Let me explain something about why I bought this house without going really deep into inspecting tthe septic so i dont sound like some kind of goober I bought this house planning for the worse. The house is about 1900sq with a new steal roof on 4.7 acres for cheaper then 2 new sleds and a 2 place in closed trailer would cost. And it was pretty much in move in condition except a new water heater and I swapped out the old oil furnace to propane and 4pieces of drywall and 2 rolls of insulation and some albow gease.
Septic?
- Thread starter reiley99
- Start date
Hopefully ok with a field but go slow with your septic since you don't know what you have ....if backs up & field is done no way to do perk test until Spring. You are probably melting over the tank which is somewhat concerning in these cold temps -6 now here in Phelps. Peeps by houses without inspecting septics it happens not advisable but it does happen.
groomerdriver
New member
5 people in a house and using a septic system of unknown type and capacity?
That is a NIGHTMARE just waiting to happen. <cringe>
Invest in a front load washer ASAP!
That is a NIGHTMARE just waiting to happen. <cringe>
Invest in a front load washer ASAP!
already way ahead ofyou on that one
r/l groomer
Member
Not being an installer in Michigan which I believe this house is the rulers are some what the same as Wisconsin. Residental septics are based on bedrooms with two people per room. so if you have a three bedroom for instance the max people would be six.
If this was replaced six years ago one would expect the components to be up to codes. We perform many inspections with different designs by different installers.
The planning department in the area would be very helpful to you for information.
front load washers are fine as long as you are aware of how much detergent you put in. Remember, bacteria is your friend in a septic
Howie
If this was replaced six years ago one would expect the components to be up to codes. We perform many inspections with different designs by different installers.
The planning department in the area would be very helpful to you for information.
front load washers are fine as long as you are aware of how much detergent you put in. Remember, bacteria is your friend in a septic
Howie
Go Fast or Go Home
Active member
Not legal, but run your washer discharge water out a hose to your lawn. It will be the greenest grass you will have.
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polarisrider1
New member
Don't panic yet. Install 1.6gpf toilets, put in some flow restrictors on the shower heads, etc. I have seen many yards with melted snow over the septic tanks this time of year. many tanks are only 12" or so under ground. Have tanks pumped out once a year and don't worry. Adding to a septic tank and drain field is not cheap or pleasant. If it's not a bubbling out of the ground then don't worry.
yoopermike
New member
Your 5x5 melted spot is exactly where your holding tank is. My house is 10 years old, my holding tank has the same melted spot over the top of it, and the top of the tank is buried deep! If you have no record of it getting pumped in the last 3 years, dig it up now before the ground completely freezes and get it pumped. Should be around $200. Also, a 5x5 tank is probably a 750 gallon setup. With 5 people, according to online charts, a 750 gallon tank is suggested to get cleaned out every 1.3 yrs. Doo it!
renegade600
Active member
I'd say find the lid, open it up and take a look. Get the thing pumped every 3-4 years.... Some local codes (like ours) is every (3) years.
With that much usage, that thaw spot is very normal. Also, once you have it pumped the first time, have the company put a riser on the tank so it is easier to find and pump each time after that - don't have to dig up the yard each time. Just make the riser flush with the ground and mow right over it or hide it with some sort of decoration.
I'm late to the show, but did you happen to see a clean out screen at the outlet from your tank to the drain field?
Mine has a yellow top, with a handle and it sits inside a vertical housing. Give it a quarter turn, pull up. Rinse it off, and re-install. Should be done annually.
polarisrider1
New member
Who polices that?
Much easier than one would think...Send a post card to homeowner to pump then certified by pumper & he mails back to county. County inspector shuts you down if you do not comply. I don't know anyone that does not pump but probably a few so the few get the attention needed.
F
fusion
Guest
Yes, WD is correct. Major nightmare, used to be every two years the county would send you a card that required inspection and pumping.
Recently changed to 3 years, but still ridiculous, they never find anything, just more bucks for the septic pumpers who are mostly 100% crooks. I could tell you a story about septic maintenance that would make your head spin.
It is ridiculous when you think about it.
Recently changed to 3 years, but still ridiculous, they never find anything, just more bucks for the septic pumpers who are mostly 100% crooks. I could tell you a story about septic maintenance that would make your head spin.
It is ridiculous when you think about it.
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