How To Patch A Concrete Septic Tank Outlet? (Best solution)

  • Build your replacement baffle using the PVC pipe and coupling. Cut one section of pipe to connect to the existing drain and pass through the wall of the septic tank. Attach the tee coupling to the pipe on the interior of the tank.

How do you seal a septic tank outlet?

The tar sealant can be used to fill the void between the concrete and pipe. Use a trowel to press the sealant into the void. If the rubber gasket is molded into the tank for the pipe, tighten it up.

Can you patch a concrete septic tank?

To repair large cracks, your septic repair technician will pump out and clean the tank. They will let it thoroughly dry and then apply concrete crack filler to the cracks. Finally, once cured, then the tank can safely be used again.

Can you repair a hole in a septic tank?

Cracks in septic tanks don’t always need to be repaired. If they are tiny and nothing leaks in or out, they might be left alone. If cracks in the tank allow leaking but are not too large, the contractor may fill them with concrete filler.

How deep is the septic tank outlet pipe?

After the solids settle out, effluent leaves the septic tank through the outlet pipe and flows to the drain field. The outlet pipe should be approximately 3 inches below the inlet pipe.

How does a septic tank outlet baffle work?

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. It’s designed to help wastewater flow smoothly into the tank without disturbing the scum layer.

Can you repair the top of a septic tank?

If it is not rusted, you can replace the rusted top with a heavy-duty plastic or concrete lid. Concrete septic tank covers are heavy but strong and durable. Plastic covers offer faster access to the septic tank and are much easier to install.

How do you maintain a concrete septic tank?

Follow these tips to maintain your septic tank system and keep it working properly:

  1. Once you’ve found your septic tank, record the location for future reference.
  2. Have your septic tank inspected regularly.
  3. Pump out your septic tank every three to five years.
  4. Use biodegradable toilet paper that breaks down easily.

What is the life expectancy of a concrete septic tank?

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.

What happens if septic tank is cracked?

A crack in the tank can cause failure of the entire system, allowing contaminants to be released to the immediate surrounding soil.

How deep should a septic tank be in the ground?

The general rule of thumb is that most septic tanks can be buried anywhere from four inches to four feet underground.

How far should the distribution box be from the septic tank?

Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.

Should septic tank lids be buried?

In most cases, all components of the septic tank including the lid are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. Unless the septic tank has special risers that position the lid at ground level, you’ll have to dig for it.

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.

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.

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.

A floating scum blockage is prevented by the intake baffle from clogging the inlet pipe.

  1. 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.
  2. A deteriorating concrete baffle at the exit of a septic tank is seen in this photograph.
  3. Due to the fact that the sanitary tee is connected to the tank’s outlet pipe through couplings, the person(s) who completed this job had the right idea.
  4. This baffle will not perform the critical function of delivering a relatively clear liquid to the next part of the system because there is no effluent screen in place.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Old Septic System Baffle Repair

Over 680,000 strictly plumbing related postsWelcome to Plbg.com the PlumbingForum.com. We are the best online (strictly) PLUMBING advice, help, dyi, educational, and informational plumbing forum. Questions and discussions about toilets, sinks, faucets, drainage, venting, water heating, showers, pumps, water quality, and other exclusively PLUMBING related issues. Please refrain from asking where to purchase a product, or any business, pricing, or legal questions, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions not related to plumbing. Keep all posts positive and absolutely no advertising. Our site is completely free, without ads or pop-ups. We do not sell your information. We are made possible by:
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.
Post Reply
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.
Post Reply
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
Post Reply
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.
Post Reply
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.
Post Reply
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”
Post Reply
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.
Post Reply
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.
Post Reply
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.
Post Reply
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
Post Reply
Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:yonson (SC)”it will never get fixed until the system completely craps out”Pun intended?
Post Reply
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.
Post Reply
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.)
Post Reply
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?
Post Reply
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.
Post Reply
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
Post Reply
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
Post Reply
Re: Old Septic System Baffle Repair
Author:mstruttm (FL)Quickrete says it is 4000 psi.
Post Reply
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?
Post Reply
  • Messages that are inappropriate or that are obvious advertisements will be removed. Unfortunately, we cannot be held liable for incorrect or insufficient advise
  • Furthermore, Plbg.com has no control over external content that may be linked to from messages placed on this site. Please use caution when clicking on external links
  • Plbg.com is strictly for the exchange of plumbing-related advice and NOT for questions about pricing or costs, where to find a product (try Google), how to operate or promote a business, or questions about ethics (law) and the like
  • Plbg.com is also not a place to ask questions about radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical, or even general construction type questions
  • Plbg.com is strictly for the exchange of plumbing-related advice and NOT We are only here to answer plumbing-related questions.
Search for plumbing parts on our sponsor’s site:


Special thanks to our sponsor:

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.

3 Tips To Deal With A Leaking And Failing Concrete Septic Tank – Maintaining And Repairing Septic Systems

Septic systems were originally created using concrete tanks, which were later replaced by polyurethane tanks. With time, these old concrete tanks will develop problems such as leaks, which will be costly to repair. They can also constitute a safety issue if they are not properly maintained and repaired when they are required to be. Maintaining your old tank on a regular basis will help to guarantee that there are no severe issues with it. Some pointers to consider while dealing with ancient concrete septic tanks are listed below: 1.

  • Most concrete septic tanks experience cracking, which results in leaks and soil contamination problems.
  • Obtain a septic service to pump out the tank and inspect the damage to determine if the problem is minor and can be resolved quickly and easily.
  • 2.
  • This can be seen in the concrete baffles that are inside the tank, which can sometimes completely degrade and disappear as a result of the decay caused by the waste in the tank.
  • If the tank is still structurally sound, new baffles can be installed, and the tank can be lined with synthetic materials to prevent concrete from corroding.
  • 3.
  • The removal and replacement of a concrete septic tank is required when the damage is too severe to be repaired or maintained.
  • The presence of oversaturated soils and an insufficiently situated septic tank may be an excellent cause to have a whole new system constructed in a different part of your property.
  • Having an aseptic tank pumping service evaluate your tank and propose the best solutions can help to guarantee that your tank does not fail.

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, break, 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 professional is equipped with the necessary equipment to properly 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 anyone 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 couplings 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 section of pipe that was added should be more than adequate to meet 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.

Septic Pumping, Repair, and Inspections

Allegiance Septic Service has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the repair and installation of septic tanks, including concrete and plastic septic tanks. Because of the physical strength and longevity of today’s concrete products, concrete septic tanks are the ideal building material when a new septic tank is required. Gases such as H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide) do not pose a threat to the structural integrity of concrete if the plumbing components are properly placed. When it comes to concrete septic tank repair, Alliance Septic Service is the industry leader.

  1. Starting with minor structural damage and progressing to major structural damage that necessitates saw cutting out damaged areas and re-pouring concrete sections reinforced with rebar.
  2. Most plastic septic tanks have a negative image because they are structurally insufficient; nevertheless, today’s plastic septic tanks are constructed from materials that are substantially stronger than those used in previous years.
  3. Septic systems are extremely significant since they require internal plumbing and the inclusion of a cleanable effluent filter to function properly.
  4. Additionally, placing an effluent filter in the outlet sanitary tee, in addition to having proper pipework, is a smart method to ensure that your leach line lasts as long as possible by trapping particles in the filter assembly, which can then be cleaned on a regular basis.

Digital Tank Location

Identifying and Locating Septic Tanks Are you aware of the location of your septic tank? Alliance Septic Service has a great deal of expertise in identifying septic tanks and other sewage disposal systems. The approximate area where the septic tank is located is known by some, but the specialists at Alliance Septic Service will locate the tank to the specific location on your property. When digging, it is critical to do so in order to reduce the amount of damage to the property. Using our equipment, we can locate and excavate to your septic tank in the most effective manner possible.

Sewer Pipe and Leach Field Repair and Installation – Gravel or Infiltrator

Field of Disposal (Leach Line) Apart from the installation of septic tanks, Alliance Septic Service can also provide the installation of new leach lines. Leach lines are available in a variety of configurations, including horizontal gravel, Bio Diffuser Chambers (Infiltrators), and vertical drilled leach wells. In accordance with the type of ground, which varies greatly from one location to the next, Alliance Septic Service can design a leach system that will work for your specific needs. gravel leach lines are a time-tested method of disposing of effluent (water that exits a septic tank) that can be installed in a variety of soil conditions and in most areas of the United States.

  • When the trench is finished and level from one end to the other, gravel is poured into the area of the trench that has been designated for the specific work at hand.
  • Although comparable to the vertical drilled leach well system, the components of this system are put in a vertical hole in the ground and then linked to a septic tank instead of the other way around.
  • Multiple lines, such as the gravel leach lines, can be connected together using a distribution box.
  • Since they are so simple to install and require so little material overall, infiltrator chambers are typically a more cost-effective leach line solution than other options.

Septic System Inspection – Private or Commercial

Inspections of escrow accounts When it comes time to sell your home, Alliance Septic Service can assist you and your real estate professional. Contact us now. Escrow inspections are one of our areas of expertise. This procedure normally needs to be completed after a buyer has made a commitment to purchase your house, making it a very stressful period of time. We at Alliance Septic Service are committed to provide you with prompt service to establish the state of your septic system while causing the least amount of harm to your property as possible.

Alliance Septic Service can inspect your septic system and provide you with an estimate for repairs that will bring the system up to current certification criteria if there are issues.

Even if your home is not presently on the market or in escrow, we may perform an escrow inspection service prior to the escrow process being initiated. Set Up an Appointment with Us Today!

Septic System Verification – County (Add-ons and Remodels)

Septic System Inspections and Testing Your local city or county may demand a septic system verification in order to determine what type of septic system you have, how large it is, and where it is located. This is usually required if you are planning to construct a structure on your property. Alliance Septic Service has the knowledge and expertise to assist you. The majority of the information required for this process is the same as that required for an escrow inspection, but most municipalities require specific setback measurements and mapping of the disposal field.

We have all of the necessary tools and knowledge to collect the necessary information, and we are capable of completing all of the necessary forms.

Riser Installations (Extension of septic lids to ground level in dirt, grass, concrete, or asphalt)

Septic tanks that Alliance Septic Service builds can and should include full diameter access risers to ground level to facilitate future pumping and diagnostic activities. Most septic tanks may be equipped with heavy-duty HDPE plastic risers and lids made of equally durable plastic that are fastened together with stainless steel screws. Even if your septic tank is located in a drive-able location, steel lids can be erected around it and encircled by concrete, much like cities do when they raise manhole accesses for sewage lines to the surface of the road.

If there is an issue with inflow from the home main sewage line or if the outlet piping is not allowing effluent to exit the septic tank, Alliance Septic Service may re-plumb the interior and exterior piping to resolve the problem.

Set Up an Appointment with Us Today!

Effluent and Sewer Ejection Pump Installation and Repair

When it comes to moving sewage or effluent uphill to the city sewer or disposal area, pumps are occasionally necessary. We are proud of our significant experience working on effluent and lift (grinder) pump systems, which we have gained during our years in the industry. We have the capacity to assist you with everything from tiny home systems to huge commercial applications. A septic tank effluent pump is the most popular type of pump system. It is used to transport the water that departs a septic tank uphill to the leach line in cases when gravity flow cannot be used.

Grinder pumps are required in conditions most typically seen in cities, when the elevation of the homeowner or company is lower than the height of the city sewage main line and gravity flow is not possible.

Pumps and components are available in a range of configurations, ranging from high and low level alarm controls to huge twin pump systems with redundant backups.

Every system installed by Alliance Septic Service is built with high-quality pumps and components that are both dependable and efficient. Set Up an Appointment with Us Today!

Wine Waste Hauling

Alliance Septic Service is pleased to provide services for wine waste disposal. The wine waste can be hauled away and disposed of at a treatment plant (paid by the gallon), or if your winery is equipped with holding ponds, we can send a vehicle to pump the waste away and dispose of it at your facility (priced by the hour). We also arrange appointments in the early morning hours to ensure that we are in and out before the first guests arrive at the hotel. Cleanliness, efficiency, and organization are essential, as is being on time.

Real Estate Services – Inspection

Inspections of escrow accounts When it comes time to sell your home, Alliance Septic Service can assist you and your real estate professional. Contact us now. Escrow inspections are one of our areas of expertise. This procedure normally needs to be completed after a buyer has made a commitment to purchase your house, making it a very stressful period of time. We at Alliance Septic Service are committed to provide you with prompt service to establish the state of your septic system while causing the least amount of harm to your property as possible.

Alliance Septic Service can inspect your septic system and provide you with an estimate for repairs that will bring the system up to current certification criteria if there are issues.

Even if your home is not presently on the market or in escrow, we may perform an escrow inspection service prior to the escrow process being initiated.

WHAT SEPTIC BAFFLES ARE AND HOW THEY WORK

In its most basic form, your septic tank separates liquids from solids, then holds the solids until they can be pumped out while sending the liquids to a distribution field. However, this system is much more complicated than it appears at first glance. However, these procedures can be a little more complicated than they appear at first glance. It is possible that certain parts of the tank, even if they are the simplest and most basic, will need to be replaced from time to time, such as the baffles at the inlet and outlet, as well as the baffle filter (also called effluent filter).

  • FUNCTIONS OF THE SEPTIC BAFFLE Septic baffles are situated at the intersections where pipes enter and exit the tank to prevent clogging.
  • In many cases, the outlet baffle is regarded as the most important baffle, as it prevents solids from exiting the tank and making their way to the leach field, where they could clog and effectively destroy the leach field system.
  • Unfortunately, this baffle is also the first to give way under its own weight.
  • Its purpose is to aid in the smooth flow of wastewater into the tank while minimizing disturbance of the scum layer.
  • MATERIALS FOR SEPTIC BAFFLE Several types of septic baffles are available, some of which are constructed of concrete and others, particularly newer variants, which are composed of plastic such as ABS.
  • The exit baffle is frequently equipped with an effluent filter, which increases the effectiveness of the baffle in terms of keeping solids out of the leach field.
  • The effluent filter will need to be updated on a regular basis after that, but this is a small price to pay for avoiding having to redo your leach field as a result.
  • Once a year, or whenever your tank is drained out, you should have the concrete baffles evaluated for structural integrity.
  • Among the other baffle issues include blocked outlet baffles or outlet baffle filters, leaks at the baffle-to-tank connection, and inlet baffle obstructions, among other things.
  • Baffle blockages can also arise as a result of tree roots entering the system through the input pipe or around the baffle.

Call Pete’s Outflow Technicians for any baffle repairs or replacements, filter installs, or baffle malfunction diagnosis. They have years of expertise in the field. In addition to septic repairs, pumping, and other upkeep, we can provide septic inspections when purchasing or selling a home.

How does a septic system fail?

There are a variety of reasons why a septic system or component may fail. Here are a few of the most common causes of system failure, as well as some simple steps you can take to avoid your system failing prematurely: A septic system would be incomplete without the presence of an outlet tie. This simple PVC tee is arguably the most important component of a septic system because it protects the largest and most expensive component of the system. In the Soil Treatment Area, an outlet tee is used to prevent organic matter (scum layer) from entering the septic tank from the top (STA or leach field).

  • It is possible that you will have a Baffle in your concrete tank, which is just a concrete wall that prevents the outflow pipe from being clogged with organic debris.
  • Simply inspect your Outlet Tee or Baffle once a year to ensure that scum is not being allowed to enter the outlet pipe.
  • Septic systems for three- to five-bedroom homes are typically built to handle between 350 and 675 gallons of wastewater per day.
  • Your STA may fail prematurely if the problem is not resolved within a few days or weeks if the problem is not addressed immediately.
  • As a result, it is critical to cultivate the appropriate type of plants surrounding your irrigation system.
  • They have the potential to clog the lines that run from your house to your tank or from your tank to the STA, causing the septage to back up into your residence.
  • You may want to explore getting rid of the plant(s) that are creating the problems, or you may want to try using root killer along your septic lines and around your tank if you do have a root problem.

Compaction over a STA consists of: The first time you drive over a STA, approximately 70% of the compaction occurs.

Both absorption and evapotranspiration are achieved by STAs, which are built such that effluent water absorbs into the ground as well as evapotranspires into the atmosphere.

It is not permissible to drive or park automobiles or large things on top of a STA.

Irrigation: An STA is created depending on the number of legal bedrooms in the residence as well as the soil makeup of the property.

Irrigation that is run over the STA results in the STA being burdened with more water that it was not built to manage.

Water appearing on top of the ground or backing up into the home are classic indicators of this.

In addition, the presence of hydrogen sulfide or methane gas in a septic tank can lead to the degradation of the concrete surface.

If you’re on the market for a new tank, consider polyethylene!

The lines may settle over time or as a result of faulty backfilling, which is referred to as “settling.” Settling in the lines can result in a belly in the pipe, where water and particles congregate and obstruct the correct flow of the water system.

It is possible to find out how bad the problem is and if it requires cleaning or replacement by having a camera scope installed if you are experiencing slow drainage or suspect a line problem.

Every year, you should have your pump inspected to ensure that it is in proper working order.

The majority of the time, all that is required is a simple adjustment or replacement of the float switches that regulate the on and off operations of the pump.

Water Softener: A water softener, like irrigation and dripping faucets, can cause a septic system to become overloaded by discharging more water than it was designed to manage.

At this time, having a water softener flow into your septic system is prohibited in the state of Colorado.

This is a good alternative.

These filters are incredibly effective for safeguarding your STA, but if they are left unattended for an extended period of time, they might clog the effluent filter.

Maintaining your effluent filter at a minimum of once every 12 months is recommended.

Our experienced office staff and field specialists can assist you in getting to the bottom of the problem! Thank you for taking the time to read this. Permitting Specialist, Summer Todd-Rhoads, Installation Manager

Sanitary Tee And Filter Replacement

The presence of odors surrounding the drainfield might be caused by a loss of septic sanitary capacity in the septic tank. Of course, such scents might also be indicative of a malfunctioning drainfield, necessitating a more thorough investigation. Checking for the presence and condition of the septic tank outlet tee should be done at the septic tank and should be a quick and simple procedure. While it is important to repair an outlet tee if one has been lost, you should also consider that the drainfield’s future life will be significantly diminished.

  • For the reason that septic tank tees are both a probable source of and a diagnostic assistance in the event that your septic system emits foul scents or aromas.
  • The first is to direct the flow from the house sewer downward into the tank in order to create more detention time for the sewage, which will allow solids to settle out, and the second is to prevent the floating scum layer from blocking the inlet pipe.
  • The tees we use now improve on the first purpose by incorporating effluent filters, which prevent big floating particles or debris from going downstream via the tee.
  • So, what exactly is a tee?
  • Clay, concrete, and PVC pipe are all acceptable materials for making them.
  • It can also assist in preventing sediments from backing up toward the house if you should encounter a septic system backup at your home or business.
  • When we open a septic tank, we frequently find that one or both of the tees are missing or damaged.
  • When we notice that a tee is missing, we look at the bottom of the tank while it is being pumped to see if the tee has fallen off somewhere along the way.

If you have a septic tank that is pumped on a regular basis, the pumping specialist should be inspecting the baffles. Sanitary tees can be replaced and installed by Lentz Wastewater.

Filter

If your septic system becomes clogged and you find yourself having to clean the filter on a regular basis, you might be tempted to simply remove the filter altogether. Hold on to it. Solids, wastewater, and scum are separated into three levels in septic tanks, which allows them to function properly. Solids sink to the bottom of the container, where microbes breakdown them. The scum, which is made up of trash that is lighter than water, rises to the surface. In the drainage field, the middle layer of effluent leaves the tank and goes through an underground network of perforated pipes to the drainage field.

Keep the outlet effluent filter in place since it is required by your state’s health law.

Waste particles could pass through the filter and clog the drainfield if it were not installed.

Your filter, on the other hand, should not require cleaning every six months.

A good chance is high that you’re flushing filter-clogging things down the toilet, such as grease, fat, or food scraps.

A garbage disposal will not be able to break down food particles sufficiently to allow them to flow through the septic tank filtration system.

Plastic items, disposable diapers, paper towels, nonbiodegradable goods, and tobacco products will clog the system if they are flushed through it.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *