Been reading all of these posts as my 9 year old leachfield is failing. [url]http://www.doityourself.com/forum/wells-sump-pumps-septic-sewage-systems/446728-septic-tank-seepage-pit-help-advice.html[/url] I have a 1000 gallon single chamber tank running to a 1000 gallon concrete drywell type pit surrounded by stone. This spring when the water in the yard didn't drain off I dug up my cleanouts and had my tank pumped. It was the first time in 9 years but it's only two people and the pump operator said there wasn't much by way of solids in it. But you could see where the water backed up from the downstream side (maybe after snowmelt and heavy spring rains) and when it retreated took some black sludge with it. While the tank was empty I found a local concrete products place and bought a filter to replace the baffle (I tied my drill to my wrist just in case) and risers and covers. I bought some Pequa Cessflow and have seen no drop in the leachpit yet, and we are not up to the septic output level yet. I am also going to try the Septic Seep product in the leachpit. The soil I dug up on the pit's cover almost looked like clay with black streaks, so if it breaks down that bond it can't hurt. I'm interested in an aeration pump to use in the cesspit side now, and am curious if they go in the house and the airline runs out or are they waterproof and you mount them outdoors. Also interested in knowing if I need to put insulation in the risers during the winter in New York.

We have a new town home on a walkout lot. Our sump pump runs after most rains and since the PVC drain pipe runs under our bedroom, we'd like to figure out ways to keep water away from the drain tile. We do not have gutters on the back of the home (walkout area) and there is substantial water that comes off the room and part of our neighbors roof. Our builder says that water cannot get back into the drain tile system the back yard is below grade. He said we should focus on the front and side of the home (we are an end unit). I assumed the drain tile was around the entire foundation and would hit the walkout area. Appreciate your info on how the drain tile works and what areas I should address. I know I have to focus on gutters and grading, just trying to figure out where the water causes the most impact. Thanks