Septic Tank Backing Up

Grey123

I'm trying to help a friend with a septic tank that backs up. The septic tank is probably 40 years old.

My first observation is that the lid isn't covering the full opening so rain water gets in. Seems like an obvious solution to get a new cover that would be water tight?

I can only see one chamber? I thought septic tanks had two, overflow from the first to the second. Were things different 40 years ago?

I presume there is a percolation system of sorts. If that's blocked can it be rodded or jetted. Who would do that?

Spoke to a company and they were charging 500 for a full inspection and plan, talking about getting a new system designed if needed. They might be selling so looking to do some basic maintenance.

elperello

When was it last pumped out ?

Wearb

I think that if it was registered when required -some years back- that remedial grants are available.

Lenar3556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058339864/septic-tank-backing-up

The first step is to get it pumped out by a contractor specialising in this. That should give some clarity to what is going on and will assist with the immediate issue in any case.

Rainwater getting in through a loose lid shouldn’t be significant. The system needs to be able to deal with much greater volumes of water.

Many septic tank systems of that age bracket were not correctly installed or maintained and remedying the situation can sometimes prove very challenging.

windowcills

There are a few manhole covers leading up to the tank, but are there any the far side (to the soak area ) if there are open them and empty in a wheel barrow of water

But yes its probably silted up and needs emptying

beachhead

Get it pumped out first then consider options

Grey123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121873563#Comment_121873563

Does a regular emptying take account of cleaning out the downstream pipes that are probably blocked?

Grey123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121873267#Comment_121873267

It is registered. Was looking and it seems the grants are few and far between. Needs to fail a test but the local authority don't test.

Lenar3556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121876966#Comment_121876966

No, but you don’t know what downstream pipework or blockage exists yet. So I would say pump out the tank as a first step.

(There might be very little downstream pipework)

mickdw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121876970#Comment_121876970

Ua the grant system has been cut to the bone and only really available in certain environmentally sensitive areas.

The policy instead appears to be to force everyone to upgrade system if submitting any form of planning application.

Grey123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121877209#Comment_121877209

How does it work if there is no downstream pipework?

Who would I be getting to jet pipe work (if there is some)? Dynorod?

Lenar3556

There might be just a bit of 4” pipe providing a run off. Things were don’t differently back then!

Id say talk to the guy you get to pump it out and see what he thinks. He might be able to advise you on someone local to assist with anything he can’t do himself.

Grey123

As for getting a sealed cover for the opening (maybe 6ft by 3ft). Any idea who would sell / fit?

Anything I need to know. In heavy rain a lot of water can either get in directly or run in from the garden.

Even from a safety perspective it would be best to seal.