Testing a soakaway?

horseman34

Is there any way to test an existing soakaway that is following on from a septic tank that it is still working or doing what's its supposed to do

T-Maxx

No. You could check if all aj's and the like are clean, but if it's not draining the tank properly then it's normally a case of the percolation area itself requiring overhaul. Septic tanks are often neglected which ruins the percolation pretty quickly. Older systems also usually didn't have a proper percolation area just a soakage hole.

horseman34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120565431#Comment_120565431

That's what I was thinking but I said I'd ask first if there was something that could be looked at before calling the professionals.

Furze99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058295516/testing-a-soakaway

The proof is in the pudding. I reckon the only way you'll know is if the tank is not draining properly and the drains start backing up.

But recommend first getting the tank pumped out/ emptied/ de sludged and see if the problem repeats.

horseman34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120565562#Comment_120565562

I'll ring in the morning and get it de smudged, ATM there is nothing backing up and only the ground above and around the soakaway is somewhat muddy so hopefully that might sort it, but if it's banjaxxed can you still dig out a soakaway or do you have to go and install biofield/percolation area?

Furze99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120566210#Comment_120566210

Turned out we had a problem with the soakaway that was put in with our tank, and ended up having new percolation trenches dug and filled with drainage stone etc. Really depends on your site I think, have you space for a percolation area and is it falling away and not interfering with your own or neighbours water supply etc. But first as I say, we had the tank emptied and watched it then after.

horseman34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120567328#Comment_120567328

Well there is plenty of space but hopefully it won't come to that, it's getting de sludged Friday so we'll go from there