Your Septic System: Worst Mistakes
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- Опубліковано 5 кві 2022
- See what's discovered in this home septic system inspection. You'll learn how to keep your septic system working great to get the most years of use before replacement is required. It's expensive to install new drain fields, so you'll want to take heed from this video.
Home Septic System Expert, Jerry Scarborough, walks you through the entire inspection, and talks about what you need to know when buying a home with a private septic system, as well as maintaining your existing system.
#homesepticsystems #septicsystemmistakes #cleaningseptic
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I knew a horse trainer who bought a house close to his barns. He had trouble with the septic system from day one. Multiple plumbers came out, starting their inspections inside at the toilets and working back out of the house, looking for the problem. It took a while but one finally convinced him how big his problem was. This plumber finally said "We're gonna have to pull the lid off the tank." They did, no small feat in itself. Under the lid, the tank was full, CHOCK FULL, of condoms. Used rubbers, top to bottom, side to side, god knows how many gallons! Turns out, the horse trainer bought what used to be the local "House of Ill Repute"! Just in case anyone needed to hear that...
... And then when they contacted the couple who had lived there before the man said, "but I never use condoms." 🤔😂
Well that makes for a good story
A septic pumping company owner near retirement told us that joke but in his version it was a couple living there a long time, the husband being told of the condoms and responding confusedly that he'd never used condoms. Had us chuckling 😂
@@elgringoec No joke, my buddy was fighting with his home owners insurance company for the better part of a couple years. They only relented and paid up when he found a retired sheriff who was willing to make a statement about the previous occupants.
@@slingshotjohnny1
I guess that's the thing about what makes jokes humorous is having a grain of truth! Of course it's happened but it's way out of the norm. The part of your story that's hard for me to understand is how a home insurance company is going to pay for that. There's bound to be a fine print clause about not being responsible for the prior condition of things when you bought them.
I've never heard of a homeowner's insurance company paying a policyholder for septic maintenance or for repairs resulting from damaging practices by the policy holder either. I expect the insurance is there to protect against accidents, damage caused by others or freak events, stuff beyond one's control.
I would say the tank was somewhat cleaned. The only way to do a thorough cleaning is to remove the main lid to the septic tank. Around 24" round. Many companies pump through the cleanout because they're too lazy to dig the lid open. If you don't pump from the lid you're basically just pumping out water and not getting the solids out. Make sure your septic company does a complete job
We opted to buy the plastic ( might be other product) lids on our house and will do that on our rental house when it needs more maintenance. If I built a home I would try to install separate gray and brown water tanks.
That’s what I was saying I do septic tank cleaning in New Zealand and we always suck the tank through the lid not the mushroom
Correct, we always recommend dig up the 18 or 24 inch lid We also use a rake or blow air in the tank to break up the solids, I don't agree with running water for an hour because leach lines do not take water the way drain wells do, to much water can ruin the leach field
Yes true. I had mine pumped for the first time recently. The septic guy said that I would have to have the opening dug out before he got there so I did (thinking there was only one) when he arrived he said that was the wrong opening and that I’d find another bigger one 3’ further out. We found it but the guy told me that a lot of other septic guys would have just sucked it out of the first one out of convenience
My guy did take my large main lid off. Unfortunately, the installer never made a very large opening there. It was the same size as the inspection hole
I wish that I had my septic system inspected before I bought my house. I've never owned a house before, much less a septic system. I didn't know any better.
Jerry Scarborough is a master of his trade. Very smart man who knows his business. Thank you for teaching us all about septic tanks.
I love this guy, straight to the point, total no-nonsense evidence-founded advice. Interviews like this with experienced people are the gold for UA-cam. Thanks Sachs Realty for bringing this content.
We have those stainless steel filter baskets in our kitchen sink drain and they basically serve as a garbage disposal. I highly recommend them.
I've been blessed. Have a concrete 1000 gallon tank, and a 1100 linear foot septic drain field. Hadn't had the tank pumped out since it was installed in 1999. Had it pumped out first time this year. It took them only 10 minutes to pump it clean as I was flushing both toilets.
I asked them how bad was the it. They said was easy. Never had baby wipes, grease from kitchen, paper towel, etc. ever flushed down into system. Take care of what goes into your septic system and itll last a good long time.
Thanks. 1 year into property where new septic and field had to be installed. Very educational to keep my system healthy.
Amen to that just did a fix to a 50 year old system nothing in the paperwork matched what we found
So no toilet paper? Do u use the water spray system instead?
A septic system is designed so the solid wastes that settle to the bottom are broken down by microbial bacteria. There are products for septic tanks that supply this good bacteria available at hardware stores. Usually in rural areas.
My septic system was designed for 4-6 people on it. There has never been that many people using it and is probably why it was so easy to clean. I only flush bio degradable material down there. Never paper towel.
Toilet paper will dissolve in water after awhile.
@@Hugh_Manitee I’ve heard that the bacteria in normal poop is like super breakdown so the more we dump, the more better :)
My biggest mistake in using my septic system was to allow my washing machine to empty in it. The detergent would kill much of the bacteria that allowed it to operate efficiently. By piping the washing machine to a seperate dry well, the system operated much better.
Thanks for the tip! And what about bodywash, shampoo, dishwasher detergents?
You can purchase septic safe laundry and dishwasher cleaners. We do, but we still use regular shampoo and stuff.
@@flowersandhomestead_ Lots of people pipe the bathroom showers, washing machines, and dishwashers into a separate grey water system.
Thank you for making this video. We are in the process of buying a home. We had a septic tank inspection. It said the tank did not need to be drained, not much detail other than that. It passed. I didn't know you couldn't use a garbage disposal. The home comes with one, it's a shame.
Angel from The Bay
Buying a house, this information is priceless! Thank you.
Jerry did an inspection for me on a house I bought in Maryland. He told me and my wife the rules…. 1. Don’t flush anything down the drain that you haven’t eaten first. 2. Don’t use powdered laundry detergent. 3. Don’t pour grease down the drain. 4. Only use single ply toilet paper. We never had a problem with our septic system or our drain fields.
Why not powder?
@staciegonda1659 I was curious about that as well, so i googled it, and this is what i found. "When cleaning a septic tank, it can be difficult to differentiate powered detergent with grease as the detergent clumps together forming a grease-like substance that does not biodegrade in your system. It is actually possible for powdered detergent to clog the system or block a drain.Jun 2, 2016"
Single plane? I would rather sh#% in the woods that I have to wipe my butt with a single ply.
Thought you were going to say, then my wife broke the rules day after day until it broke. Just speaking from experience. Lol
single-ply is the way to go for septic. Or pay a lot for RV toilet paper $$$$
I watched this on a whim. Amazing. I learned so freaking much. And the way the gentleman explained it was somewhat hilarious.
He’s such a good teacher.
i do water damage restoration - about 30 yrs- problems with a septic usually happen during winter. get your septic serviced before winter
great to see that septic systems are now making it into my youtube home page.....
That septic guy really knows his stuff
Septic system maintenance is very key! Learning what you can and cannot flush is key to keep one working for life. When I was into building heavy i worked with an old timer who installed all the septic and he was a wealth of knowledge. He said a properly maintained system should never need pumped. He recommended Robic cleaners once a year and more often if you use a lot of soaps and caustic cleaners. He said use Organic cleaners where possible and anti-bacterial soaps kill the natural bacteria in the tank so Robic is needed more often. He also said adding things like Milk products or beers will help add bacteria. Most people never maintenance a septic system and just use it until it fails. Several years ago we bought a house and found out later on that the leach field had been removed and had just a tank. Before we used it I had treated it heavy with Robic double the amounts required and hit it every 6 months. House sat over winter so we added Robic before closing the property before winter. 2 years later the tank was full and gound was wet and called the local sewer pumper. He had been at the property many times before and said prior times the tank was full and very sludgy. When he pumped this time the tank was very clean and no solids and no sludge. He was very surprised and asked what i did to the system. Robic and hit it hard. He said keep doing it that it worked very well and it was the cleaned he's seen it. No solids, no grease of any kind. He said drain field not working. Hired in a guy to dig it up and thats when we found there wasnt one....small 250 gallon septic. New drain field and no issue. Future will be a new septic tank per code. Been 7 years now and anuall inspection its still clear and in good shape. Robic still twice a year. No worse deterioration on tank since take over.
Robic must be a regional brand name. Can you tell us what "Robic" is comprised of?
Oh hey never mind, I found it. It's spelled Roebic. Like a play on aerobic and anaerobic bacterial action.
Cheers.
Which robic? There are so many different ones.
I've seen on UA-cam guy using yeast in tank, thru lid. Lid too heavy for me for sure.
Absolutely one of the best instructional videos I’ve seen on UA-cam. Credit to that inspector.
I enjoyed the video but the face-paced jargon was too much sometimes.
Inspector this time is called a realtor,he,the realtor got his information for a future buyer,the septic contractor, you could call him a septician, the health department worker is the one that you would name an inspector,,,,!!
Thanks for the video, I have one of these and I so miss public sewer!
Thank you, our first time getting a home out in the rural, and new to understanding private septic tanks and drain fields. Now I know what to look for.
We had renters who just jammed the drain full of grease for about 8 feet under the house, it was a nightmare to clean out. But they had paid us over $100 grand over the term of their rental so I couldn’t complain too much..
I must keep this video for reference!!! Many thanks!!
I have an older system. The only thing that goes into the septic tank is the toilet. Every other waste water source goes to a separate drain field with no tank. Can't design a septic system that way today, but it is a far superior design. No soaps or grease gets into the tank. The drain field is 60 years old and still working.
We lived in a place where the kitchen sink and laundry tubs were on a separate line...
The first time I ever took the lid off my septic I learned a lot of things yes I did drain it my house was misused there was a lot of nasty things like condoms ladies little nasty things even underwear no wonder my tube was clogged and it wasn't working I drained it learned that you put leftover milk vegetable juice whatever that creates what you need to keep your septic tank happy even leftover beer keep them little purple flowers growing they're like a mushroom but they look like a large goodie brush they eat everything up they will chop down toilet paper they will chop up turds they will liquefy that's the thing people don't get it you don't put Drano down your pipe if you have a drain pipe take the drain pipe off and clean it don't use Drano that's not good for a septic tank you made your own problem if you use Drano
A stone cement septic tank can last a hundred years if properly maintained with no Drano or other chemicals into it tell the truth sounds like you work for a city Halls of down syndrome telling lies again I hate hearing calls of down syndrome telling lies when you don't even know what you're talking about about septic tanks
And the garden always grows better over the septic leach field that is I know that oh you city folks think that I'm growing s*** food no that food is grown with good nutrients water nutritated sorry about you city folks thinking that accepted tank leach field is a bad thing grow up liberals
And it's so easy to build a new leach field once again don't mess your lease filled up it will last keep your tampons and your condoms and your Grease out of your septic tank and your leashfield will last forever another thing don't park large vehicles on top of your leach field beware of bad tenants landlords
Has construction details on paper then brings you to the actual build. Even the tip on making a probe and locating the fields. The attention to detail is amazing. And the Lord's message at the end, well let's say that's the only UA-cam "ad" I sat through and enjoyed. Thank you for all the information.
This is an excellent video! I’m also a realtor in Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan and recently subscribed to your channel. I appreciate your candid opinions about the current state of our marketplace. I am ready to start a channel and plan on using the style you’ve incorporated. Keep up the great work!
VERY educational video!!!! Well presented and answered every question I could think of. Thank you for this video 👍👍👍
I just wanted to say this guy is incredible.
Excellent info and the inspector was a treasure trove of information!
Thanks for the video. I am amazed that it is a realestate channel answering my questions about how all this works.
My friend bought a home knowing the drain field was failed. He paid to have a new drain field put in but they excavated the old one out and dug way down because they put the new where the old was. He kept half the old lines in a pile...three months after completion he took the old lines and cut them open to see how they looked. He said the internal diameter was down to a few finger width because of the grease. Also all the gravel and earth dug out was grease laden.
Grease has no business in a septic tank.
That grease comes from washing dishes and from grease in stools. Cooking grease should be poured into say a carboard milk carton. This can then be put in the garbage. Even better would be shipped with cooking oils from commercial establishments or automotive oils.
No oil ,grease , bar soap or harsh chemicals like bleach in septic system . Bar soap has animal fat . Wipe dishes with paper towel to remove oil.
@@daledavies2334 I notice it depends on the dish washing method - people who wash under a running tap are washing the grease and oil into the drain, whereas washing in a bowl allows the dish soap to break down the fat in the bowl first
Wonderful presentation. Very valuable information provided in a very clear and in-depth manner. Many thanks for this.
Just learned so much from Jerry! Wow... We're in the process of looking for land and some of them require septic systems to be put in. This was all great information!
The septic industry has come very far. Nowadays there are even units that dont require pumping or a drain field. Look up Zero Liquid Discharge or ZLD septic units and see if theyre approved by your local environmental agency. They work by aeration that dissolves the solids, then the liquids are turned to vapor and shot 80 or so feet into the air so you dont have to deal with the smell. The new ones cost less than $200 a year to run. In my opinion itd be a great investment on your new construction, because eventually all septic tanks will have to be upgraded to ZLD units in many places due to excess nitrogen flow into waterways. It can also be put on land that cant pass a perc test. There are pros or cons to anything, but its just something to consider. Good luck with your land purchase!
My Dad just had to replace his system, he put in the original system when he built the house nearly 50 years ago. It failed last year, tree roots and age, use finally caught up with him. The replacement was nearly $28,000. Something else to think about, lot size. His lot is now full. There is no more room to put in the next system. The company that put in his current system said. If he, or the new owners ever have to replace this system they will need to get a Stage 3 System. When I asked what that is, they company owner said, you don’t wanna deal with that, currently it costs about $60,000 to put in a Stage 3 system. He never did give details. So my take away is, when buying a property with a septic system, know the age and condition of the system, know if it’s the first or only system on the property, and find out if the property has room for a new system. Because odds are if you’re planning on spending anytime with this property or plane to sell the property a new system will be part of the deal. And an advance system could eat up any profits you may be trying to get out of a sale. From what I learned an average home, three bedroom with two baths, will need a minimum of approximately 1/2 acre of ground for each septic system, in addition to the space needed for the house, well, and anything else on the property. If buying a small acreage, don’t buy a lot less than 2 acres, 5 or more would be better when considering things like septic systems, wells, and having room for buildings.
Can snakes come through our toilets via septic tanks ?
You do not need a 1/2 acre for a septic field for a normal sized home
@@marciaewell2661 for the actual field no. But you’ll need room for the house, garage, well, off sets from property lines and all permanent structures, distance from the well and neighbors well, if you have neighbors. And places for future septic systems. All of that requires space, and a half acre lot just doesn’t have enough space. I see many acreages around here anyway are 5.1 acres in size, part of the reason for that lot size is to allow for future septic systems and wells. A 1/2 acre lot is very tight. The systems size depends on number of bedrooms. The more bedrooms, the more people living in the house, meaning a larger drain field. The one at my dads is a mound system, it takes up roughly 110 feet by 50 feet, about 1/3 to 1/2 of the backyard, his is a three bedroom house. The system was of equal size. The front yard has his well in it. So no septic system can be place in front, there is no more room for a third system in back. So when this systems eventually fails, he or whoever has the house will be stuck with having to get a stage 3 system. I have no idea what that is, but I do know it’s roughly 3 times the cost to install. So, word to wise, if your buying a place in the country, buy an acreage of at least 5 acres, anything smaller will bit you in the butt one day. Unless of course, the property is connected with a municipal sewer system. But if the property is too small You’ll have some problems.
our drain field was from 1964 and because of tree roots and age it was time to redo ours We had estimates between 3400$ and 5000$, did some research and replaced our entire drain fieldour selfs for 225$ in a weekend!
@@johngudmundson5020 good for you. Unfortunately, in my area it’s not allowed. The homeowner can no longer put in their own system. It has to be planned and installed by licensed contractors, after the county and state inspectors sign off on the plan. Part of the problem in our situation is this property is on a lake, so the requirements are very stringent. As for own system, I hope you got a permit if it discovered you system was not cleared and given a stamp of approval state can fine you and make you rip it all up. At around here they can. Also, if you ever go to sell the property, it’s a guarantee the banks or mortgage company are going want inspections and certifications on the age and condition of the well and septic system. If they find you don’t have the proper paperwork and certificates it could block the sale or greatly reduce your selling price. They will most likely force you to install a new well and septic system, unless you can can get a contingency for a sell as is. It’s something to think about. But don’t know your situation or the laws regarding septic systems in your area. Just be careful with what you do.
The best I have watched so far, that sunk straight to long term memory. Cheers mate, good job
Thank you - That was excellent. I have a septic tank and field and now I know what will happen with an inspection clean out. The other thing not to put down the drain is coffee grounds.
This is a brilliant idea for the realtor, who I am guessing sells a lot of homes with septic. When I bought mine, I spent lots of time googling and I was very lucky to have an inspection firm who was patient and willing to explain how things work (especially since I have a BAT system, which adds 5x the complexity).
Well done !
Thank You for this wonderful, educational video !
There is a Lot to know about septic systems.
Most people who use these systems don't know Sh!t about them.
Thank You
JG
Awesome home tips, thank you Todd.
Great educational video about septic tank!! Just spent 2,200 to have cleaned and repaired 😢
Love how this Septic guy explains things :-)
Thanks for explaining!
Excellent! We live in Alaska and our septic tank is plastic, not concrete. Also the mean soil temperature is less than 38 degrees F, so bacterial composition is less than at lower latitudes. Our septic lasted 40 years (leach field pipes) in deep silt soil.
Many years back we put in an approved septic tank(1000 ) gallon,before having our modular home delivered ,as it was time to pump it out(5years later)the builder backfilled the foundation, covering the pump out cover under 3 ft. Of dirt.The first pump out needed was in the middle of the winter,had to hire a backhoe operator to dig to get to it in the dead of winter to access the pumpout cover,a pricey sum of money,they had to tow the pump out truck to the septic cover another expense ,I'm glad I only had to do it 1x.
Nice Educational Video, with the exception of the Realtor involving themselves with any aspect of the inspection, that is left to the Inspector, the buyer and the seller. As a Brokers, Agents, unless you want to be part a a lawsuit, keep your hands off!! We are real estate experts, not plumbers, electricians, roofers, etc!!
Not sure it was wise to shake hands at the end!
Same thought... however not sure that the inspector touched anything nasty.
So even the USA had the untouchables. Do not forget. Soap works.
"Gurgle and burp."
That’s ok, just keep your fingers out of your mouth.
🤣😂🤣😂🤣
Amazing video, great knowledge being shared here. Thank you!
This was great, VERY down to earth!
Thank you for this. So good.
Its cheaper to buy paper towels and wipe your greasy pots and pans out before you wash your dishes then have the headache of a backup
Great simple explanation of a 1000 year old process. Gravity drain system. I have to remind my tenants that just because they can flush the toilet it doesn't mean the poo is gone. It's still there including the grease, baby wipes and tampons. How about a video on root infiltration, and cracked and broken drain pipes? If you are living on a septic system, it's a ticking time bomb unless you take care if it. How about a video on an aerobic system? I have talked to several of these septic pump operators and heard some amazing stories once you get past the ick! factor. Thanks.
What a brilliant video! Jerry's just the kind of guy to tell you the truth.
BTW, why not three-chamber septic tanks? Are they common or are two-chambers good enough?
Informative. Thank you 😊
Great Video Thanks For the lesson.
This is a very good, informative video. Thank you
Incredible video, great job!
Fantastic video. Thank you
Bro! Fantastic video. Very informative!
Thanks Steve! You’re the best 💪🙌
Good video on septic systems. Drain field depends on perk and soil type. Where I'm from you need 300' of perforated pipe or 150' of Infiltrator.
Buying a house in an area that has septic's and as a city boy whose has never delt with one, i really enjoyed this informative video!!
@Mike Bast Glad you enjoyed watching. 🙏 Best wishes on your new move.
EXACTLY I need a coach!
Good video you are inspiring to all us blue collar Americans and buissness people alike 🇺🇸
Very informative video. Thank you. 🙂
Mine is 68 years old, put in by my grandpa when he built the house and it is still running just fine, never been pumped out or cleaned a day in its life
Hope you're kidding about it never being pumped. You realize poop doesn't disappear.
Good luck
@@jrcastillo2824 nope, bacteria breaks the solids down so it never fills up with solids. Just can't dump anything down that will kill the bacteria
@@thisguy5050 I been reading a lot about it. I guess with care it can be fine. I figure no mater how hard I try some amount of food particles will make it down the drain. And I have to do laundry and wash myself with soap.
You ever consider having it looked at by a reliable pro?
I'd be curious.
Do you add anything?
Just very curious.
Respectfully
Alot of older systems, installed before regulations, either didn't bother installing a drain field or added an overflow/exit pipe out the end into a stream, swamp, etc. alowing the system to continue "running just fine" even after failing its designed purpose. You may run into issues if you ever try to sell the property.
@@stewbauca2926 has a drain field and no overflow pipe, my grandpa installed it and according to code the drain field is actually smaller than required so that's the only thing that would fail it. Won't ever be selling the family farm so no worries there
Been a multiple home owner over a few decades and never once experienced septic system problems of any kind, might be a result of my being the builder of those homes and the installer of all the systems involved 😂
Great job and well done!
Great video ❗️ Thanks for sharing ❗️
Great information, thank you
Cudos to this realtor for making this video.
Thank you Greg 🙏
This was really informative
Those systems are way different than what we have in Fl. I do commercial lift stations but I do dabble in septic.
Here in Cowlitz county Washington there is no inspection. Had trouble once, had a friend come over with his backhoe, dig a hole to take three yards of river rock and cover with one foot of dirt, that's how I fixed my drain field 11 years ago.
That's the reality of it. Here in NYS the department of health has made it so ridiculous that many people just leave a failed system in place because code requires these mega sized systems one can afford.
Concrete tanks do have a lifespan. Mine lasted 55 years. The concrete distribution box had collapsed and in replacing it, the sides of the tank ABOVE the liquid had deteriorated to 2 inches thick. I'm still using the original red clay leach field; no issues.
Curious, do you know if the fiberglass tank lasts any better?
What does the red clay leech field mean? Is that like non porous beneath the gravel? If so is that ok?
@@flat6fever680 it’s red clay tile, 4” diameter and foot long segments. They abut each other on a gravel bed and the gap between is where the liquid leaches into the gravel and soil.
@@alleyoop5185 Fiberglass may do better, but if you look at anything that is made from fiberglass, the epoxy resin that holds the glass fibers together can (and will) eventually deteriorate. Just look at an old boat or anything else made from fiberglass. Being buried will help reduce the oxidation rate, but chemicals (like bleach in laundry or cleaners) can also cause oxidation.
I'd be curious to know how polypropylene tanks do. Might have similar problems to the fiberglass, but at what rate?
@@chadportenga7858 my poly tank showed no signs of deterioration when I checked it last year and it’s been in the ground for 25 years.
Fantastic educational video. thank you
Very informative.
A lot of great info in video and comments too.
this was wonderful
Nice one sir, I love this content!!!
Good stuff. Thanks
I did not know that your realtor is in charge of making sure this inspection is done correctly. This video was so informative great work you guys thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Realtor isn't, but any buyers agent that doesn't recommend a Septic inspection should not have a license. And a good SELLER would have it pumped and inspected prior to listing, unless they already know it is failing and disclose the information as part of the deal
Jerry did a great job!
Couldn't agree more!
I havent had a septic system for almost 5 years now, but had one and a leech field for 11 years. Im just here to see what I might of missed. I learned a lot in those 11 years, and never had an issue.
What did you end up missing you think?
@@HermannTheGreat I really dont think anything actually. I was told I pumped out my septic tank to much, which was yearly. But to me the $80 a year was piece of mind. And if it was bad, why in 11 years did I have no issues. I may have gone overboard on stuff, or because of the extra things, I made it last. Added a product called shactivate once a year as well. Was it needed? Who knows, cost was $30 a year. I actually detatched my leach field one year, from a decade more of horses and matted weeds so that are could breath like it should. Hard work, yes but once it was done I could see that difference. Did it matter, who knows
Yeah, it might have saved you a ton of money. My friend's family had to move from a home because of costs related to updating the septic/sewer system. @@virgil3241
Thank you.
Wow tks for t the beginning and how to FIND where it's at through the health department!!!
perfect information
You're going to get grease into your septic tank no matter what you do, if you wash your dishes grease will follow. I use dawn to help cut the grease and Rid x once a month. I also have my system pumped every three years.
So basically what I got from this is a septic system is touchy, temperamental PITA system that is going to keep this guy in business.
lol, guy these are the jobs and businesses that make people extremely wealthy but nobody wants to do it.
Thank You ✨
Man Jerry Knows what he's talking about !
I just cleaned my septic tank. It is 50 years old. There’s no issues. I did the one hour test also and never saw soft ground. I will continue to put root kill down since there are trees in the area and baby the system to the best of my ability. Never ever any grease and always septic safe toilet paper used sparingly.
Great informative video! Please allow me to ask three questions: (1)Wouldn't it be better to inspect the tank before running water for an hour? This would enable the person doing the inspection to see if the water/effluent is below the exit baffle because, if the water is below the exit baffle, it would be indicative of a tank leak. (2) Also, what is your opinion on having a camera scope done on all lines, including the horizontal leach lines to inspect for flattened or broken pipes and/or roots, and the internal effective pipe diameters, inclusive of build-up, to know absolutely sure the condition of the septic system before buying a house. (3) What are your opinions on a septic dye test - is it even worth the money to have it done since a seller could pour bleach down a drain to cheat the styptic dye test and won't show bottom tank cracks ? Again, great video! Thank you!
9:00 for your first question
NJ EPA/County crazy expensive if your septic fails. Hunterdon County NJ minimum $40,000 start to finish. We pump ours every 2 years clean filter every 6 months.
What about a grease trap for the septic system? In the old days almost all septic systems had a separate grease trap. I have a home built in 1948, it has a grease trap where the kitchen sink drains in before going to the septic.
did he say "poo"? did he just say ''crap"? I came on hear to learn about septic systems, and I'm loving his terminology!! Certainly cant use the same phrases with my buyers!! LOL!!
would be nice if touched on the difference between septic system and holding tanks. there a major difference between the 2. and there often crossed different type of systems yes. but still.
I absolutely love this guy. "Da poo wants to go play out there and the rear baffle says 'no!'"
My septic tank after taking the lid off had a 2-3 inch solid layer that I had to break up. I live out in the woods and dug a big hole after I broke up the material. The septic tank work great leaving the water in the tank.
A good way to avoid drain field failure is also putting in 3 legs and having chambers. They give you more space for drainage and are more forgiving than just pipe with holes and gravel.
You are so correct
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Seen a 80 year old neighbor dig up a 50 year old Redwood septic tank, just to ck it. Covered it up & kept on using it. Said flush yeast down a few times a year.
Great video
Excellent video. I learned alot. I've been in my house 10 years w/a septic system and am have had problems w/1 toilet gurgling when my wash machine at the other end of the house would drain. I've had no back-ups. I thought it was a stopped up vent but the vent was clear. Turns out the D-box and drain field pipes were full of roots. Getting ready to have them replaced. Luckily the tank was fine. Its a standard system and still is expensive to replace the D-box & drain field at under $10K. I don't drop grease down the drain but there is always some residual in the pans after I clean them out in the trashcan. Just hope that residual isn't a problem. Ordered Rid-X to help with it.
Read up on rid X. Two septic cleaners cautioned me against using it. I was skeptical thinking they just wanted more work from failed systems. Anyway, I found that rid-x does indeed help breakdown solids into finer particles but those finer particles mean more solids go into your leach field causing premature failure. Better to keep solids in the tank and have it pumped out regularly.
All you need is to buy a quart of regular yogurt from the store, dump it in any toilet and flush, don't need ridX
@@Stabby__
Good idea. Seems as if those probiotics capsules would also be effective. Drop a few in the toilet every month.
@@Stabby__ seriously? Yogurt is the key huh?
@@MeltingRubberZ28 yeah if you gonna add something that's the safest and best thing, but you really don't have to add anything. Your bodies own poop has enough bacteria in it to feed the septic biome, but the key is to not kill what's in the biome, so no harsh chemicals as it will kill them