Should I Retro my Old Septic Tank for Aerobic?
#1
06-09-20, 03:07 PM
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Should I Retro my Old Septic Tank for Aerobic?
I have a 50 year old 500 gallon septic tank that still works but the leach field and beyond aren't functioning like they should I 'm trying to avoid the cost of major excavation so I've heard about these aerobic air pumps that supposedly restore tanks and leech fields through aerobic action. Makes sense but I don't know it they actually work. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
#2
06-09-20, 04:55 PM
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Well that's some really wishful thinking and never going to happen.
Think about it, that's 50 years of slime clogging up the lines, and loading up the soil with black scum.
There just is no magic wand quick fix for this one.
Think about it, that's 50 years of slime clogging up the lines, and loading up the soil with black scum.
There just is no magic wand quick fix for this one.
#3
06-09-20, 06:13 PM
I cant give any input on good or bad but..... something to consider.
We bought this place 3 years ago. House built in 1968. So, its 52 years old. Last year, the septic tank needed cleaning out. We called the man to come pump it out & as he started, it collapsed.
Luckily, my wife's brother owns a septic tank installation business. Called him & he installed a new 350 gallon concrete Modad system. After 52 years.... it was a god one.
My point is, it may be about time to consider a new system. Knowing what I know, I don't think I'd consider putting any money to speak of into a 50 year old system that you may have to replace anytime soon. I wouldn't think they're gonna get any cheaper. Consider doing it now, rather than later.
And just FYI, because it wasn't planned, when ours went out, it took almost two weeks, from the time we noticed a problem (needed a clean out) & the time we got a new one in.
You think being without water for 2 weeks is an issue....... try going without facilities for 2 weeks.
Good luck....
We bought this place 3 years ago. House built in 1968. So, its 52 years old. Last year, the septic tank needed cleaning out. We called the man to come pump it out & as he started, it collapsed.
Luckily, my wife's brother owns a septic tank installation business. Called him & he installed a new 350 gallon concrete Modad system. After 52 years.... it was a god one.
My point is, it may be about time to consider a new system. Knowing what I know, I don't think I'd consider putting any money to speak of into a 50 year old system that you may have to replace anytime soon. I wouldn't think they're gonna get any cheaper. Consider doing it now, rather than later.
And just FYI, because it wasn't planned, when ours went out, it took almost two weeks, from the time we noticed a problem (needed a clean out) & the time we got a new one in.
You think being without water for 2 weeks is an issue....... try going without facilities for 2 weeks.
Good luck....
#4
06-10-20, 05:47 AM
It is not necessary to upgrade to an aerobic system (typically involves a second chamber after the main septic tank) unless codes have changed to require that a,d/or you are unable to make the existing system meet code.
Upgrading to aerobic will not rejuvenate the leach field. The scum or slime or whatever "clogging" the leach field is mostly just outside the leach pipes and includes "biomat", an organism that thrives in septic leach fields. You have to take away the slime laden soil or sand and replace with new (comparable to scooping out and discarding weed laden soil from the garden and replacing with new bark mulch and loam), either in the same location as the original leach field or in a different location together with new or cleaned out pipes.
Upgrading to aerobic will not rejuvenate the leach field. The scum or slime or whatever "clogging" the leach field is mostly just outside the leach pipes and includes "biomat", an organism that thrives in septic leach fields. You have to take away the slime laden soil or sand and replace with new (comparable to scooping out and discarding weed laden soil from the garden and replacing with new bark mulch and loam), either in the same location as the original leach field or in a different location together with new or cleaned out pipes.
#5
06-11-20, 03:55 AM
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Unfortunately, replacing the existing system is a little beyond my budget at this time. Of course, if it collapsed, I'd figure out a way to do it but not comfortably. I was just considering adding an aerator.. not a separate tank.
The alternative for me would be hook up to the sewer system which abuts my property line and annex into the city. Cost would be similar to the septic tank replacement but and my water bill would be cut in half but my taxes would go up so there's a bit of a trade off there.
Naturally, the various folks selling these aerobic pumps make all kinds of claims which is why I came here in the first place. Trying to get a second opinion since sometimes people can tend to exaggerate their product's usefulness.
I truly appreciate the feedback... as discouraging as it's been.. it's been real nonetheless.
The alternative for me would be hook up to the sewer system which abuts my property line and annex into the city. Cost would be similar to the septic tank replacement but and my water bill would be cut in half but my taxes would go up so there's a bit of a trade off there.
Naturally, the various folks selling these aerobic pumps make all kinds of claims which is why I came here in the first place. Trying to get a second opinion since sometimes people can tend to exaggerate their product's usefulness.
I truly appreciate the feedback... as discouraging as it's been.. it's been real nonetheless.
#6
06-11-20, 05:44 AM
Group Moderator
I personally feel your septic tank is small for installing aerobic. If you do it I would install a separate areation chamber inside your tank. You don't want an aerator keeping the tank stirred which will release more solids into the leach field and will make your problems worse.
I have rental properties. When a problem like yours comes up the first thing I do is check to see if I can tie into city sewer. Septic systems have a limited lifespan and it sounds like yours is near the end. I would be hesitant to invest much money in a septic system in need of replacement.
I have rental properties. When a problem like yours comes up the first thing I do is check to see if I can tie into city sewer. Septic systems have a limited lifespan and it sounds like yours is near the end. I would be hesitant to invest much money in a septic system in need of replacement.
#7
06-12-20, 08:21 AM
I just put in a 1100 gallon tank for 2 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms. I do not think 500's are even allowed any more.
The expense of digging up the leach field is minor compared to replacing the tank. My neighbor had the same problem I when over with my hoe and dug up his field pipe, full of roots from every plant in the area. I directed him to replace the pipe with INFILTRATOR chambers. I installed 2 runs of 51 feet for my house. We did one long run for him and all has been great for him since.
https://www.infiltratorwater.com/products/chambers/
The really cool thing for me is that the chambers once buried can be driven over. Not like a driveway. So I can still use my side yard.
The expense of digging up the leach field is minor compared to replacing the tank. My neighbor had the same problem I when over with my hoe and dug up his field pipe, full of roots from every plant in the area. I directed him to replace the pipe with INFILTRATOR chambers. I installed 2 runs of 51 feet for my house. We did one long run for him and all has been great for him since.
https://www.infiltratorwater.com/products/chambers/
The really cool thing for me is that the chambers once buried can be driven over. Not like a driveway. So I can still use my side yard.
#8
06-15-20, 09:04 AM
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"I directed him to replace the pipe with INFILTRATOR chambers. I installed 2 runs of 51 feet for my house. We did one long run for him and all has been great for him since."
I checked out the website and found it interesting so thanks for that. However, I don't have a clue how the infiltrator tanks works. Couldn't find an explanation for any of the products, Chat is not live and phoning got VM. Some were easy to understand but I'm clueless about the tanks or the Plastic Leachfield Chambers. Can you explain how one might use one or both?
thanks
I checked out the website and found it interesting so thanks for that. However, I don't have a clue how the infiltrator tanks works. Couldn't find an explanation for any of the products, Chat is not live and phoning got VM. Some were easy to understand but I'm clueless about the tanks or the Plastic Leachfield Chambers. Can you explain how one might use one or both?
thanks
#9
06-15-20, 09:15 AM
Group Moderator
Inftrator is a replacement for a traditional leach field's perforated pipe and crushed stone.
#10
06-22-20, 08:22 AM
As Pilot Dane stated, the domed pieces are a replacement for the leach field. There are several different sizes and volumes. The ones I used are the largest as required by local regulations.
The infiltrator tanks are no different than any other tank. Where I live I am required to have the baffle so there is two sections.
You need to become knowledgeable in the requirements of your local rules and regulations before you start digging. My install was inspected per my building permit.
The infiltrator tanks are no different than any other tank. Where I live I am required to have the baffle so there is two sections.
You need to become knowledgeable in the requirements of your local rules and regulations before you start digging. My install was inspected per my building permit.
