Log in

View Full Version : If there is a problem with my leach field would there be standing water?


oliviah727
Nov 4, 2012, 07:46 PM
My Husband and I purchased a home about 7 months ago, at this time we kept seeing water leaking from the septic tank, we had it cleaned out about 4 months ago and it is leaking again. Is it possible that we have a very small septic tank?we have not seen any standing water in the leachfield. At this time we don't have the funds to take care of this problem, we are hoping that it just needs a clean out again.

Milo Dolezal
Nov 4, 2012, 10:13 PM
Generally, septic tank is designed to service house of certain size, number of bathrooms and number of occupants. Before any septic and leach field system is installed, there is a percolation test done. This test determines size of leach field.

Were there any changes made to the house ( like adding new bathroom etc ) in recent years ? Also, are there more adults living in the house that before the house was sold ? Any heavy rains in your area recently ? Any construction done outside and around the septic tank ?

There is always a chance main leach field pipe is collapsed or clogged. Check it out. Make sure it is unobstructed.

Back to you / Milo

speedball1
Nov 5, 2012, 07:07 AM
Answer Milos questions and I have a few comments of my own.
we had it cleaned out about 4 months ago and it is leaking again we have not seen any standing water in the leachfield Is it possible that we have a very small septic tank? We had it cleaned out about 4 months ago I don't think that you have a undersized septic tank and the average time septic tanks are pumped is every three years. Several things could cause this.
1- A blockage at the outlet of the septic tank
2- A blockage in the line leading to the leach field **OR**
3- A failed leach field.
Before you take any action have these checked out, Good luck, Tom