Septic System Life FAQs 2

Q&A on how long septic system components last

Concrete Block (Cinder block) Septic Tank Life FAQs

Tip: See the description and warnings at SEPTIC TANKS HOME MADE SITE BUILT 

And see SEPTIC FAILURE LAWSUIT for an example of a site built concrete block septic tank failure that was also very dangerous.

Found cinder block septic tank at house I'm buying

I have a contract on a 68 year old home. I discovered the seller replacing the distribution box and in doing so broke the cinder block septic tank

The seller won't say why the box was dug up and replaced?

I saw the box and new septic tank before it was covered. At that time I saw they connected to new distribution box to 2 68 year old tetra cottar drain fields. on line ran under a driveway the other ran down hill under 75 year old oak trees.

Bottom line: SHOULD I MAKE SELLERS PUT IN NEW DRAIN FIELD TO TODAY'S CODES? On 2019-02-13 by Jim Toms

by (mod) - dangers of home-made septic tanks & systems -- replace it yourself

Watch out: A cinder block septic tank sounds to me like a homemade system and possibly one that's unsafe at risk of collapse.

If someone Falls in such a tank it's an ugly and quick death. If you're referring to a terracotta grainfield that to sounds old enough that none of your system has any predictable forward useful life. We don't actually know the condition of the system only your description of the materials.

If I were buying a house I wouldn't try to make a seller do anything. The risk is that you force someone to do a halfway job or to take shortcuts.

If in fact the seller agrees to provide you with a functional working septic system then you would be probably better to obtain an allowance and have the work done yourself under your own supervision.

You can avoid the risk of shortcuts taken by a seller, and avoid the risk of a legal dispute in the future, and it make sure that the contractor doing the work is accountable to you not to someone who is no longer present

Read the warnings at SEPTIC TANKS HOME MADE SITE BUILT

Fiberglass & Plastic Septic Tank Life FAQs

Tip: See SEPTIC TANKS, FIBERGLASS / PLASTIC

Is there a standard of quality on plastic septic tanks?

Is there a standard of quality on plastic septic tanks? On 2019-02-09 by Russell

by (mod) - Yes see these Standards for Septic tanks made of "plastic"

Russell

Septic tanks made of "plastic" may be take to include polyethylene septic tanks and fiberglass-reinforced plastic or FRP septic tanks.

Some pertinent standards for plastic or FRP septic tanks include the following:

ANSI/AWWA D120-02 Thermosetting Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Tanks.

ASTM D 1248 – Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion Materials for Wire and Cable;

ASTM D 1693 – Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress-Cracking of Ethylene Plastics;

ASTM D638 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics;

CSA International - B66-00 Prefabricated Septic Tanks and Sewage HoldingTanks;

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials – IAPMO PS 1-98 Material and Property Standard for Prefabricated Septic Tanks.

ASTM D790 - Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials

Norwesco, a large manufacturer of plastic septic tanks (and other tanks) notes that their tanks are approved by both IAPMO™
and CSA™.

Watch out: because these tanks are light, when empty, if they're not properly installed (including anchoring) the tank can (in wet weather) float up out of the ground, causing obvious trouble.

Concrete Septic Tank Life FAQs

Tip: See details at SEPTIC TANK CONCRETE

Also see CONCRETE CORROSION DUE TO HYDROGEN SULFIDE

What's my Concrete Septic Tank Condition & Life?

The septic guys were out today. He did agree that there is some exposed rebar on the ceiling of the tank, however he does not recommend replacing the tank.

He said the structural integrity of the tank is fine. Just thinks they didnt set the rebar correctly when they made the lid. The rest of the tank looks great. Any thoughts?
Sean - On 2018-11-29 by Dan

by (mod) - He said the structural integrity of the tank is fine

Well since your site expert can see the system and I cannot I'm certainly inclined to trust his opinion.

The critical thing is that the tank cover is safe and that there's no risk of collapse and someone falling in.

Signs that Septic System is at End of Life FAQs

Tip: See the indications of and definitions of septic system failure given at

• SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS
• SEPTIC FAILURE CRITERIA

Septic tank is overflowing and also backing up after rain.

Septic tank running over and backing up after huge rain. Will it dry out once grown dries up? On 2018-11-26 by KenS

by (mod) -

Ken

Unfortunately if your septic system fails and backs up in wet weather than the system is genuinely in trouble and is going to need repair or replacement.

It's not going to suffice to observe that you don't see a problem in dry weather since what that means in essence is that part of the time you're contaminating the environment that is whenever the weather is not try.

Also if it's failing now it's going to continue to get worse so that eventually it will work at any time. You need some on-site diagnosis.

Why would my septic tank be unsafe and need replacement?

Great article, thank you! I have a system with a concrete septic tank that is 15 years old. I am told the ceiling of my tank is deteriorating and the entire tank needs replaced. How is that possible? On 2018-11-25 by Sean

by (mod) - deteriorating septic tank cover is unsafe

Sean

If it's a Concrete tank in the cover is deteriorating it may have been a bad concrete mix. You should get clear exactly where the problem is lie. That is is it really just a cover or is the entire tank in danger of collapsing. To make that assessment you'll probably have to have the tank pumped and inspected.

Watch out if the cover over your septic tank is not absolutely sound, someone could fall in - which means a quick and nasty death.

So the smart thing would be to rope off or keep people away from the area.

by Seam

Thank you for the info. I have someone coming out on Thursday to investigate replacing the tank. If only there was a warranty on a septic tank...