Septic field line replacement.
#1
07-07-21, 10:35 AM
Septic field line replacement.
Hey guys. I’m needing to replace my field lines at my old house. It’s been vacate for around 5 years now but when we were there, the septic tank wouldn’t drain out into the leech field. I’m planning on doing this myself. I have a small track hoe and I can get a transit from work. My question is this.
if I replace the old pipe with new pipe in the same trench, will it drain? My suspicion is solids went out into the leech field but I can’t verify that at this time. Would the existing trench still be able to carry the water away or does it get saturated over time and lose that ability? I have room to dig new trenches but figured if the old trench would work, I would just use it with new pipe. Thanks for any help!
if I replace the old pipe with new pipe in the same trench, will it drain? My suspicion is solids went out into the leech field but I can’t verify that at this time. Would the existing trench still be able to carry the water away or does it get saturated over time and lose that ability? I have room to dig new trenches but figured if the old trench would work, I would just use it with new pipe. Thanks for any help!
#2
07-07-21, 12:56 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
Here in NJ you can't even look at a septic system without getting a permit..... never mind working on it.
It sounds like all the lateral pipes are clogged. Checking for clogs would be first.
Here in NJ you can't even look at a septic system without getting a permit..... never mind working on it.
It sounds like all the lateral pipes are clogged. Checking for clogs would be first.
#3
07-07-21, 01:34 PM
Group Moderator
Have you checked the system recently? After a five year rest the leach field may have healed itself if it clogged with biologicals. Hopefully you can avoid having to dig.
I am not trying to be a bung hole but judging by your questions you are not qualified to do that work. Septic systems are highly regulated and in most cases homeowners are not permitted to do leach field work AND the work will require a permit.
I am not trying to be a bung hole but judging by your questions you are not qualified to do that work. Septic systems are highly regulated and in most cases homeowners are not permitted to do leach field work AND the work will require a permit.
#4
07-07-21, 02:53 PM
Member
When a septic system field stops working it's usually because the field, all the dirt, sand has become saturated and has to be replaced, not so much just that the pipes are plugged but they go hand in hand.
I agree with prior responses, septic fields are very regulated. Get caught doing modifications and you better have a good lawyer handy!
I agree with prior responses, septic fields are very regulated. Get caught doing modifications and you better have a good lawyer handy!
#5
07-08-21, 05:46 AM
Because the soil outside the pipes is also likely to be saturated with grease, etc., videoing and/or reaming the pipes with a snake will not tell you the story. All you can do is jump to conclusions about the condition of the field..
#8
07-08-21, 08:59 AM
Group Moderator
Yes, if the old leach field is not working a new field is the usual fix. In most cases you are not permitted to install a new leach field in the same location as an old field. It is common like Marksr mentioned to install a bull run valve after the septic tank so you can switch between the two fields. An overworked and clogged field can heal itself so many will switch back and forth every six months or year to let one field recover while the other does the work.
#9
07-08-21, 09:12 AM
Yes sir, there is plenty of room to run new pipe all around. From what I’m seeing here is, since this house has been dormant for 5 years there’s a good possibility that the existing drain field has healed itself?
#10
07-08-21, 09:59 AM
Group Moderator
