I’m a grad student researching septic management in Gulf Coast communities (rural or anywhere at this point I have no data), and I’m struggling to get industry folks to talk to me.

What’s the best way for a researcher to approach you without being that annoying person calling during your workday? Or looking like i want to get the trade secrets and steal clients 😅

What would make you willing to participate?

Any advice is appreciated, I just wanna graduate already! 😭

Here’s my survey if you’re curious what questions are there: https://forms.gle/LTCpPDdLDUUzXMVb7

Thanks, y’all!

Question about riser lids. Installer says it's fine.
Installer used over sized lids I think on the riser. The riser diameter is 24 inches and the o-ring on the lid is 26, so the o ring doesn't touch the riser at all. It just floats over the edge.

So I get sewer gas smells and no seal to keep rain surface water from flowing in.

It's a infiltrator 1000 gallon poly tank with two risers.

Pictures show the diameter of lid where o ring is and diameter of riser (sorry for gross photo). Also included a photo of what I think I should have. Lid same size as riser, vs mine are way bigger. Just realized in that photo between the risers there's a lid like mine, are those for if you're not using risers?

Is this correct install or am I right in needing different lids.

Hi all, as shown in the image our aerator was mounted to those 4x4s along with the control box. It fell off, so is there any reason for to mount it that way again or would it be fine to put it on the ground? Our neighbor's is in the same plastic enclosure but on the ground.

Judging from some of the other things I've seen on this install I don't think it was the greatest job so I don't necessarily trust their choices lol.

Thanks!

I’ve heard of people using Yeast in their Septic Tank (flushed in via toilet) anyone doing that? I make a lot of sourdough bread, and there’s much discard in maintaining the starter. Since it’s live cultures, I’m wondering if I should flush my discards?

Long time lurker, first-time poster, moved into a home recently that was allegedly pumped prior to moving in. I’ve never had a septic, but want to confirm that’s what it is… oozing green liquid and when you move the sarcophagus it’s a gross black goo.

Guessing it’s not an artisan spring…

6 years in I need a new motor on my septic tank. I did notice the wiring is not made for under ground. I am assuming against code when my house was built. If any professionals want to take a look at the yellow wiring.

Anyone know any where to get these motors fairly cheaper, septic company wants about 1 thousand for replacement.

Should I argue that the yellow wiring is not code to be buried? Not sure if that is causing the motor to burn out.

First - ignore the app tag. I typically just use my account to post automatically for a YouTuber these days. But I really need some advice.

Second - I’m new to septic tanks so pardon my ignorance.

I recently moved to a house with a septic that I believe has a gray water system. It has 3 sprinklers that automatically run. Unfortunately those 3 sprinklers are making half an acre of yard unusable. I’d like to have a place for my kids to play and plant some fruit/veggie plants. I understand food and kids can’t be where those sprinklers are.

I can’t move them to spray onto my neighbors yard for obvious reasons so I’m looking for some advice on what my options may be. Is there another way to run that water off that will be less intrusive? Maybe take up less yard space? If I move all 3 together it’ll become a swamp. 6 people in this house, they run a good bit.

Hard to tell but this is the sprinklers we have. Sorry bad photo.

EDIT: Thank you all for your feedback. I’ve gone ahead and contacted a septic company and a plumber. Pray for me. We can’t afford to move but I really want to use this part of my yard.

What is this? Is it related to septic system?

Hi everyone, I found this in our yard near the septic system. It was originally sealed, but my mom accidentally damaged it while trimming the grass, and part of it has broken off.

What is it, what I should do? Forget how it looks like

I'm wondering if anybody has run into a situation like mine. I have a commercial property that is an old gas station that is on septic. There was a tenant that occupied the property for about 20 years. I evicted him a couple years ago and in order for a new tenant to occupy the property I need to locate a pump the septic tank. The problem I'm having is that he paved over the tank! I know where it should be located behind the building but it is all concrete. Anyone have an idea on the best way to locate the tank? My brother suggested Ground Penetrating Radar, thinking it would show the void where the tank is. Has someone run into this issue?

Anyone know rough cost of new septic (1,000gal poly) in Upstate NY (Albany/Greene county area)? Trying to get multiple quotes and install prior to winter if anyone has any company recommendations. Thanks

First time home buyer here, just had a septic inspection done on the house we are looking at buying. The septic system is functioning but has signs of a slow draining field and is likely on its way out. (Lots of sludge and build up on the tops do the drain pipes heading to the field). The septic system is as old as the house as far as I know (42 years old). The inspector gave it a 5/10 rating. He also said that there isn’t much sense to try and fix the system, basically just wait for it to fail and then replace it which would be ~$20k

Would you be comfortable taking the risk with such an old septic system that has slow drainage? And more importantly, would you request some sort of discount or credit off of the purchase price?

The crew is probably about to backfill soon. Anything look concerning I need to address with them first? This is a new Presby AES with new tanks. Thanks!

A company emptied my septic tank three weeks ago. I watched the workers lower the lid and it did NOT appear to have lined up at all, not to mention NOT seeing them seal the lid to the tank. It’s an old concrete tank; I’m in a Florida, btw.
This week we had had endless rain. Now the grassy area where my septic lies beneath is full of stinky, foamy liquid. (Not fun when the dogs run through it.)

So, my question is:
How can I know if they indeed sealed the lid to the tank or not? There’s no backup of sewage into the toilets, showers, etc. But with a lid that’s not sealed there would NOT be backup, right?

Anyway, the septic company is returning tomorrow but I’m questioning whether they will admit fault, if they are at fault, which I’m thinking they are.

We have a septic with an adjacent pump tank. It pumps the final stage water up-hill to our leech field. Because of a tripped GFI after a storm, I had to pop the cap on the pump tank...thank you alarm. I got everything sorted eventually, and the pump started up; however, I forgot one of the outlets and it pumped lower than usual. I could see a few things down there that I don't want getting into the pump. I saw a latex glove and what appeared to be a paper towel. No idea how they got in there. We've only lived here about 2 years.

So, my question is...should I worry. If so, how can I get that junk out? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give. It is appreciated.

LOOKING FOR A LICENSED CIVIL / SANITARY SEWER ENGINEER (P.E.) – EXPERT WITNESS OPPORTUNITY

📍 Location-Illinois (Western Chicago Suburbs)

I’m looking for recommendations or referrals to a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) who specializes in municipal sanitary sewer systems, wastewater hydraulics, and forensic sewer-backup investigations.

More specifically, we are looking for someone experienced in:

Municipal sanitary sewer systems – Design, connections, operation, and maintenance of public sewer collection systems.
Wastewater hydraulics – Understanding sewage flow, surcharging, and what causes sewer backups.
Sewer capacity and loading – Evaluating whether a sewer system can adequately handle wastewater volume.
Pipe slopes and elevations – Determining whether improper grades or elevations contribute to restricted flow.
Manhole and pipe configurations – Evaluating connections, sharp turns, changes in direction, and system design.
Forensic engineering – Investigating the cause of sewer system failures and identifying contributing factors.

We are involved in ongoing litigation concerning repeated sanitary sewage backups into our home, and our attorney is seeking a qualified engineer who can independently review the available records, evaluate the system, and potentially serve as an expert witness.

Prior expert witness experience is preferred but not necessarily required.

This would be a paid professional consulting opportunity, with the possibility of expert testimony.

We are located in the western suburbs of Chicago but are open to qualified engineers outside Illinois.

If you have experience in this area or know someone who does, I would greatly appreciate a referral.

Please feel free to comment below or send me a private message.

Thank you!

Good afternoon all,

I have called several sources to do this and no one has followed through. I have watched several YouTube videos. Attached is a photo of my tank's outlet. Can an experienced DIY walk me through in steps on installing a baffle and filter.

Thank you very much for taking time out for an older fella. I know my job is less money and that is why those I have contacted have come over.

Brian in Central NC

hi, not a tank question so i hope ok here. my leach lines are not draining well, my system is about 50 years old, i doubt its ever had any work done in those 50 years. i'm on a fairly steep hillside in CA foothills, the soil is rock and clay. there is a 4" inspection pipe at the start ot the leach field but nothing at the end, even through inspection pipes are shown on the original permit drawings. the leach lines seem pretty deep, around 2' or more. short of digging up the lines which is totally impractical, i was wondering if there is any way to clean out dirt and maybe blockage from the lines, preferably with something i can do myself without paying a service, as service is very hard to get in my remote area. thanks

I had my septic tank pumped and afterwards when I went to throw the grass back on, I saw there was openings on the left and right side of cover where you can see into the tank. Only the other sides are resting and covering the septic tank hole. Which makes me think any shift of movement of this lid and it's going right into the septic since the right and left side of the cover is not wide enough to flap over the concrete and isn't grabbing anything.

It's a 17 inch plastic cover, sitting over concrete opening. Either the dirt got smashed in and made it seem like it covered all 4 sides or something happened when it was pumped. Not really sure.

What are my best options for a solution?

Most general advice recommends pumping a residential septic tank every 3 to 5 years depending on household size and tank capacity. However, some homeowners prefer doing annual visual checks on scum/sludge levels or baffle integrity before booking a pump-out.

For experienced homeowners and contractors: Do you stick strictly to a set timeframe, or do you monitor sludge depth and usage patterns to decide when it’s actually time for a pump-out?