Proximity Issue-If a septic system is placed too close to a well, the groundwater may flow from the septic drainfield and infiltrate and contaminate the water flowing into the well. The CDC recommends separating septic tanks and leach fields from wells by a minimum of 50 feet.
projectperfecthome.com
- Septic systems provide wastewater treatment for many homeowners who also often get their drinking water from private wells. If a septic system is not working properly or is located too close to a drinking water well, contaminants from the wastewater can end up in drinking water.
What if septic is too close to well?
If a septic system is not working properly or is located too close to a drinking water well, contaminants from the wastewater can end up in drinking water. Recycled water from a septic system can help replenish groundwater supplies; however, if the system is not working properly, it can contaminate nearby waterbodies.
How far should a septic tank be from a well?
The distance between the septic tank and borewell is 15 ft and the dimension of the septic tank is 11X6X7 ft.
Can a septic system contaminate well water?
Your septic system could contaminate your drinking water well or a nearby well under certain conditions. Remember to test the drinking water from your well regularly and take corrective action as needed.
How far should a leach field be from a well?
All sewer lines must be at least 50 feet from a private drinking water well. Always check local regulations for minimum setback distances in your area.
How do you tell if your septic tank is full?
How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptying
- Pooling water.
- Slow drains.
- Odours.
- An overly healthy lawn.
- Sewer backup.
- Gurgling Pipes.
- Trouble Flushing.
How close to a river can a septic tank be?
Septic tank regulations Septic tanks are built underground and release wastewater slowly into the surrounding environment. For this reason, they must be a set distance away from a home. In addition, they must be built at least 50 metres away from water sources.
How close to the house can a septic tank be?
Local codes and regulations that stipulate the distance of the septic tank from the house vary depending on the locale, but the typical minimum distance is 10 feet.
How do I know if my well is bad?
How To Tell If Your Well Pump is Going Bad
- 1) Decrease in Water Pressure.
- 2) Air Spitting From the Faucet.
- 3) Pumping Sand or Sediment.
- 4) Water Quality Change.
- 5) Water Pump Cycles On and Off Constantly.
- 6) Loud or Unusual Noises.
- 7) High Electric Bills.
How far should a borehole be from a septic tank?
To avoid pollution of your borehole it should be located away (up slope and at least 50m) from sources of contamination such as septic tanks, poorly drained areas which receive contaminated run-off and slurry pits.
Do septic tanks leak into the ground?
When ground water inundates the septic tank, water will leak in through any opening such as the manhole cover, the inlet/outlet pipes or the tank cover and fill the tank with groundwater instead of waste water from the house. Remember, don’t pump out more than half the volume of the tank.
Does septic tank mean well water?
Many homes that are reliant on a septic system rather than city sewer also rely on well water from a source on or near your property. Water from an underground aquifer is pumped into your house and your septic system processes the water generated from toilets, sinks, bathtubs and appliances.
Why is water coming out of my septic tank?
The top of the septic tank is usually a few feet below the soil. If you see standing water above the drainfield or tank, your septic system is likely flooded. When you don’t see obvious standing water over the area, check the water level with a probe, or use an auger to dig down into the soil.
How close should a well be to a house?
As a general guidance, personal drinking water wells should have a minimum horizontal distance of at least 10 feet and preferably 25 feet from such boundaries. State or local standards may be less or more stringent in your area.
Can you build a deck over a septic tank?
You should never build a deck over a septic field; doing so will prevent the natural draining and dissipation of the effluent. This can ruin the septic system, not to mention releasing foul smells into the air all around your deck. The dissipating effluent can also rot the deck from underneath.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
How Your Septic System Can Impact Nearby Water Sources
Septic systems have the potential to have an influence on nearby drinking water wells or surface water bodies. The amount to which this has an influence is determined by how well your septic system is maintained and how well it is used. To learn more about how septic systems interact with drinking water wells or surface water bodies, as well as how to keep them healthy, see the websites below. Septic Systems and the Purification of Drinking Water Septic systems clean wastewater for a large number of homeowners, many of whom also obtain their drinking water from wells on their properties.
Learn where your septic system is, how to run it, and how to keep it in good working order to protect adjacent wells.
A septic system is used to cleanse household wastewater before it is allowed to flow into the soil.
Learn how nutrients and pathogens from your septic system may affect streams, lakes, and other waterbodies in the vicinity of your house.
Some are straightforward, whilst others might be more difficult and expensive to implement.
Protecting Wells From Septic Systems Pete’s Outflow Technicians
Sewage collection and disposal systems are intended to collect wastewater from the home and dispose of it in the surrounding environment. It is possible for drinking water to be contaminated if the septic system is not functioning correctly or if it is located in close proximity to the home’s well. It is important to understand how septic systems function and what you can do to safeguard your well water from contamination by your septic system in order to ensure the safety of your family’s drinking water.
- Understand How Septic Systems Operate Untreated sewage from the residence is collected in a septic tank, which is located underground.
- Some of the particles in the tank are dissolved by bacteria in the tank, but the majority of the solids remain in the tank and settle to the bottom.
- When water soaks into the drain field, the soil acts as a filter, removing impurities from the water.
- It is clean and safe to drink by the time the wastewater reaches the groundwater supply system.
- Septic systems must be kept in good working order and must be positioned at a safe distance from the water source.
- The presence of a septic tank that is too close to a well may also result in contamination.
Get a proper inspection of your septic system. Have the septic tank examined by a professional septic tank contractor who understands the industry. Your contractor will look for a number of issues, including the following:
- Blockages in the sewage line
- Overflow from within the septic tank
- Drainage issues The septic tank was poorly installed, and it was located in close proximity to the well.
Your septic tank contractor may propose repairs or even relocation of your septic tank depending on the findings of the investigation. Follow the contractor’s recommendations to avoid pollution of drinking water. Keep Your Septic System in Good Working Order Although your septic tank is adequately maintained and is located a long distance away from the well, maintaining your septic tank is vital to its overall performance. An overflow of your septic system might occur if your system is not properly maintained.
- The frequency with which you pump your tank should be determined by the size of your tank and the number of people that live in your home, among other factors.
- Avoid flushing any product that states it is flushable, such as disposable wipes, unless it is absolutely necessary.
- A waste disposal system should also be avoided as these systems release microscopic particles into the septic tank, which can cause the drain field to get clogged.
- If your septic system is showing indications of overflow, you should call a septic system contractor as soon as you can.
- Unusual odor emanating from the yard
- Over the drainfield, there is an abundance of lush grass. Over the drain field, there is standing water on the grass.
Describe what is occurring to the septic tank professional so that they are aware that you are experiencing an emergency and can respond appropriately. Work with a Septic System Contractor who has a lot of experience. If you’re a homeowner, you should consult with a septic tank specialist that has extensive knowledge in order to preserve your property and drinking water. Contact Pete’s Outflow Technicians if you would like more information on how to protect your well from the waste from your septic tank.
How Much Distance Should Be Between My Septic Tank and My Well?
EPA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development suggest that a septic tank be located at least 50 feet away from a well that is used to provide drinking water. This is also a requirement for loans sponsored by the Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, however exceptions can be made in certain circumstances. The Code of Maryland Regulationsrequires specified spacing between septic components and wells, which we discuss in further detail in the next section.
Recommended Distances Between WellsSeptic Components
As a result of local rules or soil conditions, local authorities may mandate greater distances between a well and a septic component than those suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency. When property limitations or elevation changes are involved, components can be brought closer together in other circumstances. The following are the regulations for distances between wells and septic components in the state of Maryland for wells that are intended for water distribution: d) 100 feet from identifiable sources of contamination and designated subsurface sewage disposal areas if the proposed well will utilize an unconfined aquifer as a water supply source; e) 50 feet from identifiable sources of contamination and designated subsurface sewage disposal areas if the proposed well will utilize a confined aquifer as a water supply source; and f) 50 feet from any sewage gravity or force main, except as provided in B(3) of this regulation.
The Maryland Department of the Environment’s Regulation of Water Supply, Sewage Disposal, and Solid Waste, Chapter 04: Well Construction, is the source for this information.
Contamination of a well may occur if the distance between a septic system and a well is insufficient, or if there is a leak or a breakdown in a septic system’s component.
Possible Contaminants from Septic Systems
When a well is located too close to a septic system or other source of wastewater, a range of pollutants, such as the following, might infiltrate your well water:
- Salmonella and E. coli are examples of bactria. Viruses, such as norovirus or hepatitis A
- Bacteria
- And parasites detergents and soaps that include phosphorus. Chemicals derived from paint, drain cleaners, and other common home items
- Heavy metals, iron, and copper are examples of such materials.
These pollutants, when present in large quantities, can cause illnesses or disorders. If you have reason to believe that your well has been polluted, it is critical that you have your water tested as quickly as possible. If a problem is discovered, water treatment techniques such as chlorination, reverse osmosis, activated charcoal filtration, or ultraviolet light purification may be able to restore your water to a safe drinking temperature. If this is not the case, it may be essential to make repairs to the well or septic system.
Call Water Doctor for Water Testing or Treatment in Maryland
If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, our staff at Water Doctor can assist you with this. We provide water quality testing for wells and municipal systems, as well as a number of treatment methods that can assist in the correction of the majority of water quality issues in the area. In collaboration with you, our specialists can evaluate the most appropriate solutions for your demands and budget, whether it is a single system, such as reverse osmosis, or a mix of various systems, such as water softeners, charcoal filtration, and ultraviolet purification.
Since 1979, we have been providing residential and business services to clients throughout Maryland.
Can My Septic System Contaminate My Well Water?
In addition to being responsible for protecting the safety of the groundwater and drinking water on your property as a homeowner or company owner who depends on a septic system for waste disposal, A good example of how to accomplish this is through regular repair of your septic system. Toilets, sinks, showers, and washing machines all generate wastewater, which drains into a septic tank that is subterranean, watertight, and contains a live filter. Solids sink to the bottom of the tank (sludge), whilst fats, oils, and grease float to the top of the tank.
Porous pipelines buried in soil, gravel, and sand transport the effluent to a leach field where it may be treated (drainfield).
Groundwater flowing beneath a drain field should be able to collect any impurities that have remained.
First and foremost, you must understand how your septic system and water supply interact with one another in order to protect your valuable drinking-water supply from getting polluted with potentially deadly germs.
How Does a Septic System and Groundwater Supply Interact?
Several homes that use a septic system rather than city sewer also rely on well water that comes from a source on or near your property. Water from an underground aquifer is pumped into your home, and your septic system deals with the waste water created by toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and other appliances, as well as from other sources. We generate items that seep into the soil and eventually make their way into the water that is stored there. These products are often gasoline, oil, road salt, and chemicals.
The polluted water then goes back to the surface water sources, where it finally reaches locations where humans, plants, and animals eat it, resulting in disease and broad harm to the environment.
Septic Systems and Drinking Water
Septic systems clean wastewater for a large number of homeowners, many of whom also obtain their drinking water from wells on their properties. The presence of pollutants in drinking water can occur if a septic system is not functioning correctly or is positioned too close to a drinking water well. Learn where your septic system is, how to run it, and how to keep it in good working order to protect adjacent wells.
Septic Systems and Surface Water
For the safe and effective treatment of their wastewater, many homeowners rely on septic tanks and systems. A septic system is used to cleanse household wastewater before it is allowed to flow into the soil. Recycled water from a septic system can aid in the replenishment of groundwater supplies; but, if the system is not functioning correctly, it can contaminate neighboring waterbodies with contaminants. Learn how nutrients and pathogens from your septic system may affect streams, lakes, and other waterbodies in the vicinity of your house.
When Can Contamination Occur?
1. The Problem of Proximity It is possible that groundwater will flow from the septic drainfield and enter and pollute the water that is drawn from the well if the septic system is installed too close to the well. Septic tanks and leach fields should be kept at least 50 feet away from wells for proper drainage. 2. The abundance of septic systems in the vicinity of the well When numerous septic systems are in operation on surrounding properties, the danger of contamination is significant even if your septic system is installed at an optimum distance from your water source.
Third, impermeable soil, if the soil on your property is not suitable for absorbing the water discharged into the drainfield of your septic system, or if the system becomes clogged as a result of improper use or lack of maintenance, the surface water and groundwater can become contaminated, making your well water vulnerable to contamination as a result.
How Can I Prevent Contamination of Well Water?
Distance and depth are the first two factors to consider. For more information on how far apart your well and septic system should be placed, contact your state or local department of health. A greater amount of space will be beneficial. A deeper well is also less likely to become contaminated by water that has passed through your septic system, so the deeper the well is dug, the lower the risk of contamination. 2. Keep your septic system in good working order. In most cases, septic systems need to be pumped once every 3-5 years, depending on the tank volume and quantity of home consumption that occurs.
- 3.
- Once a year, or even more frequently if you have a shallow well that gathers surface water, you should have the water in your well tested for pollutants.
- 4.
- Septic tanks are responsible for storing wastewater in a safe manner for extended periods of time.
- When it comes to septic tank problems, the last thing you want is to have to deal with harmful germs from backflow, or tainted drinking water from an inadequately designed septic tank system.
- 5.
- The prevention of preventable septic tank concerns, such as preventing foreign and hard items from entering your drains from within your home and safeguarding the building above your septic tank and drain field, can assist you in avoiding a groundwater contamination catastrophe.
Consequences of Groundwater Contamination Scientists warn of the hazards of groundwater pollution as a result of all the chemicals that are seeping and leaking into the groundwater supply.
Health Consequences As a result of groundwater pollution’s ability to rapidly enter the food chain, health repercussions are among the most serious hazards linked with it.
Water contamination increases in severity with time, and drinking polluted water may be extremely hazardous to humans, wildlife, and even farm animals if consumed regularly.
When groundwater is contaminated, the issues become worse in a cascade fashion, which has a negative impact on the economy.
Environmental Threats (No.
Toxic water existing in ecosystems may have disastrous consequences, including the extinction of whole habitats. Besides that, nutrient contamination has the potential to have catastrophic impacts throughout the entire environmental cycle.
Summary
Septic tanks are mostly self-sufficient, but if your septic system is neglected or damaged, it can result in devastating pollution of groundwater if it is not properly serviced. Pumping and maintenance should be scheduled on a regular basis to ensure that your septic tank continues to operate at peak performance for many years to come. We at West Coast Sanitation understand that you are busy and do not have time to deal with septic issues. If you believe that your system has reached its maximum capacity, please contact us immediately to discuss your options.
Living with Well Water and Septic Tank
If you’re interested about what it’s like to live on a well and with a septic tank, here’s what you should know about the situation. Get quotations from as many as three professionals! Enter your zip code below to get matched with top-rated professionals in your area. We rely on water for almost everything we do in our daily lives, from drinking to brushing our teeth to cooking a meal to washing dishes. A critical consideration when purchasing a property in a more rural region is where your water utilities will come from.
It is possible that you may not have access to a municipal water and sewer connection, in which case you will be introduced to a well water and septic tank system for the first time.
How Does a Well and Septic Tank System Work?
It’s possible that you don’t pay much consideration to where your water comes from, but maintaining a well and a septic system would necessitate some expertise. In principle, the notion is straightforward; in practice, however, there are various components that homeowners should be aware of.
What Is a Well?
In its most basic definition, a well is a hole in the earth that offers access to water. A pump and pipe system is used to extract water from the ground, and a screen is utilized to filter out undesired particles in order to prevent blockages from forming. Because groundwater sources may be affected by germs and pollutants, wells that are improperly constructed can readily become contaminated. The foundation of any well is comprised of four essential components:
- A casing constructed of steel, polyvinyl chloride pipe, or concrete pipe Although it allows for free access in the ground, the casing also prevents any leaking into the well from the surrounding environment. Grout is used as a sealer to fill in any gaps or crevices around the outside of the well, so keeping pollutants from entering. Stainless steel or slotted PVC pipe filter screen keeps gravel, sand, and other waste out of the well
- Stainless steel or slotted PVC pipe filter screen It is necessary to pack gravel around the outside of the filter screen in order to prevent debris from entering the well or clogging the screen.
What Is a Septic System?
A septic system is a wastewater treatment system that comprises of a septic tank and a drain field that is located underground. Most of the time, these systems are located in rural locations where there is no access to centralized municipal sewers. Everything that goes into a home’s kitchen, faucets, and bathrooms goes out through a single main drainage pipe into a tank, which is buried in the earth and is completely watertight. The tank then contains all of the wastewater, gradually separating it into solids (which sink to the bottom) and oils (which rise to the surface) (which float to the top).
Once the liquid (known as effluent) is evacuated from the tank and spread into the drain field, which is a shallow, covered trench of unsaturated soil, the process is complete.
field Because of the way the drain field cleanses and disperses wastewater, it is able to eliminate a significant amount of bacteria as it filters into the soil.
Well and Septic vs. City Water and Sewer
One of the most common types of wastewater structures, the septic system is made up of two parts: the tank and the drain field. Most of the time, these systems are found in rural areas where there is no access to centralized municipal sewer systems. One major drainage pipe transports all of the wastewater from a home’s kitchen, faucets, and bathrooms to a tank, which is an underground water-tight container that stores the wastewater. The tank then holds all of the wastewater, gradually separating it into solids (which sink to the bottom) and oils (which float to the top (which float to the top).
Once the liquid (known as effluent) is released from the tank and distributed into the drain field, which is a shallow, covered trench of unsaturated soil, the process is completed.
Pros of Well Water and Septic Systems
- Because you are using a private well, you will not be charged a monthly water bill. Well water is more nutrient-dense and contains more minerals and nutrients than tap water. Natural catastrophes generally do not pose a threat to well water since it is safe and uncontaminated.
Cons of Well Water and Septic Systems
- Using a private well means that you will not be charged a monthly water bill. Well water is more nutrient-dense and has a higher concentration of minerals and nutrients. Natural catastrophes generally do not pose a threat to well water since it is clean and uncontaminated
- Nonetheless,
Pros of City Water and Sewer Systems
- Water quality, service, and testing are all the responsibility of the city. Owner maintenance is kept to a bare minimum. Natural catastrophes generally do not pose a threat to well water since it is safe and uncontaminated.
Cons of City Water and Sewer Systems
- High homeowner bills for annual usage
- The possibility of system breakdowns or maintenance being delayed
- Drinking water is not as pure as it once was and may contain more chemicals.
Have a System Inspection Before Buying a Home
It is common for traditional home inspections to omit wells and septic systems, but it is critical that you have a thorough inspection performed before proceeding with a purchase. If your regular house inspector does not have a specific septic inspection license, you will need to hire a qualified septic inspector to come out and check your system. It is likely that this will result in an additional charge, but the quality of the system will have long-term consequences for the health and safety of your family members.
Well Location Is Important
You can easily locate a well head by checking for a 6-inch capped pipe that will be poking out of the ground approximately a foot. This is the well head. Check to see that this pipe is at least 50 feet away from the corner of the house and at least 100 feet away from the septic drain field before installing it in your home.
Septic Systems and Drinking Water
It is critical to ensure that your septic system is in excellent functioning order in order to maintain your drinking water as clean as possible. Overflows can be caused by a variety of factors, including blocked pipes and drainage issues. A tank pumping is advised every three to four years, and you should keep an eye out for any warning signals, such as an odor in the yard or standing water near the drain field.
Avoid DIY Septic Systems
A well and septic system must be installed by a licensed and insured contractor at all times, without exception. Any well that has been excavated or bored by the homeowner poses an unacceptable level of contamination risk. Purchase a home where the system has not been properly installed and tested before making the purchase. Even though well water and septic tanks sometimes receive a bad name, the truth is that they are quite useful and offer a variety of advantages.
If you’re unfamiliar with this type of water setup, do some research and speak with a local septic expert about what you should expect in terms of maintenance. These systems have the potential to last for many years if they are properly maintained.
What is the recommended distance between a private water well and a septic tank?
| What should not be flushed through a septic system? |
- Grease, oils, or fats from cooking
- Pesticides
- Paints and paint thinners
- Solvents
- Disinfectants and other household chemicals
Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house”
| 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 or discussing legal questions, pricing, where to purchase a product, or any business issues, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions or issues not specifically 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: |
| Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:jjb01016 (CT)Hey all,I’ve been on the house hunt for quite a while and have found one which meets all my needs and comes in under budget. I have been told by the realtor that a problem exists with the septic, which is why a previous buyer backed out of a short sell on the property after a home inspection. The property is now bank owned.I’m still grilling the agent, but so far she has only stated that the inspector found the septic was “too close to the house” and the previous owner may have had issues with backup in the tub. This last part sounds like conjecture on her part.I presume the tank is cement, as there is cement cover about 10ft off the front left corner of the house. The house is on a slab (no basement). Built ~1960.What are typical problems with a septic system that is “too close to the house”? What would you recommend I do to pursue this issue further?Thanks in advance. |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:SMSPlumbing (MD)The distance of the tank depends on your local codes.I believe in some areas the like them to be installed 15 ft from the structure.Problems it may be having could be that the leech field has failed. It could be that the effluent is not soaking into the ground fast enough.Could be other things.Sounds like you should contact a local septic company and ask them questions.They would know of your local codes and also more about the area you are in. |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:Dunbar (KY)Location near the home isn’t the true issue. How it’s operating,No one can tell you if a septic tank is working properly, short of digging up the ground.I would have the drains cleaned, camera inspection, tank pumped before buying.Otherwise you’ll be buying blind.-Always be aware of cross-connections in your potable water systems-They could one day harm you and your loved ones. |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:waukeshaplumbing (WI)ill bet mine is 10-12′ from my house.no problemsi dont see how the distance mattersif its working correctly it will work if its 1′ from your house. |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:mr leak (CA)My past experience is the tank distance from the house has no effect on the operation of the system. In my county it is 10 ft. The tank is nothing more than a container with a baffel letting the solids settle and the liquids leach out into the leech field which if it is a basic design more or less consist of pipes with holes lying in a gravel trench with backfill over the pipes ie below ground.The leech field pipes run across the slope of the terrain. And have to be so many feet from the property line and a certain distance from any well etc. There are engineered systems such as pressure dose having pumps sprays alarms etc and these systems are for areas where the soil leeches poorley. Anyhow in CA. the septic tank has to be pumped prior to close of escrow. Any septic system has to have a second area set aside as a “repair” area meaning that if the original septic system were to fail another system could be constructed within the repair areaThe sign of a failed septic system is spongy ground oder etc Where the ground basically is not absorbing the liguid.The yellow pages would direct you to septic persons and so would your local building dept/ and or enviromental health deptTo be dealing with a realtor and have this many unansewered questions maybe you needqualified realtorHope this helps some |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:packy (MA)massachusetts has “title 5” regulations in place so no home with a septic system can be sold without first passing an inspection.may be something here that will help. |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:Wheelchair (IL)When purchasing a house these days, “presume and assume” nothing.Most realtors know nothing about septic systems and even less on how they work.The only reason they know is it is listed on the house information sheet.Consider, if you have never lived on property with a septic system. that used, it just might have to be replaced if not repairable.The tank must be pumped, cleared and clean, before inspection for integrity.The distribution box and leaching field must be inspected and cleared.This is not easy, nor can it be done in one day.It takes time and plenty of money and that is why realtors say “little” about it or “gloss over the subject”Make sure the seller is responsible for this. otherwise you will be. later.Everything must be in writing with a warranty.Best Wishes |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:hj (AZ)There is no problem with the septic TANK being too close to the house because it is a closed container. The standard is 10′, butsome are closer and others are much farther away. The leach field or cesspool is usually about 5′ from the tank, but even that is subject to ground conditions. |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:chadschloss78 (MI)if the property is bank owned, demand that the tank be pumped and field inspected prior to sale. make it a condition of the sale. Your realtor should know about these things. It is law around my dinky little town to have this done by the seller before sale, may be something you should check into. Most realtors know little about how to sell a foreclosed property and dealings with the bank. Make sure your realtor has dealt with this situation before.I bought a repo house with a septic. I’ve owned two houses with them. Septics are fine as long as you get them pumped at least every 3 years. Some people wait too long and then the field can get clogged up, then you have major problems. |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:LemonPlumber (FL)I agree the proximity to the home is foolishness.the need to raise or redo the drain field or make provision to tie to city sewerage may be another costly story.Consult the local plumbing inspector for the low down. |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:RWP (SD)Concrete tanks have 3 holes in the top with lids.One at the inlet, one at the outlet and one in thecenter which is probably the one you see.They should all be opened and a lot water run in the house (for at least an hour) to see if itis going out into the drainfield OK.One big problem I have found is that there is a sag or broken pipe at the inlet and outlet of the tank due to the ground settling into the hole that was dug for the tank originally.With the holes open this can be determined with a snake or TV camera.Get permission to dig up the top of the tank.Get it in writing!Do a proper inspection with help if needed.A pick and shovel and effort is all that is needed to dig it up.10 feet from the house is OK.If there is a well to supply water it must be 100 feet from the septic tank and drainfield.-Retired after 50 years of plumbing and heating.Edited 1 times. |
| Post Reply |
| Re: Problems with a septic tank installed “too close to the house” |
|---|
| Author:pzqk7j (AZ)My advicewould be to NOT take the risk.Move on and continue to look.If you want to dig into thisfurther here are some suggestions.1. Ask the realtor to get you the name of the previous owner and talk directly to him/her.2. And or knock on neighbor’s doors and ask them if they have any knowledge of the previous owner and oh by the way do they have a name and phone number.3. What are the health laws in the county the house is in for septic’s.Contact your county health department for details.Also check with them to determine if they have a plan on file for your septic system.4. While knocking on neighbor’s doors ask them for a referral of the company they use for their septic maintenance.5. Most counties/jurisdictions in the US require that an existing septic systempass an inspection before being sold.Regardless you must insist on this, and get everthing n writing.NOT OPTIONAL6. Find out what the costs would be to completely replace your entire system, tank and leach fields.This could be a worse case scenario but you need to know.It maybe possible for you to get the bank to assume some of this financial risk.At the end of the day you DO NOT want to take risk without having all of the facts and thinking it through carefully. Imagine what it would be like to live in a house where you could NOT flush a toilet or drain a drain?That is what would be the case with a failed system.Septics properly installed AND maintained could last a lifetime. On the other hand properly installed means nothing if it is abused and or not maintained. |
| 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.
Special thanks to our sponsor:
10 Rules for Buying a Home with a Well and Septic System
Wells and septic systems are only mechanical components of a house’s overall structure. In contrast to other types of home inspections, they are specifically excluded from home inspections because they are extremely expensive to replace and absolutely necessary. Occasionally, there are situations in which a well or septic system does not have a suitable alternative site, and the homeowner is left with a major problem on their hands that will cost tens of thousands of dollars to rectify. Avoid the temptation to adopt someone else’s problem and make it your own by following these guidelines: The presence of some “fatal defects” in a property may be detected immediately and readily while looking for one.
- Use this list to quickly eliminate properties that are likely to have major problems, require further investigation, or to factor the cost of repair or replacement into an offer on a house.
- The house must be situated on a plot of land of at least 2-3 acres.
- Avoid purchasing a house that has a dug or bored well.
- It is not permissible for water to drain into the well from the road, driveway, or downspouts.
- Rainwater should be directed away from the wellhead rather than toward it.
- If the well was drilled prior to 1992, do not purchase the house.
- The well head must be at least 100 feet away from the nearest border of the septic drainfield, as well as any backyard chicken or poultry yards or coops, among other things.
9.
If you are not, you should not make an offer on a house at all.
A well should be a 6 inch diameter pipe with a fastened cover that protrudes at least a foot above the ground surface.
Purchase a home that does not have a dug or bored well.
Wells that have been drilled are normally more than 100 feet deep, with some reaching more than 400 feet.
If the well was drilled before 1992, don’t buy the house until you’ve included in the cost of well component replacement into the price.
While many wells will endure for decades, it is estimated that the average age of a well failure is 20 years in most cases.
Perforation, pitting, and corrosion of well casings are common occurrences.
The life of a septic drainfield is determined by the way the system is handled, the frequency with which the septic tank is pumped out, and the number of people that live in the house, however it is possible that those systems will last for 20-30 years.
For one thing, there will not be enough space for a replacement well and septic system when the time comes (all systems ultimately fail), and the well will most likely be too near to the home’s or the neighbor’s septic system.
According to the findings of the Dutchess County study and another study conducted in North Carolina, the overall average density of on-site waste disposal (traditional septic or alternative) should not exceed one unit per 2-3 acres for an average-sized house in order to ensure water quality and recharge in groundwater supplies should not be exceeded.
For water quality to be maintained over time, adequate dilution, soil filtration, and time are all important considerations. It is typically startling to discover how near the recharging zone is to a private well.
| Failed drainfield. Picture from NC Health Department |
To ensure that the well head is at least 100 feet from the nearest edge of the septic drainfield and 50 feet from the nearest corner of the home, take a walk around outdoors while you’re doing so. When wandering around the yard, it might be difficult to distinguish a septic drainfield from other structures. The distribution valve on newer systems is frequently protected by plastic covers, however the distribution valve on older systems is frequently not protected by plastic caps since the distribution valve is underground.
- Moving on to the next house in your search if the well is too close to the drainfield is a good idea since the well might be negatively affected by the septic drainfield.
- Solvent sewage treatment is accomplished by using soil organisms, soil filtration, and adsorption as the primary methods.
- The well head should be at least 100 feet away from the nearest edge of the drainfield, and the drainfield should be downhill and downward in gradient for the well to function properly.
- It is a reasonably safe bet that groundwater will flow in the direction of the river in accordance with the land topography.
| Two septic tank lids and filter for alternative septic system. |
Locate the septic tank if you can. The tank should not be completely submerged, and at least one of the ports should be visible from the outside of the building. You should not buy the house if the tank is completely buried since it is a sure bet that the tank has never been drained and the entire septic system will need to be replaced. Once every couple of years, the septic tank must be dug up and pumped out, after which the waste is dumped into the surrounding environment. Without removal, these solids will overflow the septic tank, build up in the drain field, and block the pores in soil and apertures in pipes, causing them to overflow.
- When this happens, the sewage effluent will either back up into the home, flow over ground surface and over the drain field, or find another point of release in the septic system.
- It is possible that a black residue will remain at the bottom of the toilet.
- If there is a moist part of the yard on a dry day, it is possible that the drainfield is already collapsing.
- Other ways to termite management exist, but they are not commonly used by house owners.
- These chemicals range in toxicity from mildly toxic to extremely toxic, and they differ in terms of solubility and soil affinity.
All of this implies that they dissolve more quickly and do not survive as long, but it also means that their breakdown products may be able to travel into shallow groundwater as a result.
Is my well too close to the septic absorption field?
I’m in the process of purchasing a property in which the septic absorption field is located 88 feet away from the well water. My loan is an FHA loan, and the lender determined that his distance from me was acceptable under their guidelines. Is there any type of hazard in this place? Is it possible that they’re attempting to get one over on me? Members who are observing: 0 Members of the composition team: 0
7Answer s
Engage the services of a professional home inspector and have him assess your home. You can find some suggestions on the website of the American Society of Home Inspectors. My well is located above the level of my septic system and leach field. Gravity keeps them apart from one another. The well is located on the upper hillside of the home, and the septic lines run downhill to the tanks and fields below the house. When we acquired our property in Clark County, Washington, we were informed that the well had to be at least 100 feet away from the leach field.
- Get your well water tested now.
- This is the organization that we utilized as an example.
- And everything worked out well.
- There is no use in getting concerned because it will not help to settle the situation.
- For instance, what type of well do you have?
- The flow rate and depth of your water table are important factors to consider.
- In how much of a field does the septic system’s drain field extend?
Soil or ground conditions underneath the septic tank or leach field system are important to consider as well.
The well at our house is approximately that distance (around 90 feet) from the septic drain field.
Over the course of over 30 years, it has served us (and the prior family that were here) admirably.
I’d suggest that you divert your attention away from your concern.
If you have any worries after you’ve moved in, you can easily install additional purifying systems to address them.
How old is the septic system, and how long has it been in operation?
Our drain field has collapsed, but they consider this to be “normal” because it has outlived its 22-year life expectancy.
What additional criteria (city code / county standards, for example) have been implemented since the septic system was first built at this residence?
If your system is more than ten years old, you should find out as soon as possible what additional needs you will be responsible for.
The former owner is legally obligated to provide this information.
You should have been given with these even before you entered into a purchase agreement.
The city or municipality where the residence is located is almost certain to have regulations on how frequently the septic tank must be drained.
When the septic tank is pumped, the provider must record whether the system is in good working order, if it is in failure, or whether it is somewhere in between.
Last but not least – and this may seem obvious, but it wasn’t until we went through some summer storms that we realized what we needed to do.
That is, I’d recommend looking into how simple it would be to connect the electrical for the well to a generator before proceeding.
Additionally, while you’re waiting for the power company to restore electricity, remember that no electrical power means no water being pumped from the well.
Especially if you expect to be without power for more than 8 hours, you’ll appreciate the additional water you’ll have to use to do anything from washing your hands to flushing the toilets (by scooping it out of the tub).
Existing homes with working septic systems in many places where municipal sewage collection systems have been installed are provided with “stub connections,” and those homes are “grandfathered” into the ability to keep the septic systems that they have, provided that:1.
they are owned by the current owner.
Because most rural regions do not have an existing public sewer system, this isn’t a factor in determining whether to build a sewer system in the first place.
Answer this question
This question can be found in the General Section of the website. Responses must be helpful and relevant to the topic at hand. While you are logging in or joining, your answer will be stored.
