septic tank filling quickly
lbl_19
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (15)
sushipup1
6 years agolbl_19
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Grass dies over septic tank
Comments (4)After reading that, I'm sure a lot of us feel that our own septic issues are much more minor than we had thought. I don't know enough to address the tubing issue, or whether the system has more problems than simply a tank being located too high. Have you measured the soil temperature? Depending what the temperature is, it may not be the heat that's killing the grass. The raised temperature may simply be causing the soil mosture to evaporate more quickly, to the point that grass can't survive. You might be able to grow grass (or xeric plants) if you water the area significantly more than you're watering the rest of the lawn. It would help to know your USDA zone (that tells us winter lows) and the general area where you live (so we have an idea of summer temps). If you don't know your zone, you can enter your zip code here: http://www.garden.org/zipzone/index.php As far as what to do to hide the problem, my reaction would be to make a landscaping feature there anyway. We don't know how large the area is or exactly where, other than the middle of the yard -- but that shouldn't be an issue. It's quite possible to have a bed in the middle of the yard (I have one in the middle of the sunny part of the front lawn). You can add a bed most anywhere, though depending on exactly where in the yard this is, you may need to make the bed larger so it's a more pleasing shape. Can you post photos? Spread mulch over the area. (Since nothing grows there, the mulch only has to be deep enough to conceal the bare ground.) Maybe edge it with bricks or pavers to keep the mulch from washing into the grass. Then add the easy stuff: A birdbath, either on a pedestal or simply a large saucer on the ground. You have the room and the birds will appreciate it. You can add a feeder on a pole as well (the fact that spilled seed won't grow is a plus!). A good-sized rock or three (odd numbers will look better). Bury them a few inches, rather than simply plopping them on top of the soil. I'd have at least one that sticks up 1-2'. Add some smaller rocks to keep the big ones company. Then add plants in containers. Make sure the pots are large enough, and water regularly. I know nothing about your zone, your current landscaping, or what plants you prefer, so I can only say what I'd do. I'd go to a good nursery (not a big-box store) and ask for advice about plants that do well in pots. I'd use at least one evergreen shrub, something relatively low and spreading: prostrate juniper, very dwarf mugo pine, cotoneaster dammeri ... my aim seems to be to grow something that will conceal the pot to some degree, but ymmv. In the warm season, add your favorite flowering annuals in additional containers....See MoreSeptic tank collapsed - need advise on new Septic Tank
Comments (14)Also, what are the requirements in the owner's area for replacing leach fields? If he was in Vermont it would have to be an engineered system. By messing with the leach field there is a possibility that a mound system could be required (about $10,000). I know, Vermont is nuts on this stuff. My theory on the leach field is that if it was a "designed" system and it's working okay, leave it alone. If you have heard that new state or county requirements are coming in the next few years, then it might be prudent to consider replacing it now to avoid some expensive fix a few years down the road. And, as someone said, if you are in a region where there is the possibility of having to hook on to a municipal sytem in a few years, then you might want to consider the cheapest fix you can get for now. The last one I had installed/designed called for an outgoing filter. The builder said he would never do another system without it. Pull it once a year or so and hose it off. On the pumping...when I owned mobile home parks I had about 20,000 gallons worth of tanks to keep pumped. In this area it's extremely expensive to have them pumped. I found that it was senseless to pump all of the liquids out of the tanks. Liquid was always on the bottom and would go out to the leach field anyway. We would just pump the first 2 or 3 feet making sure that all the scum and solids and semi-solids were cleared out. Think about it..if you pump the whole tank, within 3 or 4 days the tank is filled with liquids again....See MoreIs this an old septic tank?
Comments (4)Maybe a distribution box, but septic tanks are much larger than "about 60" x 16"" unless all you have a VERY small house (like one bedroom that sleeps one person). It may be the top of a larger tank though. You need to probe around and see if it is larger under the earth. This post was edited by brickeyee on Tue, Feb 5, 13 at 11:41...See MoreSeptic tank filling up with rain water?
Comments (5)Thanks for the suggestion. It doesn't really need to be "pumped out." We will be calling someone to advise how to keep the rain water out of the tanks. It might take some digging which is best done in the spring. We will probably muddle through until then, The big rains cause the alarm to go off. So if I pumped it after every rain, I would just need the pump truck to hang out in the driveway, because it pretty much rains every day....See Moresushipup1
6 years agolbl_19
6 years agoUser
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agokathyg_in_mi
6 years agomillworkman
6 years agolbl_19
6 years agoUser
6 years agolbl_19
6 years agolbl_19
6 years agokathyg_in_mi
6 years agomillworkman
6 years agokathyg_in_mi
6 years ago
Related Stories
SHELTERING AT HOME10 Fun Outdoor Projects and Activities to Fill Summer Days
Get inspiring ideas for kids and adults, such as starting seeds, building a bug hotel and growing fruits and vegetables
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPING10 Quick and Easy Cleaning Hacks
Save time and money with these tips for keeping your microwave, toilet bowl, garbage disposal and more in tiptop shape
Full StoryGARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIESA Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning
Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Turn a Stock Tank Into a Planter for Edibles and More
Give your container garden a fresh look by converting a galvanized-metal trough into a large planter
Full StoryMOST POPULARThanksgiving Tales: When the Turkey Tanks
Houzz readers prove adept at snatching victory from the jaws of entertaining defeat
Full StoryRUSTIC STYLEStock Tank Style: Galvanized Tubs and Troughs Find a Home Indoors
Galvanized-metal farm troughs turn up around the house as furniture, storage bins, sinks and tubs for people and pets
Full StoryVINTAGE STYLEVintage Style: High-Tank Toilets
Homeowners are adding the feeling of yesteryear in today’s bathrooms
Full StoryMOST POPULARThe Perfect Houseplant for People Who Kill Houseplants
If you can fill a jar with water, you can keep golden pothos vine happy — and it will pay you back with cleaner air and a greener home
Full StoryGREEN BUILDINGHow to Harvest Rainwater for Your Garden
Conserve a vital resource and save money by collecting stormwater for irrigation in a barrel or tank
Full StoryEDIBLE GARDENSA Formerly Weedy Lot Now Brims With Edibles and Honeybees
Photographers transform their barren backyard into an oasis filled with fruit, vegetables, honey, eggs and more
Full Story
Olychick