Hello,

I currently have 2 spetics tanks. It appears that one was installed to service the in-law apartment and the other for the rest of the home. Lately I've noticed that the in-law apartment septic fills up pretty fast so we've adjusted the way we use it. No more solids or washing clothes from the in-law apartment. All the washing and solids are done using the main septic.

My question is this. It appears, based on a general conversation with our septic guy that the fields will need to be tested, which would cost close to $15,000. That's just not something that we can afford right now. Given this information, can someone tell me if
It would make sense to gradually siphon the liquid from the smaller tank into the main tank. I say gradually because, I want to make sure that I don't overuse the main tank.

Does this make sense or is it wishful thinking on my part. I've also received calls from people at Septic Savior. I'm not convinced that this would help at all.

Your input would greatly be appreciated.

Thank you.

$15,000 for testing? Where you located?

A septic system is some pipes, a holding tank and some more pipes with holes in them. The sewage is taken through the pipe to the holding tank where it sits until all the solids dissolve. It then flows out the pipe with holes in them into some gravel or other aggregate. It soaks into the ground and is then evaporated by the sun. After a period of use the aggregate can become clogged. When this happens you install a new line in a different place. You know when to do this when the line to the tank is clear but the toilet will no longer flush. This usually first occurs after a heavy rain.

You can't siphon from one tank to the other. You could re-diredt from the mother-in-law to the main tank.

A working septic tank is always full. The output line is only a few inches below the input line.

What's your septic guy going to test for. It works or it doesn't work. I think you need a new septic guy. What brings this up, you conversation with the septic guy or Mom can't flush.

Septic Savior sounds like something to avoid.

What brought this up is having to call in the septic guy to empty the in-law tank 2 months in a row. Since then we haven't been using it for laundry or any bathroom use, but now I'm noticing that the area where the septic is located is continually wet and if dishes are washed the little puddles form.

It appears that the tank is filling up, but not draining.

Flushing still works, but again, you'll see the little puddles form in the back yard.

How would I redirect from the mother-in-law to the main tank?

Also, please forgive my ignorance, why can't I siphon from one tank to the other?

Thank you.

How would I redirect from the mother-in-law to the main tank? Also, please forgive my ignorance, why can't I siphon from one tank to the other? Thank you.
Sounds like the drainfield from thre Mother in Law tank is loaded and can no longer percolate. You could install a new drainfield but a less expensive way would be to disconnect the MIL tank and connect back to the main septic tank.
To siphon from one tank to the other one tank would have to be considerably lower.
You would get the same result by cutting out the MIL tank and diverting the flow to the main septic tank. Good luck, tom