle waterborn particulates, third bay to be the finished “clear” effluent that safely distrubutes to the finger system of leaching fields.I haven’t seen John Aldrich “Septic Tank Yank” here in a long time. Anyone know of his whereabouts?His last post was around 318,000 and we’re at 383,000 on this thread.Right about the time I stopped getting emails from him. I hope all is well.-Always be aware of cross-connections in your potable water systems-They could one day harm you and your loved ones.Edited 2 times.
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:PBwrencher (WI)Tank Yank would be the best source for this question however; from my limited experience this person is looking at replacing that old thing, you could image what the rest it of looks like, it’s lived it’s life and now a new one is needed.10-22-08, 8:18am- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -3 years before Google started PlumbingSupply.com has been THE best plumbing supplier on the web. Please visit our sponsor
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:hj (AZ)The outlet baffle is to prevent grease, etc., on top of the water from exiting through the outlet. The inlet baffle goes down to a point a foor or so above the floor to give the influent time to separate.
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:mstruttm (FL)I understand that the system is very old and will need replacing, but it is still functioning and I would like to get as much life out of it as possible. Now isn’t the best time to be forking out $5,000-$10,000.After the tank was pumped, I could see the outlet baffle at the bottom of the tank and it definately was not long enough to go all the way to the bottom. The pump guy said it only runs down a couple of feet. He told me I shouldn’t really be concerned with the inlet baffle and it was the outlet baffle that was important. I’m just thinking something will be better than nothing so I can get some more life out of the system.
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:dlh (TX)this isnt a car. i have never heard of anyone repairing a septic tank.i have found it is much better to bite the bullet now than it is to wait. waiting almost always means a larger bill in the end.-PLUMBERS “Protecting The Health Of The Nation”
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:yonson (SC)My septic guy told me the same thing when my exit collapsed (the exit is most important). He placed a “t” type port at the exit, but mine was PVC. An easy fix.
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:LemonPlumber (FL)Do you have a scrap or 12″ diameter pvc pipe,two feet long?cut it in half use half at each end tapcon it with the top, at the top of the inlet hole and the outlet four inches or so higher than that.Old culvert pipe.Dead propane cylinder.If you use metal it may decay faster but should give you five years to save up.Good Luck with any rig.You need a new tank.
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:mstruttm (FL)Ok, I know the tank needs replacing, but it’s not going to hurt by rigging it to last a little longer since the entire system will need to be replaced anyway. I am not doing any more damage by not replacing it now.So, the 12″ PVC sounds like the best idea yet.
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:PBwrencher (WI)”There is nothing so permanent then something so temporary.”The plumber I served my apprenticeship under would say that when we were called in to make the correct repair after a handyman or homeowner only did a temporary fix that would last sometimes for years.Be honest, it will never get fixed until the system completely craps out.10-23-08, 7:18am- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -3 years before Google started PlumbingSupply.com has been THE best plumbing supplier on the web. Please visit our sponsor
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:yonson (SC)”it will never get fixed until the system completely craps out”Pun intended?
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:mstruttm (FL)I also plan on constructing new concrete lids. Is this ok to do with quickrete conrete mix and rebar? I want to make sure that there is no danger of the lids breaking, which there is with the current lids.
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:hi (TX)Hello,You may still be helped.The exit T and the baffle are placed to keep solids and greases out of the leach field which will plug the pores and render the leach field inoperative and result in effluent finding its way to the surface.You have a two chamber tank that has made itself a one chamber tank with the collapse of the baffle wall.This is not an infrequent finding during septic inspections done properly.Your best (most effective and cost effective)fix is to place a PVC Tee on the outlet to the box.This keeps the floating solids out of the field.It needs to be fit solidly and leak free to be effective and long lasting.If possible also place an inlet T to force “incoming” waste to go to the bottom rather than float across to the exit of the tank.If the repair exposes the exit of the tank you may also want to include an effluent filter to trap solids before they go to the field. This is a newer design that further reduces material that can plug up the leach field.Be careful with the tanks as they can collapse and may not have enough oxygen to support life inside!Safety is Most important!Here is a article discussing your exact question. The website contains a “wealth” of septic info.Here is another (scroll about 3/4 way down and see the part about the baffle deterioration and repair.)
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:mstruttm (FL)I mentioned in my first post that using tees is not feasible at the outlet due to there being two clay outlet pipes. I guess I could try to use two tees, but how would I secure them to the clay pipes?
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:LemonPlumber (FL)You might be better off wrapping the old ones,with rewire making the joint on top then adding a 2″ layer of topping mix.Good Luck.Unless you intend to pour the lid’s six or more inches thick,smaller stone or sand type should be used.
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:PBwrencher (WI)Don’t you have plumbing codes in Florida where the concrete tank and top must be made of Monolithic Concrete and must have the strength of 2000lbs per sq inch or more so it does not cave in on a poor sole years from now:10-25-08, 8:20am- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -3 years before Google started PlumbingSupply.com has been THE best plumbing supplier on the web. Please visit our sponsor
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:redwood (CT)Things are a tad bit lax in Florida IMHO- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -Since 1995 (3 years before Google started) PlumbingSupply.com has been THE best plumbing supplier on the web. Please visit our sponsor
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:mstruttm (FL)Quickrete says it is 4000 psi.
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Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:rca411 (OK)Can’t you just dig it up some behind the tank, then stub PVC back into the septic tank and glue on a sanitary tee for a new baffle?
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Residential Baffle Repairs & Installation

The baffles in your septic system are one of the most significant components because they prevent sediments in your septic tank from escaping into the drain field. If sediments make their way into the drain field, they may cause the drain field to clog, which may result in the collapse of the entire system. Our highly skilled professionals evaluate your inlet and outlet baffles as part of our complimentary 10-point inspection to ensure that they are in perfect functioning order. River Valley Septic is the company to call if you reside in Bucks, Northampton, or Hunterdon County and have a baffle that needs to be fixed or replaced.

The presence of broken or missing baffles can result in significant difficulties, and they should be changed as soon as possible to maintain effective operation of your septic system and to prevent big issues from arising in the future.

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The baffles in your septic system are one of the most significant components because they prevent sediments in your septic tank from leaking into your drainage field. A blockage in the drain field, as a result of particles entering it, may result in system failure and clogging of the drain field. Our highly skilled specialists will evaluate your inlet and outlet baffles as part of our free 10-point inspection to ensure that they are in perfect functioning order. It is possible to rely on the specialists at River Valley Septic to offer the services you require if you reside in Bucks, Northampton, or Hunterdon Counties and have a baffle that needs to be fixed or changed.

With 15 years of experience repairing baffles in Bucks, Northampton, and Hunterdon counties, River Valley Septic is delighted to offer you with skilled service so that your septic system may perform as it should. For a free quotation, call now.

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