I found the check valve in my misc. box...one of the cheapo $15 bronze valve with rubber ends to connect to 1.5" pipes. Since I wasn't sure if it works I simply poured water through the opening that indicates water flow direction but the water wouldn't flow. Just in case I did the same from the other end and again the water wasn't flowing...which is good as it indicates the valve is holding up. I am wondering...are those valves designed to open only under certain water pressure or should the water flow in one direction regardless of the pressure? I can't explain why it currently won't allow any flow in either direction. thanks!

We put in a new 750gal septic tank two years ago and to this minute only believe we have a drywell, not a leach field. The house is 1890 and we've had plumbers guess that's the fact. We have plenty of water run off to that spot from rain but never have effluent come to the surface from the septic system so all seems okay EXCEPT for the occasional aroma when there's lots of rain and we use the washing machine a lot. So we THINK we should have the drywell checked to see if it can be redug, enlarged, etc. We live in the country, upstate NY and don't have money for a leach field; we're on a rock ridge and it would be ghastly expensive. Either way, it doesn't seem we need it. We bought the house six years ago and I know exactly where the exit pipe from new septic tank is but have no clue where it leads to the drywell or where the D-box is, that is IF THERE'S a D-box. I'm told there's a tool to locate a drywell. We can leave things as they are of course but it's good to make this place health long term. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.