How to Fix Stuff

[Bronze]

One expensive septic system repair has to do with the distribution box. Back in 2015 it cost me $2k to have that fixed on a house I was selling. That was a low end price for the work.

Here’s info on the septic system d-box:

“A conventional septic system is composed of the septic tank and the drain field. The drain field is where the last stage of wastewater treatment system takes place. It is the area of effluent purification and distribution. An essential part of the drain field is the distribution box. If you think about it, its name gives it away. It is a structure that connects the effluent pipeline from your septic tank to the lateral line, seepage pit, or galley networks.

The distribution box or d-box regulates the dispersion of the treated effluent. It is a must for the d-box to remain properly installed. If it’s tilted or clogged, it will only distribute the effluent on one part of the drain field. it will eventually result to the bursting out or overloading of the effluent onto the surface of the yard. Like the rest of the septic system, you should have the distribution box regularly inspected because. It is very prone to clogging and saturation. If you knew that the drain field has been flooded before, then you should get ready for a malfunctioning system pretty soon. To prevent that, talk to your septic expert immediately.”

What is a septic system distribution box?

The septic tank is actually two boxes. One box is where everything goes. Any liquid pours into the other side which goes out to the drain field. The stuff in the first box also breaks down and washes away. But people typically add more than what breaks down (over time) so this is why you need it pumped once in awhile.

 

[LAwaters]

The septic tank is actually two boxes. One box is where everything goes. Any liquid pours into the other side which goes out to the drain field. The stuff in the first box also breaks down and washes away. But people typically add more than what breaks down (over time) so this is why you need it pumped once in awhile.

Yes indeed. I learned far more than I ever wanted to know about every bit of septic systems.

My septic maintenance guy also recommended natural enzymes to drop in monthly to help the ick to break down in that first tank: RID-X. It does help.

https://www.amazon.com/RID-X-Septic-Treatment-Supply-Powder/dp/B004S6C028?th=1

 

[Bronze]

Yes indeed. I learned far more than I ever wanted to know about every bit of septic systems.

My septic maintenance guy also recommended natural enzymes to drop in monthly to help the ick to break down in that first tank: RID-X. It does help.

https://www.amazon.com/RID-X-Septic-Treatment-Supply-Powder/dp/B004S6C028?th=1

I use Rid-X regularly.

 

[stols001]

We use it religiously too.

There was a time the husband was also getting a little tense about my toilet paper usage. We had to come to an agreement about that. I am sorry, I am just not the type of person who thinks "How much, exactly, TP to I need to use to wipe my nether regions," like, every time.

There was talk about "prefolded amounts" but somehow that went away when I told the husband he was welcome to DO that, but I made no promises of using one "wad" every time.

I do hear paper and whatnot are bad for septic systems. I am enjoying my current sewer with WILD abandon. I figure it makes up for the roaches.

I swear, next chance I get I am calling a) the landlords and b) a really INTENSE pest control system,. one that know what to do about wild bands of roving roaches.

Anna

 

[Bronze]

Nothing like being regular.

 

[kross8]

Yes indeed. I learned far more than I ever wanted to know about every bit of septic systems.

My septic maintenance guy also recommended natural enzymes to drop in monthly to help the ick to break down in that first tank: RID-X. It does help.

https://www.amazon.com/RID-X-Septic-Treatment-Supply-Powder/dp/B004S6C028?th=1

We built a new house in 1998 on an acreage (with small lake/big pond). There were 2 prevailing septic systems being presented to us. 1of the neighbors was quite the busybody & promised 1septic company that everyone building would pick his system. We went with the other company based on some key feature ( which escape me right now,). Anyway fast forward to Christmas time,,, we have an early snow & I'm thinking we should shovel the driveway before family arrives for dinner. I step out and discover everyone in the neighborhood has something wrong kind of white or yellow pee yards from their now frozen /broken septics. Ours was fine. All of ours worked on the same concept,,, all waste goes into a holding tank,, then it's pumped into a sprinkler system to water your yard. The maintenance was to put a few swimming pool chlorine tablets in a holding basket once a month. The system worked flawless for us.. everyone else in the neighborhood did have sporadic problems.

When we sold the house the new owners of course wanted the system pumped/cleaned and inspected.. we passed with flying colors and the company asked for contact info on who installed our system.

 

[classwife]

Not a fix it idea but...help non the less.
This talk of septic tanks...and sewers...
Please check your homeowner's policies to make sure you have coverage for Water Backup.
It is NOT standard on a policy and will only cost you about $25.00 a year more to add it.
If you don't have it and you suddenly have icky stuff coming up out of your drains damaging your floors, baseboards, drywall...and just the overall nasty...you'll be paying for the clean-up and repair yourself.

 

[MostlySunny]

I’ve never lived in a home with septic. If I ever do, I am now informed!

 

[rosesense]

I’ve never lived in a home with septic. If I ever do, I am now informed!

I haven't had one in over 40 years. Now that I have moved to the country, I have that and a well, who would have thunk it.

 

[CMD-Ky]

@Bronze
If your wifi stays on for a while maybe your fix would be a good addition. Finding and installing new firmware is a scary task for some. When updated the firmware on my computer and router I gritted my teeth and hoped for the best.

 

[rosesense]

What are the fixes for a pond that won't hold water? I am told to dig it out more but that doesn't make sense to me. I am not investing 5k in the project, either. All the others on neighboring properties are fine so I don't get it. My soil is rather sandy, not the typical red Ga clay.

 

[Bronze]

What are the fixes for a pond that won't hold water? I am told to dig it out more but that doesn't make sense to me. I am not investing 5k in the project, either. All the others on neighboring properties are fine so I don't get it. My soil is rather sandy, not the typical red Ga clay.

I haven't got a clue. Never had a pond. Sure would be nice to have one though. Good place to throw in a few bass I can catch over and over and over.

Is there such a thing as a pondologist?

 

[CMD-Ky]

What are the fixes for a pond that won't hold water? I am told to dig it out more but that doesn't make sense to me. I am not investing 5k in the project, either. All the others on neighboring properties are fine so I don't get it. My soil is rather sandy, not the typical red Ga clay.

Do you know how deep it is and where the leak is located?

 

[Bronze]

Do you know how deep it is and where the leak is located?

I'm guessing it gets saturated in the soil and spreads out till it's dry. But as I say, I'm no pond expert. Seems a pond needs to be on clay.

 

[rosesense]

Do you know how deep it is and where the leak is located?

I am not good at guessing size but probably 18' deep and size of a basketball court lol.

 

[rosesense]

I suppose I could have a load of clay brought in but might just seep out the sides anyway.

I will try to get a pic of it later.

 

[AstroTurf]

 

[rosesense]

Here it is and this is the lowest level yet. Very little water left in it. In case it isn't clear, the whole pic is the pond. Only has a little water left on one end. That is the deeper end so perhaps it does need to be dug out more.

 

[rosesense]

Thanks, @AstroTurf but it isn't a decorative pond so can't do a liner I don't think.

 

[AstroTurf]

Thanks, @AstroTurf but it isn't a decorative pond so can't do a liner I don't think.

a pond without a liner is nothing more than a drainage problem... imo