 Septic backup fix (by GlennH [NC]) Nov 17, 2020 12:06 PM
 Septic backup fix (by Homer [TX]) Nov 17, 2020 12:34 PM
Septic backup fix (by Smokowna [MD]) Nov 17, 2020 12:44 PM
Septic backup fix (by DJ [VA]) Nov 17, 2020 1:47 PM
Septic backup fix (by Robert J [CA]) Nov 18, 2020 2:30 AM
Septic backup fix (by plenty [MO]) Nov 18, 2020 6:29 AM
Septic backup fix (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Nov 18, 2020 8:47 AM
Septic backup fix (by LindaJ [NY]) Nov 18, 2020 9:16 AM
Septic backup fix (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Nov 18, 2020 4:41 PM
Septic backup fix (by gevans [SC]) Nov 19, 2020 7:26 AM
Septic backup fix (by GlennH [NC]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2020 12:06 PM
Message:
Over the years, we've had one or two septic tanks back up into the house. The backup comes into the house through the bottom floor toilet or sometimes a sink. The backup is usually caused by a cloged septic tank filter, or a dying drain field that is not taking liquid fast enough.
So I finally have started to roll out the fix. I bought a thing called a sewer popper. It is a 3" collar that screws into a drain line cleanout (located outside the house). The top of that device has a smooth surface for a mating collar for a lid. When the sewage backs up, it pops the lid off the device, and goo spews out into the yard instead of inside the house.
I didn't have a cleanout located between the house and the septic tank, so I cut the 3" line and put in a 3" T. When buying the T, I noticed that a 4" PVC lid sat nicely on top of the 3". So instead of using the $30 sewer popper, I used a $9 4" PVC lid. On the second one, I used a 4" $5 rubber cap.
The only potential problem with the DIY version is that odor may escape from the 4" lid. If so, I'll install the sewer popper for $30; the prep work is all done to be able to install it.
I've done 2 this morning and will start rolling them out time and weather permitting.
--50.82.xxx.xxx |
Septic backup fix (by Homer [TX]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2020 12:34 PM
Message:
Buy septic shock by the case, and have tenants pour in monthly. It will really help the smell, as well as improve the field line. When you do get spills, it may not stink as bad. --66.169.xxx.xxx |
Septic backup fix (by Smokowna [MD]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2020 12:44 PM
Message:
Just double checking. Is a tenant using harsh chemicals in the septic system?
I would be tempted to accuse them when sewer popper pops. --108.28.xx.xxx |
Septic backup fix (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2020 1:47 PM
Message:
It's also a good idea for sewer drains to city pipes. --70.160.xxx.xxx |
Septic backup fix (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2020 2:30 AM
Message:
I install sewer clean out caps that have a spring loaded center that opens when there is a back up. Then the sewer water will drain on a lawn instead of inside the rental. I have 1-1/2", 2", 3", 3-1/2" and 4" spring loaded screw in caps.
I wanted to install one for a client, I'm a licensed plumber/contractor. They didn't want to spend the money, $35 for the spring loaded cap and $25 to install a threaded fitting on the sewer clean out pipe. So they saved around $60, until there was a back up and water poured from a shower drain, onto hardwood flooring. New Hardwood flooring, causing floor, wall and paint damage -- to the tune of thousands.... --47.155.xx.xxx |
Septic backup fix (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2020 6:29 AM
Message:
I'm thinkin you are a genius! Brilliant fix. --172.56.xx.xx |
Septic backup fix (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2020 8:47 AM
Message:
Do you know someone with a skid steer? You might want them to poke around and try to find the end of the leech field lines.
After you find them you can snap the end off and see what your flow rate is coming from end of your field. This will tell you if you have clogged lines. Sometimes you are able to jet them out but if you can't you can always add another twenty feet of line on each of the field runs that you have. Code today says you are to have at least three. I have seen single leech field runs and I have seen five lines.
So much depends on the soil. I have seen a single 4 inch 40 ft line serve a 4 bedroom house successfully for 30 years in great soil. I have seen three 120 ft lines struggle in a 2 br home. --24.101.xxx.xx |
Septic backup fix (by LindaJ [NY]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2020 9:16 AM
Message:
Septic maintenance is important. Get them pumped on a regular schedule so the solids don't get into the drain field. I have tenants septic pumped more frequently than my own because they don't always follow good septic use.
If you replace the drain field, I highly recommend the "infiltrator" system. Large half pipes. Easy to install and less length is needed. --108.4.xxx.xxx |
Septic backup fix (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2020 4:41 PM
Message:
I bet a backed up septic system makes for an easy eviction. Shame it can't be rigged to a switch. --108.69.xxx.xxx |
Septic backup fix (by gevans [SC]) Posted on: Nov 19, 2020 7:26 AM
Message:
LLOTF: If there is a cleanout, it can be temporarily blocked!
Not that I would think of doing anything like that. --69.80.xx.xx |
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