How Long Can A Septic System Sit Unused

Abased, Dis-Used, or New Septic Arrangement Exam Guide
How to test a septic organization that has never been used or has been out of use

• POST a QUESTION or COMMENT well-nigh new, abandoned, or long-term shut-down septic systems and how they may be inspected or tested for usability

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

How to inspect or test abased, disused, or new unused septic systems:

Here we provide suggestions for evaluating the status of an abased, united nations-used, or new and un-used septic tank and drainfield. Septic systems that take never been used or systems that have been un-used or fifty-fifty abandoned for months or years nowadays special concerns, and the evaluation of the condition of such a system requires different steps than for a working and in-use septic tank and drainfield.

We as well provide an ARTICLE Alphabetize for this topic, or yous can endeavor the page summit or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to observe information you need.

How to Evaluate the Condition of an Abandoned or United nations-Used Septic Organisation

Determining the Condition of Never-Used Septic Systems

A septic arrangement that has never been used should not be evaluated past a loading and dye test because chances are the septic tank is empty - the loading examination volume of h2o run into the system is unlikely to even fill the septic tank during the exam interval.

If the a septic tank is non total to normal operating level, placing a test volume of water into the septic tank volition not movement any exam water out to the drainfield - the drainfield or absorption system will remain un-tested, and its bug will remain undiscovered.

What to Inspect & Test a Septic System is New & Un-Used

In about any location where building codes and health codes are enforced, a edifice permit, a septic system design, soil percolation tests, and approval of the septic organization design are required by local health or building section officials.

1. Contact the edifice department and wellness department to ask:
   1. Was a septic design submitted and approved?
   2. Are in that location drawings, inspection, or test effect documents available (obtain copies)?
   3. Was there a final inspection to ostend that the septic system was congenital as proposed?
   4. Confirm that a septic structure permit was obtained and the system was inspected and canonical every bit built
2. Identify the septic contractor who installed the organisation;
   1. Enquire for a site tour (offer to pay the contractor for his fourth dimension) at which the contractor points out (and y'all marker) the location of septic components (tank, distribution box, drainfield, other site drainage components that may have been installed).
   2. Ask if the septic contractor had to make changes to the original program. A septic contractor might encounter a buried surprise - rocks, boulders, changes in lot or edifice plans, that lead to last-minute changes in the septic system layout or in the location of its components.
   3. Ask when the work was completed and whether or not all connections (tank to house, tank to D-box, D-box to drainfield) were completed.
3. Septic drawing: if an accurate sketch is non already provided, locate and sketch the measurements to and location of all septic system components.

   See SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO Detect.

   Confirm that the every bit-congenital (which may exist different than the as approved design) septic organisation meets all of the setback requirements - distance from well, belongings lines, streams, etc.

4. Audit the septic system site, tank, septic distribution box, septic drainfield:
   1. A septic tank that has never been used should be empty of sewage and h2o. Information technology is possible that a pocket-size amount of water has come across a septic tank during installation if the tank was ready during very wet atmospheric condition, but that's an aberrant circumstance

      . If there is meaning water in the septic tank, more than an inch, the business concern is that surface runoff or ground water may be leaking into (and flooding) the septic tank: look for stains at the inlet piping, baffles, covers, tank sides, that might indicate places where water is leaking into the septic tank.

   2. Inspect the septic tank further using the criteria that we list below,
   3. Inspect the site for bear witness of settlement, un-wanted surface runoff, or other changes that might accept affected the condition of the septic system such as testify that vehicles accept been driven over the drainfield.

      Meet SEPTIC SITE INSPECTION Process and

      see SEPTIC SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSES - DRAINFIELDS

   4. If the distribution box has tipped, or if at that place is evidence that surface water is entering the distribution box, these weather will need to be corrected.
   5. Make certain that the septic tank has relieve and secure covers.

      See SEPTIC & CESSPOOL Safe

If the septic arrangement is reported to exist new and never used, the septic tank should be empty. Inspecting the septic tank past finding and opening its service ports volition yield of import information such as evidence that surface or groundwater are leaking into the septic tank (and flooding the system).

If the septic system is new and never used, the distribution box should evidence no evidence of flooding or ground water leaking into that role of the system.

What to Inspect & Test If an Un-used Septic System is Former & of Unknown Historic period

If a septic organisation is old, perhaps of un-known age, and information technology is reported that the organization has been united nations-used for a long fourth dimension, special inspection and test considerations apply.

1. Contact the building department and/or wellness department to ask if in that location was a septic plan, inspection, approvals for the site, and if drawings are on file. Above we suggest details that might be asked.
2. Audit the septic organization site, septic tank, and distribution box: notice the septic tank , have the tank opened (exist careful non to autumn into a tank with an unsafe encompass, and never enter a septic tank).

   See SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FIND

   • If the septic tank is empty and clean inside it has either been pumped or has never been used. There should be no standing water or debris in the septic tank. A steel, plastic, or physical septic tank that has never been used volition have clean sides with no sewage staining.
   • While the septic tank is open, wait for evidence of places where ground water might be leaking into the tank (DO NOT ENTER THE SEPTIC TANK) - and check the condition of the septic tank inlet and outlet baffles to be sure they are in place.
   • If the septic tank is non empty audit the sewage and effluent levels. A septic tank that was in active use but has been unused for a twelvemonth or even longer should even so be nearly full to the bespeak only below its outlet pipage. A septic tank that has been united nations-used for many years may have lower sewage and effluent level.

     But if the septic tank has no effluent, just a stale crust of sewage sludge on its bottom, it is possible that the tank has been damaged and is leaky. Something is probably wrong.

     A steel septic tank is at risk of having rusted through and lost its liquid volume, and then unless the examination volume of water is more than tank volume you won't be testing the drainfield.

     A concrete septic tank might be cracked and leaky too – but this is less common.

   • If the septic system's distribution box has tipped, or if there is evidence that surface h2o is entering the distribution box, these weather condition will demand to be corrected.
   • Spotter out: Make certain that the septic tank has safe and secure covers.

     Run into SEPTIC & CESSPOOL SAFETY

3. Inspect the septic system site

   for evidence conditions that suggest impairment to the drainfield, un-wanted surface water, etc:

   Site conditions may have changed since the original septic tank or drainfield installation, such as changes in surface runoff, subsidence, nearby construction, vehicle traffic on the drainfield, or even damage to the septic tank, distribution box, or drainfield piping.

   See SEPTIC SITE INSPECTION PROCEDURE

   • Settlement of the septic tank, tank embrace, distribution box, or settlement of areas in the drainfield. Any of these may mean that septic components have become tipped or even asunder.

     For example, a poor-quality installation of septic drainfield piping with uneven trench excavation, inadequate gravel, un-compacted backfill, may take led to drainfield pipes that take get tipped, disconnected, or blocked with soil.

     Fifty-fifty a new septic drainfield, just a few months old, might fail under these conditions.

   • Surface runoff that directs h2o onto the septic tank, distribution box, or drainfield can flood the system and may significantly shorten the life of the drainfield.
   • Other changes that might have affected the status of the septic organization such equally evidence that vehicles have been driven over the drainfield.

     Driving over the drainfield compacts soil that needs to breathe, and it risks crushed or broken drainfield piping or distribution boxes.

   • Soil test: You might want to do a soil perc examination to see if the soil drains as was claimed when the septic drainfield was built.
4. Septic drawing: if an accurate sketch is not already provided, locate and sketch the measurements to and location of all septic arrangement components.

   Run across SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO Notice. Confirm that the as-congenital septic system meets all of the setback requirements - altitude from well, property lines, streams, etc.

5. Septic loading and dye examination for an united nations-used septic system?

   If inspection of the septic tank shows that the tank is full or nearly full, then a septic loading and dye exam has a chance of disclosing a damaged, blocked, or failed septic drainfield.

   Nosotros find plenty septic failures with this procedure that it'south worth performing, just beware: a drainfield that has rested for a few months and that is tested during the dry out season might still have a short functional life when information technology is restored to yr round utilise.

   Septic loading and dye tests and septic

   tank inspections should be accompanied by an skilful visual inspection of the site as well equally a collection of whatsoever available historical data.

   See SEPTIC DYE Examination Process
   and also

   see SEPTIC DYE AMOUNT, WATER Book



6. Septic maintenance history may be available from local septic tank pumping companies

   If a few phone calls can locate a septic pumper who has serviced the property be sure to ask the contractor's opinion of the status of the septic system.

How to Inspect a Septic System that has been Shut Downwards for Half dozen Months or Longer

Reader Question: how long should water exist turned on before a septic inspection tin can be performed on a vacant habitation?

How long should the water be turned on before a septic inspection can be performed on a dwelling that has been vacant for 1 year? - Anonymous, Mortgage Loan Resource Desk Analyst

Answer:

A competent onsite inspection past an proficient usually finds additional clues that would let a more accurate, consummate, and authoritative answer than we can give by email solitary.

For example, one might learn something about the type of septic system installed, whether or non there are grinder pumps, effluent pumps, a septic tank vs cesspool, separate drywells taking graywater - all of which would be crucial in understanding peradventure significant bug about the status of the system. You will observe additional depth and detail in articles at our website.

The brusk answer is easy but dangerous: run the standard septic examination volume

The short reply is: run water long enough to get the minimum standard test volume into the septic system. That's at to the lowest degree 50 gallons per bedroom or 200 gallons, whichever is more.

Longer or more water is a better exam as long every bit the total volume does not exceed a normal family's daily utilize - which could exceed the septic system's design level. At InspectApedia we requite tables of those volumes based on septic tank size and other variables.

See WATER QUANTITY USAGE TABLES

and SEPTIC TANK SIZE TABLE.

For case, if we know (direct measurement is often easy) the size of the septic tank we know the average daily wastewater flow for which it was designed. I'll repeat that septic tank size and water usage book data here.

Tabular array of Required Septic Tank Size for Daily H2o Usage Volume in Gallons
Average Sewage Wastewater Menses - Gallons Per Day	Minimum Septic Tank Size in Gallons of Constructive Capacity Needed (1)
0-500	900
601-700	1200
801-900	1500
1001-1240	1900
2001-2500	3200
4501-5000	5800

The left cavalcade in this table gives the average daily wastewater flow for which the tank and septic system were (or should have been) designed. That same figure would be the maximum water that tin be run into the septic tank without worry of exceeding the organization design volume and thus without being blamed for doing something wrong.

Technical annotation: in fact since wastewater catamenia into a septic tank is commonly not uniform simply instead surges at the kickoff and finish of the solar day, running water into the system more slowly, over the entire solar day is probably a scrap less aggressive and thus safe. I am non recommending using these test volumes as they significantly exceed our minimum test volumes given earlier.

Just information technology is reasonable to conclude that running water in the building at a rate non to exceed 500 gallons over 24 hours is an aggressive simply "safe" septic loading exam provided other rubber checks I draw below are as well made.

Reasons why running whatever septic loading test without knowing more than are risky

Lookout man out: a fundamental and very pregnant risk, especially for a bank assuming financial responsibility for a property, is that of permitting a "pro-forma" or "going through the motions" test or inspection that is not a true or valid inspection or test. Making such a mistake significantly increases the run a risk of an expensive surprise.

And in that location are several critical stumbling blocks that mean to me that merely requesting that a book of water be run, without checking some other critical parameters starting time, is a significant error.

OK then How Much H2o DO We Need to Run to Exam a Shut-Down Septic?

Therefore while I completely understand the entreatment of a uncomplicated reply similar

"Turn on the water for one hr" or some variation, such an answer would exist, frankly, ridiculous if I were to offer just that.

• We don't know the water flow rate, so we don't know how long to turn it on.
• We don't know what the water is flowing into, so we don't know how much h2o would constitute a valid exam of the septic organisation.

So we demand an approach that makes a credible attempt at addressing these fundamental questions.

When you lot ask how long h2o should be "turned on" I imagine yous mean left running. Just united nations-stated is at what rate the h2o is running - the flow rate in gpm, and at how many fixtures simultaneously. We need to either know something more most the house, or brand some assumptions.

How long to run water = how much h2o do we need to run:

It is reasonable to assume that a home water system, whether on well or municipal water supply, delivers between 1 and 3 gallons per minute at a kitchen sink faucet or bathroom tub faucet. So if we tin determine how much water nosotros demand, we can calculate the h2o-on fourth dimension.

A blank minimum septic test needs to run at least 200 gallons or at to the lowest degree 50 gallons per bedchamber into the septic system for an in-utilize septic system OR for a septic organisation that has not been in apply for some time.

Other Instructions to the Septic Inspector to Reduce Risks & Hazards at the Septic Arrangement, Site, & Well Pump

Your instructions to the inspector need to include some effort at determining the following:

1. What is the bodily h2o flow rate

   ( it's trivial to measure it with a container and a stopwatch) - run the water long enough to achieve the necessary volume

2. What is the water source:

   if it is a private well, in that location is risk that if water is left running unattended, say at a slow charge per unit overnight or longer, if the well runs dry the inspector could be charged with running the well pump dry - which in some systems tin destroy the well pump.

3. What is the condition of the building drain system.

   If water is left running unattended and a drain is blocked, a backup and flood in the building could crusade costly damage.

4. What is the type and condition of septic system.

   If a visual inspection could have disclosed an unsafe septic tank cover, for example, and your representative was on-site performing a test and failed to detect this potentially fatal hazard, should there exist an accident there would be hell to pay.

   Too the observation that the system uses septic grinder pumps, effluent distribution pumps or other equipment is of import in understanding how the system can be tested.

   For case, if a sewage pump is part of the organization and the power to the pump is left off the system cannot exist safely tested.

   See details at SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS

   and SEPTIC PUMPS

   Further, some idea of the type, location, & condition of the septic system informs the test that can or should be performed. For example a dosing system can be flooded by some septic tests and could exist damaged, while a conventional septic tank and drainfield would not exist unless the system were itself already damaged or lacking.

Proceed in listen that nosotros are testing the effluent disposal organization, the drainfield, not the septic tank, except that if the tank and system include pumps and filters etc. those too are being exercised and thus tested past the septic loading and dye test.

Condition of the septic tank: Touch on Testing a Septic System that Has Been Out of Use

IF the system is a conventional septic tank and drainfield, and if the septic tank is united nations-damaged, that is, not leaking, after fifty-fifty a year of not-apply, the septic tank volition exist nearly full of sewage. The losses by evaporation or transpiration through a closed septic tank are practically nada.

Therefore pushing a standard minimum test volume, say 50 gallons per bedroom or 200 gallons, whichever is greater, would be a minimum water book. A safe maximum test volume, as I established higher up, is 500 gallons of water over 24 hours. In fact, since in virtually U.S. jurisdictions the minimum permitted tank size for new septic installations is thou gallons this is a pretty safe number.

Watch out: if a septic tank has a leak, its in-tank sewage level may have fallen significantly. If so, all of our "test water" or a good part of it, is remaining in the tank - and then nosotros never tested the drainfield at all. A "false test".

Watch out: also: if the septic tank was pumped and never re-filled by normal use we are sitting at that place with 1000 gallons or and so of empty book into which all of our examination water runs - the septic "test" would have been imitation if this status is not discovered.

Therefore the un-used septic arrangement test needs to include, if possible, an effort to open and audit the levels in the septic tank before doing anything. This step also allows an effort at assuring that the septic tank cover is safe and secure.

Atmospheric condition, Season, & Condition & Location of the Septic Drainfield: Affect on Disused-Septic System Testing

The condition assimilation bed or drainfield status is a different question. There are aplenty visual signs of trouble or likely trouble at the septic drainfield even earlier a septic examination is performed.

See SEPTIC FAILURE SIGN

I would remember that a drainfield that has been united nations-used for a year would have had a rest period that should have improved its performance.

Come across SEPTIC BIOMATS)

Watch out: that is non necessarily true. In that location may be disquisitional seasonal variations. For example a drainfield in a low wet surface area may show failure but only in wet weather, regardless of how long information technology's been out of utilize . So a site inspection that notes that the known or apparent or only possible drainfield location is alongside a stream or lake, for example, would exist important.

Encounter SOAKBED SOIL CONDITIONS

Sentry out for unsafe site conditions like missing or unsafe septic covers, and subsidences:

Meet SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS

See SINKHOLES, Alarm SIGNS

For these reasons, a "disused septic organization test" that does non include an inspection for these disquisitional pieces of information, is non valid, and exposes all parties to liability, loss, and bedevilment.

Reader Comments & Q&A

@Terry, It seems unlikely - if sewage from the septic system, even a failed septic system, were causing an odor nearby it ought to take been noticed well before a 12-twelvemonth or xxx-twelvemonth lapse.

If a leech bed has been filled in and abandoned for 30 year could it cause an scent. I take a creek in my back grand? What about later it's been abased for 12 years?

@Denise Beadle,

If your building is connected to a septic tank the tank can exist opened and its contents inspected;

Only information technology would perhaps be a more than-helpful approach to list first exactly what are your concerns then that those might be addressed more than-specifically.

I have a suspicion that some of my contractors accept been using my bath in my brand new home. Is there a way for me to take it checked to meet if at that place has been usage prior to me getting keys and moving in?

@Michael J. Yourzek,
My condolences on the loss of your home to fire.

1. First priority: locate the septic tank and be sure (past hiring an excavator or septic company if needed) that the septic tank cover is in place, sound, un-damaged. (E.yard. information technology could be run-over and broken by a burn down-truck or sabotage vehicle) every bit an unsafe cover risks someone falling in and thus risks a decease. (Search InspectApedia.com for SEPTIC Prophylactic for details)

2. Locate all of the septic components, as some investigation of D-box, sewer piping, and drainfield pipage is probably in guild:
LOCATE SEPTIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS
inspectapedia.com › septic › Septic_Component_Location
and
SEWER LINE CAMERA
inspectapedia.com › plumbing › Sewer-Pipe-Inspection-Cameras

iii. If the septic system uses whatever electric components (such equally effluent pumps),
don't assume those are serviceable subsequently a edifice burn down nearby

4. Review what sorts of traffic were at the site during and after the burn: vehicles over the drainfield may have damaged it: if in dubiousness, take those lines scoped

5. Then review the above article on this page that you institute, specifically the department on:
What to Inspect & Exam If an Un-used Septic System is Quondam & of Unknown Age

How long tin a septic organization sit down unused afterward last pump out? Our house burned down terminal March 2020 and system has not been used since. Last pump out approx. 4 years ago

@Katt,

I would showtime by having the tank opened and pumped and inspected for condition.

You lot won't really be able to examination a drain field in any meaningful way when the system has been out of use for so long but if necessary you could have a plumber run a camera through the lines to encounter their condition

Can yous test a septic tank earlier y'all bill your house dorsum my house got burned down about 10 years agone

Zoe Campos said:

Thank you for reminding me that nosotros need to get our septic tank inspected first before doing anything. Our landlord had informed us beforehand that there is an installed septic system in the house, but it'south been unused for years earlier we moved in. Information technology might be a good idea to consult experts in septic design and see what should be done about it.

Zoe'due south advertising has been deleted.

that should exist ok

septic tank was tripped off for a few months. volition it hurt to commencement running
information technology

Sure, Chuck. If a septic has never been used, then nobody is going to see sewage effluent nor smell septic odors.

Of course if I were the inspector I'd be forced to say that such an inspection is very very incomplete and unreliable.

For instance, if a septic tank is empty (which it would be if a septic system has never been used and if there are non improper surface water leaks into the tank) then it is non possible to perform a loading and dye test, so the condition of the drainfield remains unknown.

Even a new organization may fail when put into use if it was not installed properly or if, during the ensuing years, the drainfield pipes heaved or settled or were invaded past roots.

i own a belongings with a septic circa 1987. septic has never been used. property is in northern az. any adventure it passes inspections?

Is there a typo in your question? I don't know that I've ever come beyond a 30 pes tall drywell or seepage pit.

The downside of the design is that if nosotros dispose of sewage effluent at a pregnant depth in the soil at that place's non enough oxygen for leaner to break downward the pathogens

I don't know what the life would be of your system. I'm sure it depends on how it was used including the amount of grease and likewise folding solids that were discharged into the pit

I enjoyed reading your topics of drywells, septic pits and cesspools. Here in Calif's Central Valley the primary blazon is septic tank, D-box, and 'dry wells' as they telephone call them hither.

The soils here range from dirt to sand, with an alkali "hardpan" on the top 10' of soil.

The three Drywells are five-half-dozen' wide, and 30' tall, and completely filled with rough gravel and the tops are about 4' underground. No real risk of caving in. Leach fields DO Non piece of work here, as the whole neighborhood establish out after a neighbour had one installed! Question: what is the average lifespan of 'drywells' such every bit I've described them? Mine are 45 years erstwhile, and oasis't been used the terminal 9 years. Thanks!

Reader Question: upstream "septic drywells" don't work. What'south a septic drywell, what'south a cesspool, what'due south the departure & who cares?

2016/09/13 VanCoerte said:

We just discovered that of our two septic drywells, one is at 85% capacity and the other one is empty, because the pipage to it is really running uphill. (!!) This means that the functioning drywell was the only one in use for - look for it - 56 years!!

SO: we're going to properly hook up the empty drywell, of course. Simply I'k wondering: if we cap off the other drywell now, how long practise you think it would take for information technology to become usable again? I heard one estimate of 20 years, just I call up the facts that our soil is conspicuously excellent for drainage and that it hasn't actually failed still should be taken into consideration. Could it be every bit shortly equally ten years??

DETAILS: The 85% capacity drywell is 8x6 (200 sf) for a 4 sleeping room business firm, in which usually only 2 - 4 people lived.

Respond:

A dope, like me or like Barnum'southward "Sucker" is born every minute. Co-ordinate to my sister Linda, one was born on my ain birthday. But most septic people know that sewage doesn't period uphill.

A "septic drywell" is properly called a seepage pit oror cesspit - detailed at CESSPOOLS

while a "drywell" strictly speaking, is used to receive graywater. A cesspool that no longer absorbs effluent tin can be slightly and temporarily pepped upwards past probing and jamming effectually the bottom - an approach that is short in benefit and can result in death to site occupants if the fooling around causes the system to collapse - that happened in a case on Long Island in New York.

Too see DRYWELL / SEEPAGE PIT SPECIFICATIONS

So usually nosotros leave the failed cesspool lone and daisy-concatenation on a new one.

Left alone a cesspool that no longer absorbs won't recover itself in your lifetime nor mine nor the 2 of them together. At that place is just too much solid waste, scum, slime in the pit and in the surrounding soil. It's non like resting a drainfield.

I'd programme on either adding a sewage grinder pump to transport waste up to the higher cesspool or I'd dig a new one downhill.

Watch out: Exist SURE that the covers over these units are safe confronting collapse or autumn-in.

Meet CESSPOOL Prophylactic WARNINGS

Reader follow-up: why can you lot rest a drainfield but not a seepage pit?

Anonymous said:

Yes -- information technology is across my comprehension that, even 56 years ago when it was installed, someone would run pipage UPHILL to drain sewage.

Besides yes -- I suppose what we accept is a seepage pit. Just here it's chosen a drywell by the septic companies and the health department.

Ours is man-made (in 1960) of concrete cake and crushed rock and is nigh 5 anxiety underground. I believe its size is 8' x vi' - although they say it's 200 square feet, so I don't empathize any of that.

If you lot don't mind taking the time - could you explain WHY y'all can balance a drainfield and non a man-fabricated drywell (seepage pit)?

Moderator respond: depth, thickness & nature of waste & bottleneck in the soil

Not to be goo glib simply 1 thing about it: the installer could have given a written guarantee that the uphill cesspool would never clog with sewage.

I empathise that sounding like nit-picking over words tin can be abrasive, but misunderstanding near just what is installed, how it works, how it should be designed, how it should be maintained, and what are its failure criteria also causes problem for owners and occupants anywhere.

And then it's dainty to be clear near blackwater. If information technology won't badger your local officials yous are welcome to print out and give costless copies of the articles in this series explaining drywell and cesspool to anyone who wants them. Nosotros appreciate criticism, gripes, questions, feedback: working together makes us smarter.

So cheers for asking.

The distinction between "drywell" and "seepage pit" and "cesspool" can be confusing but also can be important as designs, maintenance, usage, and failure criteria are non identical.

DRYWELL Design & USES (for graywater disposal and sometimes for stormwater buffering or disposal - What is a drywell or "septic drywell", seepage pit, and how is it different from a cesspool?

How are drywells or seepage pits constructed? What care is needed for a drywell?

Practice nosotros demand to filter wastewater entering a drywell? What is the failure criteria for a drywell?

CESSPOOLS - used to dispose of sewage wastewater - at inspectapedia.com/septic/Cesspool_Guide.php discusses: Septic cesspool pattern, structure, installation, inspection, maintenance & repair advice. Definition of a cesspool, why a cesspool is not a drywell, why their function is limited. How is a cesspool cleaned or maintained? Does cleaning the cesspool extend its life? What nigh hydrojetting cesspools to break up sludge? How do cesspools fail? How sometime is the cesspool? How long should a cesspool last? Should I put additives or chemical treatments into the cesspool to extend its life?

See also CESSPOOL / DRYWELL PIT Collapse or FAILURE How to detect a drywell or seepage pit failure; What causes seepage pit failure? What causes drywell failure; How to avoid seepage pit or drywell early failure? What care is needed for a drywell? What is the failure criteria for a drywell?

You can rest a drainfield trench because we're talking near a small diameter trench, perhaps a couple of feet beyond and near the soil surface where there's both anaerobic and aerobic leaner who consume abroad at the biomass that has formed, typically an inch or so thick, in the soil effectually the perimeter of the trench.

That's an inch or so of biomass almost the ground surface. In proper use, a drainfield receives Merely clarified effluent, that is, no solids, no carrion, no toilet paper, no grease - or at least very little of those materials and but in ultrafine particulates.

A cesspool is going to be iv to twenty feet deep and at the end of its life will exist filled with nearly solid sewage; that's a mass of solid waste close to say 4-5 feet in bore past iv to twenty feet deep.

The cesspool, depending on how information technology was synthetic, was surrounded by gravel and backfill soil. More solids, grease, fecal waste, every bit well as biomass have formed in the gravel and soil effectually the cesspool and still more thickly at its bottom.

A cesspool receives all of the solid waste: feces, toilet paper, grease, crud. Therefore the soils around the cesspool will become clogged by much more than the mere biomass produced by soil bacteria.

It's clogged by six" to 24" (typically) of sewage, grease, solids, as well as by the biomass formed by bacteria. That thickness is not going to be hands removed by soil bacteria for 2 reasons: 1. It's enormous in thickness compared to a leachfield biomass and 2. information technology most of the cesspool it'southward much deeper in the soil where there is no aerobic bacteria.

Think of an outhouse privy pit. When filled the pit is abased. That now covered-pit will remain full of nearly-solid sewage for x to 20 years or longer. The breakdown is very very slow considering of the thickness and mass of the waste.

Some cesspool "restoration" services in some areas pump out cesspools - a dangerous approach if the cesspool is home made equally it tin lead to a collapse such equally one that killed a homeowner on Long Isle. Others try toxic caustic chemicals that, even if they de-grease or de-sludge, as well impale leaner and poison groundwater and are illegal in many jurisdictions.

Other cesspool services will hydrojet the lesser of the cesspool to "restore" soil absorption of effluent - a partly-effective simply rather curt-lived "repair".

Those atmospheric condition mean that the usual approach when a cesspool has failed (failure criteria are in the article I cited above) it is abased or at most daisy-chained to pass on sewage to a new cesspool merely downstream.

Question: what's the normal level of sewage in a septic tank that has not been in use?

(July 22, 2015) irene said:
septic tank has non been used for 3 years and now is dry is this common?

Respond:

"Dry" may be subjective. If the sewage level in the tank were down even a foot I'd non be worried just if sewage levels have fallen to the bottom of the tank I doubtable it is leaking.

Question: child safety hazard if old septic tanks remain without proper abandonment

(Sept 1, 2015) cherm32 said:

We moved on a property that has not had a house on it for about 30+ years, we recently found an onetime PVC pipe sticking out of the ground next to an area of dirt where there is no grass which is directly behind where the old business firm used to be.

My husband dug up part of the pipage and the residue broke of the clay was wet a a frog came out of the piece of pipe that was nonetheless in the footing that appeared to exist filled with dirt.

Questions: is information technology probable this is the old septic system? if so would information technology withal have water after then many years, and could recent heavy rains fill up it up? how do we go rid of this thing. I am really concerned for our and our childs safety.

Respond:

Cherm

While in that location could certainly be other reasons that you'd detect a fleck of clay-filled pipe sticking upwardly out of the ground, an old, failed or peradventure abased septic is a skillful estimate. The no-grass area may mark a septic tank.

To avoid possibly killing someone, rope off and keep people away from the suspected septic surface area until you've had a contractor excavate to see what's in that location. An old steel tank or home made organisation could have a failing comprehend that could suddenly collapse - falling into such an opening can be fatal.

When the tank is found you want to know that it was properly abased -for safety - equally described in the

commodity Abandoned or NEW SEPTIC Organisation TESTS

Question: realtor says nosotros need a new septic system

(Jan 26, 2016) Geoff said:

I'm looking into purchasing a home that has a septic organization. Unfortunately, the septic system was non used for about a year. Because of this, the real estate listing agent has informed us that the habitation volition need an entirely new septic system.

What I was curious about the possible bug (though I would imagine from reading the commodity and comments that the system is leaking) to enquire about if we pursue the holding further.

Also, would y'all always recommend fixing any of the possible problems without replacing the unabridged septic arrangement, simply instead using a production like aero stream?

Thanks in accelerate.

Reply:

Please meet Dwelling BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS for suggestions of how to get an idea what's at that place. Information technology'south rubber to say you need a "whole new organization" but that may not be and then. OR the realtor knows something that's non been disclosed.

Besides encounter OTHER PEOPLE's Coin - why consultants spend your money to reduce their chance.

Question: confusion about old vs. new septic components when buying a domicile

(Mar xviii, 2016) Lenny said:
My wife and I recently purchased a new home with a septic system - we've always lived in homes with "city sewer/h2o." In Colorado, the existing septic system must pass inspection and re-certified prior to the home existence turned over to the new owners; i.e., the seller is on the hook to fix any problems with the septic system.

Well it was establish that the leach field needed to exist completely rebuilt/replaced. Then knowing nothing well-nigh these systems the contractor said he is providing a new "tank" behind the existing tank which makes me think, he will apply the existing tank every bit the front tank to the leach field.

I asked him why he just didn't pull the existing tank out and use the new tank (patently the new is the "latest and greatest" where the existing tank is not) I didn't understand his answer that the new tank will "interface" with the existing tank?

And so I asked him, what if the existing tank goes "s" he said, well I judge you'll have to get another tank. Any info would be appreciated.

Reply: what does "in lawmaking shape" mean? Nada much.

A better approach might be to empty, then abandon the existing septic tank, presuming information technology's not serviceable. Be sure the work really addresses the drainfield that has failed - the comments y'all study don't do so.

(Mar xx, 2016) Lenny said:
Cheers .... The contractor did country he hadn't fully inspected the existing tank, but felt it nearly likely was in "code" shape.

His work is primarily focused on the leach field which was the failure requiring the rework; apparently it was invaded past existing tree roots and required the removal of two big pino trees to rebuild the drainfield including re-soiling(?). I estimate I don't understand the demand for the existing tank when a new and improved tank is being installed.

(mod) said:
Lenny,

Not to be likewise much of a stickler, "lawmaking shape" is an undefined term. In fact there is almost no edifice lawmaking written for in-service septic systems.

When the tank is pumped and cleaned it should be inspected for damage such as holes, cracks, missing baffles.

If you want to carelessness the existing tank take information technology emptied and filled-in.

What a fascinating mix of improperly-used terms that make little sense.

Baffles in a septic tank are not building structure and then the phrase "structural damage" is confusing; I speculate that the inspector hateful that baffles are damaged enough every bit to exist not functional. That means a good adventure of septic field failure as damaged baffles allow solids menstruum into and clog the drainfield.

"Baffle rotted" is confusing too. Concrete is not organic. Information technology doesn't rot. Forest rots. Vegetables can rot. Physical may deteriorate, spall, soften, autumn apart, merely it doesn't rot. I know this sounds picky but when a purported "expert" uses odd terms it makes me nervous about their accurateness.

"Arrangement actualization to exist structural sound and working" sounds to me like an inspector who was referred by the realtor, doesn't want to upset the person who refers him or her, and who is non telling you that damaged or missing tank baffles mean that solids are clogging the field and that even if the dye test doesn't show a problem at present, the field life as doubtless been shortened.

That ways in the future you'll confront the significant cost of field replacement - something a homeowner ultimately faces anyhow - peradventure sooner than ordinary.

"Leach field not under menstruum" ways that the field was not tested. Therefore the septic examination is inconclusive - the inspector is ducking.

"Tank depth" notes are not clear enough for me to sympathize if the tank was at a normal level or not.

Lesser line: the written report is confusing, and in my stance unreliable, except that it suggests that there'south trouble alee.

That's NOT a reason not to buy a home. It's a reason to budget for septic system repairs.

Maximize the drainfield life by having the tank cleaned upon taking buying and at regular intervals afterwards - search this site for SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE for details.

Ownership a house built in 1981 with original septic tank & leach field. Had septic inspection yesterday.

Nether the "Evidence of structural impairment to baffles, tees, or superstructure of tank" inspector says "physical baffle rotted away and fallen into tank." Yet his overall inspection results state "...septic organisation ... appears to be structurally sound and working properly at this time."

In improver, under the menses test, it says "passed" but with * "leach field non under menstruation of load at time of examination due to inoccupancy of home. Cannot certify tank equally operable as designed at this time." By "inoccupancy" he means the sellers have already moved, but they and others have been in & out making some repairs, etc.

The tank depth is reported as 51" with 10" sludge and 0" scum. Aye, I do have a telephone call into the inspector considering this report seems very inconsistent to me.

Would like to hear your thoughts and recommendations.

Unless you actually hit a pipe when earthworks a hole to put in your mail you should be fine.

if a drain field hasn't been used for about thirty years that i would know of, can some other pipage be inserted to hold something up? a new drain field has been installed away from the old, so would the old drain be holding anything inside. Can it be filled with clay or quik crete to concord a pole?

Sure, Gayle if it'southward un-damaged.

But the more than critical question is the condition of the drainfield.

And of course the tank should be emptied, cleaned, inspected.

Tin can a septic tank exist used if it hasn't been used for 20 years

On 2018-09-02 by Adam

Thanks and then much for your comments. The tank bore is four.5'(W) X 12' (L) X five' (D) which would exist more than sufficient for my one bath utilise. Information technology is very thick and solid with out cracks or defects.

I agree with your assessment of the white PVC pipe, I can't quite effigy what that would be used for. You're correct, more excavation is needed to solve that mystery.

I've attached a motion-picture show of the white box with the metallic hat. Any idea is that should be the d-box? Information technology is a box that has a National Sanitastion Foundation sticker on the side.

IMAGE LOST by older version of Comments code - now fixed. Delight re-mail the prototype if y'all tin can. Sad. Modern.

On 2018-09-02 past (modernistic) - identifying components at an old septic tank

Watch out: for an old septic tank of unknown condition, walking on or near its embrace risks falling in and injury or worse, a death.

I do not presume that the septic tank is usable, both by its condition and its size. Further y'all can't assume that in that location is a usable absorption field or soakaway.

The molded but un-used side opening is probalbly a knock-out that could have been opened to provide an additional tank inlet or outlet opening.

The small diameter white plastic pipe running alongside the septic tank needs to be understood. You would non run drink h2o pipe right next to a septic tank. The diameter is too small-scale to be a sewer line, though it could have been an amateur drain to the septic tank for graywater, say from a laundry sink. (The diameter looks likewise small-scale, though).

Yous need more excavation to understand the dimensions and status of the tank and further exploration of the site to plan a usable drainfield.

On 2018-09-02 11:06:51.215278 by Adam

I purchased a piece of property that has a septic system on it. I found the tank only I'k non exactly sure what to make of information technology. First, information technology does appear to be a bandage tank and not a quondam conder block tank.

However, there's no lid on it, it'due south just a hole that someone put a piece of cinder block over and covered with clay.

At that place was an onetime business firm (circa 1960) on the property that was demolished before my ownership, and so I'chiliad not sure if maybe the contractor who removed the old house broke the hat in the procedure.

When I inspect the within of the tank, there'due south a wall to the right with a high opening for either the solids or greyness h2o.

Looking at the tank there'due south an opening molded in to the side that is not in use and I'm not sure what it is used for. I've fastened an image.

Also, it looks like a d-box comes out from it on the side but it's only a plastic box (but does take an NSF.sticker) with a thin metal lid. There's ADS greenish striped pipe coming out of the side. Take you lot seen this type of setup before?

IMAGE LOST by older version of Comments code - at present fixed. Delight re-postal service the image if you tin can. Sorry. Mod.

VanCoerte

To have room to blather on in detail I repeat your question and offer detailed replies in the bottom of the commodity above. Thanks for asking.

Yep -- information technology is across my comprehension that, even 56 years agone when information technology was installed, someone would run pipage UPHILL to drain sewage.

Also yes -- I suppose what we have is a seepage pit. But here information technology's called a drywell by the septic companies and the health department.

Ours is human-fabricated (in 1960) of concrete block and crushed stone and is about 5 feet underground. I believe its size is eight' x 6' - although they say it's 200 square anxiety, so I don't understand any of that.

If you don't mind taking the time ... could you explain WHY y'all tin can residual a drainfield and not a man-made drywell (seepage pit)?

We merely discovered that of our two septic drywells, one is at 85% chapters and the other one is empty, considering the pipage to it is actually running uphill. (!!) This means that the performance drywell was the only one in utilise for ... await for it ... 56 years!!

So: we're going to properly claw upwards the empty drywell, of course. Only I'm wondering: if we cap off the other drywell now, how long practise you call back it would take for it to go usable again? I heard 1 estimate of 20 years, but I think the facts that our soil is clearly excellent for drainage and that it hasn't actually failed yet should be taken into consideration.

Could it be as soon as 10 years??

DETAILS: The 85% capacity drywell is 8x6 (200 sf) for a 4 bedroom house, in which usually just 2 - four people lived.

...

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