Understanding Septic Systems | Ask This Old House
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- Опубликовано: 20 янв 2023
- In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about septic systems, how they work, and how to maintain them.
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Host Kevin O'Connor and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey meet at the shop to talk about septic systems. Richard explains how septic systems work, what they look like inside, and what homeowners can do if their septic begins to fail.
Septic Systems are Contained Units
A septic system consists of piping running from the home’s drain system to a sealed tank, and then out to a series of pipes called leach pipes. As waste is flushed down the drain, it travels down the waste pipe to the tank where it separates, breaks down, and eventually ends up back into the soil.
There are Two Chambers
Septic tanks are typically very large, with over 1000 gallons of volume, and they’re made from concrete or fiberglass. Inside those tanks are two chambers divided by a half-wall. As waste comes down the drain pipes and lands in the tank, solid waste falls into the first chamber, while liquid waste continues over the wall and into the liquid chamber. From there, the liquid flows out into the leach fields through the leach pipes.
The First Chamber is Where Solids Break Down
Solids that travel down the drain pipe land in the first chamber and break down. The septic tank is an anaerobic chamber filled with beneficial bacteria and enzymes, and these bacteria and enzymes get to work breaking down the solid waste and turning it into liquid. Once it turns to liquid, other solids will displace it and allow it to flow over the half wall into the liquid chamber.
The Second Chamber is for Liquids
Liquids land in the first chamber and then overflow into the second chamber. Here, bacteria and enzymes break down any additional waste that may exist, but once the liquid reaches the height of the drain inside the tank, it overflows out into the leach pipes, dispersing into a leach field.
Earth is the Last Filter
After the wastes are broken down and flow out to the leach field, it then drains into the sand and soil where it will continue to be filtered until it heads back into the water table. This is the reason why properties require perk tests, as the wrong type of soil will not allow the waste to drain properly.
Certain Items Don’t Belong in Septic Systems
Septic systems are great at breaking down waste, but some items don’t belong. For instance, sanitary products, baby wipes, grease, dental floss, and other items that are flushed down drains can disrupt the harmony in a septic system. For the most part, these items float over the top of the other waste in a layer known as a “scum layer.” However, if these items make their way to the leach pipes, they can quickly clog the system and prevent it from draining properly.
Also, certain solutions like paint and other chemicals can actually kill the beneficial bacteria and enzymes inside the tank. This will prevent the breakdown of waste, and result in a backup, requiring the homeowner to call and have the system pumped out and restored.
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Understanding Septic Systems | Ask This Old House
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This is way better than some generic 3D animation. A human who is passionate and a little scale model he built to help teach. Like the good ol days.
Def
Ok boomer
@@GOAT_GOATERSON aren't you busy being taught gender theory in social studies?
@@-eternal boomer😂
I very much agree!
These guys have been helping me around the house for 30+ years. I've learned to do about 95% of the stuff around my house from watching This Old House since I was 15 years old.
What?
YES ME TOO, SINCE LATE 70s or early 80s
PBS does put out good informational shows. Wish they would do one for car maintenance too, been watching scotty kilmer and he's too manic.
This old house never gets old
This old house has always been old. It's in the title.
I had 3 houses with septic systems over 38 years and never (thank God) had any trouble. As far as flushing things down the toilet, I had a rule: if you haven’t eaten it don’t put it in there.
I have a cesspool and we have the same exact rule with positive results
then where did you put the toilet paper, in the garbage bin when you were done? Or if you had a shower, you didn't eat the soap... did you save the soapy water? FFS.
@@MyKonaRC yes In the trash. And things like soap, etc just gets diluted in the water. It’s pretty much negligible
@@Techmatt167Official So you had poopy toilet paper in the trash can???
If you ate a carburetor, you may have gas! 😅
Excellent model, Richard! As a proud owner of a septic system, I didn’t have a clue how they worked when we bought our house a couple years ago. This video and the others like it you’ve made in the past explaining septic (and heat pumps!) have really helped me understand the systems in our house. Great work guys, keep it up!
And just how proud of an owner are you? Have you written a song about your septic system? Have you held a ritual in honor of your septic system? How about a poem? Have you written a poopy poem? Go on, tell us about how proud you are😂🙃🙃🙃
just a word of advice from a fellow septic owner there is a screen on the inlet to the first tank its a stinky job but pull it out and clean at least every year you'll thank me.
A proud septic tank owner?
Proud?
Yea this dude is nuts lol 😂
This was a wonderful presentation and explanation of the workings of a septic system. Richard is a professor of master plumbing and always learning with each TOH episode.
After watching numerous RUclips videos and talking to people, I FINALLY understand how septic systems works.
Thank you
Best explanation of a septic system I have seen yet. Thank you Rich 🙏
I love when people find beauty in their work. The fact that he uses the word "beauty" and expresses with his hands while describing this system is awesome.
One of the greatest series ever created!
Wow, out of 1000s of videos, I just needed this one, Thanks a bunch
Kevin & Richard explain things so well. Enjoy watching their videos.
Really interesting and informative. Love how Richard is so enthusiatice about the subject.
Can you tell me how exactly should the inlet and outlet pipes be?
To give you a little background to our problem. Ironically, my father is a civil engineer, but he's passed the age of retirement, so he doesn't actually remember things he learned in the Engineering University much, and the fact that he monitored roads and bridges' constructions his whole life means that he has no practical experience of constructing houses before.
We're building our house, and we've never felt this task being so difficult before, except when we reached the septic tank construction. My father wants things perfect and he is unable to get work done his way because of doubts that arise by people's suggestion (this includes insufficient information provided by engineers, plumber's and worker's experiences -- usually evolving around the trends in their hometowns and our neighbours' adamant suggestions in-contrary to my father's logic.
Now, to cut this short: we have built our Septic tank of 3 chambers. The inlet has 2 pipes, one of them has an elbow and the other has a T, attached to their ends which are then extended about a foot below to enter the flushed water; the outlet, on the other hand, has a T attached to the end without any extended pipes.
Now, my father got one of the inlet pipes' elbow's top cut into a 2''x2'' box to let the inlet gases escape (as he sees that to be the purpose of a T, and because our plumber already had installed an elbow -- without a consultation -- my father found it to be sensible to get the top part removed).
I don't exactly know what he did is right or not, but he finds it okay. Now, because our neighbour argues against even for T to be installed, he finds it odd for the elbow's top to be removed (which even I found absurd when my father told me what he did). This in retrospect, my father is now not sure if what he has done is right thing, and whether he should remove that elbow, add an extended pipe and finally install a new T/elbow.
It is all a mess! I need a faster answer because my father will find a way to fix it himself tomorrow. I don't want something wrong to happen again. Therefore, a faster answer would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Great job on explaining how it works! I especially appreciate the suggestions to keep it working well.
Note: Hair does not decompose. When we clean out our hair brushes put it in the trash, not the toilet. (Or outside for birds to use in nest building, although if you have long hair good idea to cut it in half so they don't get tangled in it.)
We all just want someone who would describe us as that man describes the septic system 😂 wow. I love him and I loved his explanation and his passion for septic tanks.
My house was built in 1870 before they had septic tanks and city sewers. The only bathroom was on the second floor and used gravity to flow into a dry well in the back yard. It now has city sewers but when digging in the back yard I uncovered the dry well and made sure it stayed closed up !!
I'm going to college for writing, but sometimes I wish I had gone into plumbing. When I was a kid I watched TOH all the time and even back then I remember always loving every time Richard would show up on screen to talk about plumbing or heating. It didn't matter if my house didn't have a gas line or a boiler system It was still absolutely amazing to watch someone so passionate about what he does.
You'll have much better job security and a higher wage as a plumber, and with all the time you save making more per hour you can write.
Oh yeah, and no student debt.
@My username is longer than you would expect Absolutely right! Gone are the days of "you have to have a college degree." Especially if writing is your passion. There's absolutely no reason to subject yourself to the college scam and spend your life paying off a pointless debt. Be a plumber and feel good about yourself as you take care of your family. And keep writing at the same time.
dont
Plumbing, carpentry, electrical, or HVAC: you will have a job forever because only really smart people can do those jobs. Whatever you choose, best of luck and thank you
@@Jamie-1985 I used to be a chef, its a universal skill, you can be a chef anywhere in the world. Then I went into mining, machine operator to chase the money. Now Im finishing up my commercial helicopter license so I can do something i truly love. I dropped out of uni doing Biomedicine for cooking drugs and ended up inside. Then turned life around. Always make the best of every opportunity!
he is the best with his mock ups
Great informative video! I share this with my customers if they have questions about how a septic works.
This is a great visual aid! My new house build is in an area with clay soil and the septic system has to be aerobic. So a little bit different, but still your info helps a lot!
He’s guy is an awesome teacher!
Holy crap!!! This is amazing! Almost always been on a septic and never wondered how it worked. Thank you
love you guys. always appreciate your stuff. can't believe how often I'm seeking out your videos to help somewhere around my house.
Great video w/ clear, concise description of how a Septic System works, what can damage it & how to ensure functionality.
All in 6 mins!
i hope to own my own home one day. Been watching these guys for years
As Always…This Old House Septic System Informations Is AWESOMELY Explained!!! Thaaannnk Youuu!
Trethewey is an absolute riot!
Two items to mention:
1. Natural enzyme vs Dried Active Yeast (also natural) which is (probably) cheaper and absolutely readily available; about 100g per 1,000 gallons tank, just flush normally and done!
2. Grease Traps basin which collects all the grey water from bathroom shower & all sinks, including kitchen- where most grease can flow into the system- flows into a small chamber (with lid) that allows water to enter in near the bottom and directly across, water exits just under the surface, which is fitted with a downwards facing 90° elbow and the “scum” just floats over the top without going into the septic tank- periodic cleaning and de-gunk keeps your tank grease free.
Hope it helps someone.
Don’t septic tank need a “breather” tube?
Thanks for the video, it was just what I was looking for.
So simple to understand. Thank you sir!
EXCELLENT vid for a beginner into this realm
This was great, thank you!
Thank you so much for this! I'm buying a property with this, and needed a better understanding. This is just straight to the point. And classic this old house fashion.
Thank you, that was a refreshingly straightforward and clear presentation.
Excellent presentation
I’ve had a septic system for 25 years. Now I understand how it works! 👍
Thank you for sharing the knowledge.
Excellent model and visual demonstration!
That was by far the best demonstration of a septic system. Being a country boy I know all about them having grown up with them and actually installed a few myself. We never had our tank pumped, were diligent about what went down the pipe, had some of the greenest grass over the leach field. Every spring we would pull effluent from the tank and fertilize the garden with it and had what i call Chernobyl carrots, they were huge. It was a messy job but my parents kept a septic system for 30 years with no issues other than really thick green grass.
Sorry to say Rick thick lush green grass,is one of the first signs of a problem, It usually means the ground is no longer absorbing the effluent
I love the drain field filter for a septic tank. They should all be so environmentally excellent when possible.
Tree roots love them too. lol
Thank you, this was very helpful and informative. The house I am buying has a septic tank, so now I know.
I miss you Guys. Thank you for the lesson.
man, this channel is amazing
This was great! Thank you 🙏🏼 ❤
I got my septic pumped out last year and the guy almost immediately said "that's what I like to see" and "this is a nice healthy tank." Made me feel good and also made me realize that some people take their job seriously and probably get really annoyed when some tanks are filled with things that aren't supposed to be there.
mine too. i baby it anyway.
20yrs ago my parents had a home with a septic system. I still remember how green and soft the grass was towards the leach field. The leach area or tank had problems though which caused a backup.
I remember being a kid in the late 8s and I noticed that there was always one rectangular patch of grass that just would not grow like the rest of the lawn. Asked my dad why that was and he explained that was where the tank was buried just below the surface and much of the rest of the backward was tile field so the grass was always nice and green in those areas. Made it really easy to find the tank when we needed to get it pumped.
This was an AWESOME explanation. Slow enough to understand but fast enough to not get bored. So what do people do when they have to wash paint and use harmful chemicals?
Thank you! Very well explained!
amazing explanation, greatly appreciate.
Great tutorial! Thanks.
Thank you
What an excellent explanation.
I can't wait to see the Plunger Collection next!
It's really the classic plumber's lament
awesome explanation. thank you.
Thanks for this
Thanks, all makes sense !
This was so unbelievable helpful you don’t even know
Thank you guys. Useful video.
Great video. Question about the old clay pipes leading to the tank. Is it important to have them lined or replaced before there could be a problem? Thanks!!!
Thanks for sharing
i love that miniature model!
Great explanation. Thanks gents.
Very informative.
Great presentation.
Thanks Archie
Always important!!!!
Great video guys, very informative.
Most useful TOH video ever! Thank you.
TOH?
Fantastic video. Thank you.
Thank you.
This is probably the best basic explanation in a visual form that I've seen on common septic systems. I talked to people with advanced engineering degrees and experience that could never sort out how a septic system works...
Great visual, yes, great advice, no.
Septic tanks should be pumped out on a regular basis. Solids, being toilet paper and things that shouldn't have gone down the drain, need to be pumped out approx. every 3-5 years. Cumulative grease from dish washing is inevitable, for instance. Very short life span, and a $12K bill to replace leach field, if one avoids the $200 pump it out maintenance.
My system is 30 years old, and still operating without incidence, for a mere $1000 or so, in maintenance pumping.
@@buzoff4642 We pump our tank every few years as well.
@@buzoff4642 You seem very skilled in this field. Can you tell me how exactly should the inlet and outlet pipes be?
To give you a little background to our problem. Ironically, my father is a civil engineer, but he's passed the age of retirement, so he doesn't actually remember things he learned in the Engineering University much, and the fact that he monitored roads and bridges' constructions his whole life means that he has no practical experience of constructing houses before.
We're building our house, and we've never felt this task being so difficult before, except when we reached the septic tank construction. My father wants things perfect and he is unable to get work done his way because of doubts that arise by people's suggestion (this includes insufficient information provided by engineers, plumber's and worker's experiences -- usually evolving around the trends in their hometowns and our neighbours' adamant suggestions in-contrary to my father's logic.
Now, to cut this short: we have built our Septic tank of 3 chambers. The inlet has 2 pipes, one of them has an elbow and the other has a T, attached to their ends which are then extended about a foot below to enter the flushed water; the outlet, on the other hand, has a T attached to the end without any extended pipes.
Now, my father got one of the inlet pipes' elbow's top cut into a 2''x2'' box to let the inlet gases escape (as he sees that to be the purpose of a T, and because our plumber already had installed an elbow -- without a consultation -- my father found it to be sensible to get the top part removed).
I don't exactly know what he did is right or not, but he finds it okay. Now, because our neighbour argues against even for T to be installed, he finds it odd for the elbow's top to be removed (which even I found absurd when my father told me what he did). This in retrospect, my father is now not sure if what he has done is right thing, and whether he should remove that elbow, add an extended pipe and finally install a new T/elbow.
It is all a mess! I need a faster answer because my father will find a way to fix it himself tomorrow. I don't want something wrong to happen again. Therefore, a faster answer would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Only Richard could make a septic tank seem like box of chocolates! Great model .. good info
Never heard a septic system described as, "bee-uta-full." DOH!!
@@blaineedwards8078 Richard really knows his s--t.
Great resource:
Septic Protector -- YT
I bought their book and washing machine filter.
P.S. I was in a local restaurant, overheard couple next table complaining about their vacation home "just" having a septic tank which "poisoned the ground".
Couldn't help myself. Leaned over, "excuse me", a proper sept tank returns clean water plus valuable nutrients. It's quite the opposite of "poison".
Another problem with city disposal systems is the water is usually run into a river or lake after treatment -- it's not returned to the local water level.
Retired librarian
You seem very skilled in this field. Can you tell me how exactly should the inlet and outlet pipes be?
To give you a little background to our problem. Ironically, my father is a civil engineer, but he's passed the age of retirement, so he doesn't actually remember things he learned in the Engineering University much, and the fact that he monitored roads and bridges' constructions his whole life means that he has no practical experience of constructing houses before.
We're building our house, and we've never felt this task being so difficult before, except when we reached the septic tank construction. My father wants things perfect and he is unable to get work done his way because of doubts that arise by people's suggestion (this includes insufficient information provided by engineers, plumber's and worker's experiences -- usually evolving around the trends in their hometowns and our neighbours' adamant suggestions in-contrary to my father's logic.
Now, to cut this short: we have built our Septic tank of 3 chambers. The inlet has 2 pipes, one of them has an elbow and the other has a T, attached to their ends which are then extended about a foot below to enter the flushed water; the outlet, on the other hand, has a T attached to the end without any extended pipes.
Now, my father got one of the inlet pipes' elbow's top cut into a 2''x2'' box to let the inlet gases escape (as he sees that to be the purpose of a T, and because our plumber already had installed an elbow -- without a consultation -- my father found it to be sensible to get the top part removed).
I don't exactly know what he did is right or not, but he finds it okay. Now, because our neighbour argues against even for T to be installed, he finds it odd for the elbow's top to be removed (which even I found absurd when my father told me what he did). This in retrospect, my father is now not sure if what he has done is right thing, and whether he should remove that elbow, add an extended pipe and finally install a new T/elbow.
It is all a mess! I need a faster answer because my father will find a way to fix it himself tomorrow. I don't want something wrong to happen again. Therefore, a faster answer would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I'm very glad you did say that the septic system does need to be cleaned out or pumped out every few years !! I can't tell you how many people don't ever have their septic system cleaned out or pumped out . Most people don't even know what a baffle in the septic system is for . Only until it's backed up , then they go nuts . Good video !!
My ex-wife just bought a house from a couple who'd lived in it for 7 years they didn't even know they had a septic tank. I guess they thought it was magic. The inspector made them pump it out and check the drain field before he would sign off on the house. It was a good size house with a big tank and only the two of them thankfully so it was fine
@@JimDean002 Yes, drains are magic. Many surprises when moving to differing circumstances.
Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. The service costs an average of $400 for a one-time pump.
Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often.
Your tank should be pumped if the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, or if more than 25% of the liquid depth is sludge and scum.
To keep track of when to pump out your tank, write down the sludge and scum levels found by the septic professional.
The service provider should note repairs completed and the tank condition in your system’s service report. If other repairs are recommended, hire a repair person soon.
But, Keep Notes about your Septic. Search and Look for a Septic Professional in your Area, If they have a Office, Perhaps Visit it, Ask Questions to Learn more. If you know Your Septic Hasn't Been cleaned in awhile, Perhaps ask them about Cost, Perhaps Ask them to do a Inspection and possible Pumping.
Knowing where your Septic is, is always a good idea, Making sure not to build or plant bushes or plants right on top of it.
I've lived in my three bedroom house for six years and we have seven people in our family. Haven't had to clean out our septic yet. A friend of mine hasn't cleaned his out for 10 years. My neighbor however has a truck come by about three times per year. I think every place is different.
@@fastrivers812 Have you gotten it inspected yet? should At least Consider on having it checked out. At least it might prevent a Costly repair bill.
@@fastrivers812 cheep pm we get ours pumped out every year its only 150 and thats way better then any problems in the house or septic field . each there own but every year is simple for us
I live in the house my grandfather built in the 1930's. Very simple version of a septic tank. After 80 years I finally had to replace it, it needed pumping out every year, sometimes multiple times a year. Finally gave up.
Had an aunt and uncle whose farmhouse waste disposal just ran out to the ditch by the road! When a daughter inherited she finally put in a septic tank.
Outstanding resource: YT "Septic Protector". I bought his book on septic tanks, including their care, and a filter he sells. Keeps clothes lint out of the clothes washer going into septic tank. Cotton, linen, wool natural fibers will break down. Nylon, etc. will not.
I get mine pumped out every three years. 1000 gal. concrete tank, 5 people, original 1974. System works great, so far so good. Have a good day!
Have a like! Perfect explanation. I would only add a section for leech field issues.
I put in stainless steel strainers in all of my drains--the kitchen and bath sinks, and the shower. It is amazing how much 'stuff' is held in these strainers. The Japanese kitchens have a strainer that is about seven inches long and has to be removed and dumped into the garbage only about once a week. I have not been able to locate one here in the US but I will keep looking. I would also like to install a grease trap at the bottom of my kitchen sink's p trap. Grease is even a problem for central municipal systems.
Just purchased a sink at home depot with flat and/or deep strainer. Alot of these styles were on sale, probably a trend that never took off here.
Most people don't know what a bad idea it is, to pour grease down (any) drain. I pour it into a yogurt container kept in the freezer, once cooled down, and when full it goes out with the trash.
But anyways, just pump the septic tank out every few years. FAR cheaper than replacing a leach field.
Hair/tub drain, annoying! Maybe every six months, I open the drain, block the overflow valve, and plunge it through.
Great video/explanation. Would be nice if you did a video on affordable alternatives for those who have land that will not perk.
Great info!
I wish you would have talked about perc tests - how do you determine if the laterals are bad and what to do if they are. But GReat video!
I was told by a guy that installs septic systems that one of the worst things for the leach field is laundry lint. I installed a fine screen with a frame that fits snuggly in my laundry sink about 3” from the bottom, clean it out every couple of weeks.
This is very true, because most clothing fibers are synthetic and never break down.
We live a farm and only thing that goes in our septic is the toilet. Agree that Ridex is counterproductive after wasting lots of money over the years on it and 2 different septic companies advising against it.
I have gotten tired of pumping it out more often than I would like so we just installed a Neo 185 Bidet for less than $50.00. Since toilet paper buildup was the only reason we had to have it pumped, our days of pumping it out may forever be over. Gonna save a significant amount of money on both TP and pumping costs. Plus, we love it!
An effluent filter can be added before the lateral lines - ongoing filter cleaning is needed, can greatly increase the life of the leach field. Also, a grease trap can help - also needs cleaning. I think it would help if the grey water were plumbed to the 2nd chamber of the septic tank - taking long showers tends to push floating material into the laterals
You seem very skilled in this field. Can you tell me how exactly should the inlet and outlet pipes be?
To give you a little background to our problem. Ironically, my father is a civil engineer, but he's passed the age of retirement, so he doesn't actually remember things he learned in the Engineering University much, and the fact that he monitored roads and bridges' constructions his whole life means that he has no practical experience of constructing houses before.
We're building our house, and we've never felt this task being so difficult before, except when we reached the septic tank construction. My father wants things perfect and he is unable to get work done his way because of doubts that arise by people's suggestion (this includes insufficient information provided by engineers, plumber's and worker's experiences -- usually evolving around the trends in their hometowns and our neighbours' adamant suggestions in-contrary to my father's logic.
Now, to cut this short: we have built our Septic tank of 3 chambers. The inlet has 2 pipes, one of them has an elbow and the other has a T, attached to their ends which are then extended about a foot below to enter the flushed water; the outlet, on the other hand, has a T attached to the end without any extended pipes.
Now, my father got one of the inlet pipes' elbow's top cut into a 2''x2'' box to let the inlet gases escape (as he sees that to be the purpose of a T, and because our plumber already had installed an elbow -- without a consultation -- my father found it to be sensible to get the top part removed).
I don't exactly know what he did is right or not, but he finds it okay. Now, because our neighbour argues against even for T to be installed, he finds it odd for the elbow's top to be removed (which even I found absurd when my father told me what he did). This in retrospect, my father is now not sure if what he has done is right thing, and whether he should remove that elbow, add an extended pipe and finally install a new T/elbow.
It is all a mess! I need a faster answer because my father will find a way to fix it himself tomorrow. I don't want something wrong to happen again. Therefore, a faster answer would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Up here in Alaska, septic tanks are typically plastic 1500 gallon and microbial decomposition is minimal since the mean annual ground temperature is so cold...just above freezing on south-facing slopes and at freezing in permafrost sites.
We're new homeowners in CA, with a septic system. Home is 1960.
Please provide a list of products to avoid for sinks, toilets, etc to keep our system running smoothly between pumps.
Thanks
the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.
You should talk about water quality after the water passes through the bacterial matt in the septic field. Amazing.
Done a whole lot of sewer pump replacements on these
I bought a house last year with a hybrid septic system, sump pumps, extra drain fields, and an alarm system, been trying to learn how it operates, great video,lots of information
You have the new high tech one. Definitely keep it maintained!
@@volvo09 yea,we bought the house,no paperwork came with ot,even signed up with a maintenance Co local,part of ownership of the house,just trying to learn what I have
have it pumped every two years max and you will be fine....
@@jeffclark2725 glad you are learning... Knowing how your system works is how you have no problems.
Like someone who buys a car and thinks it "just works" and after they haven't changed the oil in 30k miles the engine is toast.
I've always been big on knowing what you have. I even try to educate friends on their well pumps or heating system.
@@volvo09 thanks
My little 6'5 nephew would clog that entire box at one sitting.
What’s better than, This Old House? Nothing! 😉
I bought the microbial enzyme's one plastic bucket about 2 quarts was $350 buck. One tablespoon a week. Lasted 3 years. So it was worth every penny and never had a problem.
Awesome video
Well done. Also should add that if enough sludge/scum gets into your distribution field, it can permanently clog it up and you'll have to replace the pipes
I accidentally exited before i was finished my comments above. The model shown in this video will result in a Trickle into the septic field and cause premature lifetime of the field because of it. Now, if the soil is sandy, it is very forgiving. If the soil has a lot of clay, a septic field may not be a good option, and a pumpout system of the black water might be best. Pumping it out though onto the surface is not the best system because there is still a lot of bacteria in that black water. It is NOT gray water which would be from your shower or washing machine. The guy who said he was proud he never had his solids removed or pumped out is an idiot. Eventually both chambers will fill with solids and "everything" will leach into his field -- until the field gets plugged and the sh... now backs up into the house. Good luck with that!!!! On yet another point, there are so-called self-proclaimed and even certified experts on septic systems that actually learned from someone that didn't know too much.
I am putting in a new split system with a little bit more plumbing.
1. Toilets plumbed to a traditional septic system.. but only 300 gals to a smaller sized leach field.
(We considered compost toiletd.. but we live in California and a certain county which frowns upon it)...
2. Sinks, showers, tub, dishwasher & washing machine will be plumbed to a grey water tank then to a surface gravel bed slightly above grade of some fruit trees.
...we scrape off plates into bins for compost heap and are using old fashion screens in sinks to capture hair & food scraps.. do no need for a disposal..
We will use bio friendly cleaning supplies, soap and detergents.
🙃 hope it works...
This from a chief septic inspector I met: If just black water were introduced into the system they will go just about forever with pumping out the tanks every couple of years. Other countries allow grey water to be used for irrigation and the like.
Great video.
Unfortunately for us, they don't allow us to use grey water for irrigation here in California. In fact the newly installed systems in California require a second tank. A new system in my area is easily 20k+ because of it. Its insane.
i have a septic tank that hasn't been touched in 50+ years, all gray water goes to dry well.
@@srharris88 I didn't have to read anything after the word "California". That state is a complete boondoggle and nothing surprises me about that state. I totally believe you by the way.
@@srharris88 There is a gardening channel called Epic homesteading. I didn't pay any attention to that video because it was of no interest to me personally. But I know he installed a gray water tank and that water I believe is used to water some of the gardens. Wonder how he was able to that? He is in San Diego County.
@Clarendon Lady just because you do it. Doesn't mean it is legal or not. Till you get caught.
nice model demo
As always, I LOVE TOH....My old house turns 50 this year and, after a few years of denial, the ole reliable septic system is going to need replaced. Hopefully, the new system will outlast me.
I honestly don't know how RUclips's algorithm suggested these septic tank videos...but im kinda interested now LOL
Finally something that is relateable
You need to go back to whatever right wing conspiracy factory pumped you out, this is based on your other psycho comments on this channel btw.
You full oh sh!t?
@@brianglade848 Awww, that's cute ❤️
@@brianglade848 English is a 2nd language for you?