septic tank flaw

[xkvator]

i removed the dirt and risers off the top of a round septic tank this morning and had it pumped.
the homeowner had trouble last year & had it pumped...started backing up again last week.
the problem was the plastic baffle on the inlet side broke loose and once the surface crust built up enough, it blocked the inlet pipe. the outlet baffle was ready to come off also...replaced both with 4" sanitary tees and pipe drops.
they didn't notice the problem the first time because of the 48" of riser.
this is the 2nd tank i've seen this happen to.
i would put in the concrete tanks that have the cast in concrete baffles or if you're getting one of these tanks pumped - check the baffles.

[flickit]

i removed the dirt and risers off the top of a round septic tank this morning and had it pumped.
the homeowner had trouble last year & had it pumped...started backing up again last week.
the problem was the plastic baffle on the inlet side broke loose and once the surface crust built up enough, it blocked the inlet pipe. the outlet baffle was ready to come off also...replaced both with 4" sanitary tees and pipe drops.
they didn't notice the problem the first time because of the 48" of riser.
this is the 2nd tank i've seen this happen to.
i would put in the concrete tanks that have the cast in concrete baffles or if you're getting one of these tanks pumped - check the baffles.
...you're steering people away from the plastic tanks? Am looking at adding a tank and also wondered if the concrete types are cheaper?

[bmwpower]

Way off topic, but just came to mind...

When you're working in one of these tanks, is it possible for the homeowner to flush the toilet and thereby dowsing you with... you know where I'm going.

Has this ever happened to you?

[Wgoodrich]

ME ! ME !

I had a resteraunt owned by my buddy that had a sewage lift station out back with one of the pumps that went bad. As buddies go he did not know what to do and I got volunteered. I put a sign up on both men and women bathrooms adivsing out of order do not flush. I put my trusty hip waders on and climbed down the ladder into the tank. Big nasty surprise when I discovered my hip waders were about 1" too short for the depth of water in the tank. I cussed a blue streak about the same time I heard rumbling in the inlet pipe above my head. I knew ! I knew ! BOY, did I know what was comming. I looked for an escape. Tank was about 5' square and inlet pipe was 1/4 way into tank aimed right at my head. I dove to the far wall and the mess came out of the tank and hit my shoulder and soaked me from shoulder to feet. Now I had a nasty smell from shoulder to hip with one leg of my boot also full of nasty nasty.

I pulled the pump, went home in the back of my truck with my buddy driving my truck and took about 6 showers back to back. Then later that evening before I went to bed I took another shower. Always had trouble after that being hungry when I went to that resteraunt. Never did find out who could not read the sign DO NOT FLUSH.

Not one of my most favorite memories but many had a laugh.

Wg

[xkvator]

...you're steering people away from the plastic tanks
sorry if i wasn't clear - this was a round concrete tank that had plastic baffles.
i haven't put one of the plastic tanks in for a while...they used to be more $ and it takes a little more care in backfilling around them.
if you can't get the triaxle tank hauler into your yard, the plastic tank can be carried on a pickup/lifted with a backhoe. not supposed to drive over them with lawn tractor.

[xkvator]

When you're working in one of these tanks,

bmw...i've opened up quite a few septic tanks...never was IN one.

besides, tanks are CONFINED SPACES...not supposed to enter them without the proper rescue team/scba's/tripod & winch/etc.

[msperos]

not supposed to drive over them with lawn tractor. they used to be more $ and it takes a little more care in backfilling around them. They still cost more than a concrete tank but there is a brand we started selling a year ago made by Fralo that is one strong tank, they injection mold them, about 5/8" thick. You do not have to fill them with water to back fill, and you can drive light vehicals over them. They may be more affordable out east, i think they are made in Rochester, Ny

[xkvator]

Thanks for the info msperos...i sent for lit.

[flickit]

...input to msperos and xkvator! May be back for seconds with questions on the leach field drainage and the correct way to lay it out. Thanks again!