Drain Field Failure?

[mmccollam]

I have a septic system with a lift station. I was experiencing some minor flooding between the lift staion and the drain field after significant water usage in the house. The first septic company told me that I needed a new drain field and quoted me a price of 3.5K. Three subsequent companies also gave me quotes for a drain field replacement. However, the most recent company seemed to have some employees that indicated that this was not necessarily a sign of a need for new drain field. They reluctantly suggested I dig it up around the floooding to identify a leak (I assume that their employer would not condone telling me that I do not need a new drain field). With the limited sunlight I had this evening, I dug up the area between the lift station and drain field. I determined that there was a fitting between some PVC pipe and plastic pipe that was not connecting correctly which caused the leak. Furthermore, there was a bit of soil/mud in the plastic piping. My question is: can the drain field be repaired by modifying the fitting and cleaning/jetting out the plastic pipe? Can I avoid paying 3K when all of these companies were so eager to replace the drain field?

Thanks for your assistance.

[Wgoodrich]

The lift station pumps under pressure to a higher level. If you found a broken pipe then try to flush the pipe back into the pump tank then clean the tank. Then repair the broken pipe. Try the system to see if it works without the flooding. If it works sounds like you did a self help successfully. Can't know unless you try.

A pressurized pipe with a break will flood the area when the pump is running. You may have found the problem. Time will tell after you do the repair. Just clean out the debris so it does not enter your leach field or ruin your pump.

Good Luck

Wg