Let's talk about septic tanks, leach fields, sewer, etc!

[Alex McGhee]

What typically goes awry with septic systems?

If a leach field goes bad. What are my options?

[Will G.]

fields typically go first, but many times sewer jetting will rejuvenate the field or at least buy you some time. Jetting is simply pressure washing the drain field lines from inside, and all it requires is a high pressure hose with a special nozzle and a pressure washer. Only takes a few minutes to do but I have had septic co's quote me $800!

Promptly bought my own setup.

If a field goes bad some municipalities require relocation to new ground, and of course current standards, which could involve, pumps, alarms, aeration chambers etc.

I had homes in one city where you weren't allowed to touch an existing field, and when they died, I was forced to hook up to city services @$5600 plus monthly fees.

All depends on how your dirt perks and the prevailing "rules" as far as replacement options.

I have heard many times 50 to 60 years is all you should expect from a "system" and even concrete tanks can fall apart from the extreme environment they are subject to.