Septic Tank Repairs and Replacement

Sometimes the leaching system is fully functioning, but the tank is no longer “water-tight.” The tank may be cracked and leaking, or the tank walls may be deteriorating. If it is determined that the septic tank needs to be replaced, we may be able to connect it to the existing leaching field. The leaching system must be determined to be fully functional, and the local health department would need to approve any changes.

Tank sizes depend on the number of bedrooms in a home. Bedrooms can help to gauge the number of occupants that will be living at the residence. Below is a chart to help determine the possible size of your tank. Generally if a garbage disposal is in the home, the size of the tank will be increased by 250 gallons.

3 Bedroom – 1000 Gallons
4 Bedroom – 1250 Gallons
5 Bedroom – 1500 Gallons
6+ Bedroom – 2000 Gallons

The inlet of the septic tank is where the pipe exiting the house attaches to the septic tank. This is where the wastewater enters the septic tank. The outlet of the septic tank is where the pipe connects to the leaching system. This is where the liquids exits the tank. Sometimes there is a filter in the outlet baffle that should be cleaned, or exchanged every couple of years, depending on the home’s usage.

The purpose of inlet baffles is to regulate the liquids entering the tank. This will prevent disruption to the germination and filtering processes inside the septic tank. The outlet baffle is designed to collect liquid from the center of the tank, where the cleanest water is located, and deliver it to the leaching field. The outlet baffle will prevent the material that the tank filters from exiting the tank and reaching the leaching field. If there is not an outlet baffle, and materials other than liquid make it to the leaching field, it can prematurely clog the system.

An inlet pipe is the pipe exiting the house through the foundation wall and leads to the septic tank. Sometimes these settle and need to be replaced. If an inlet pipe settles, it creates a misalignment. If the inlet pipe has a reverse pitch, it won’t steadily allow liquids to access the septic tank which can cause unnecessary backups into the home.

An outlet pipe is the pipe exiting the septic tank and connects to the leaching field via a distribution box or other form. Sometimes these settle and create a back pitch which can cause a false high liquid reading inside that tank that can indicate that there may be a problem with the leaching field. High liquids in the tank can also prevent more liquids from entering the tank, and may lead to a backup in the home.

The septic tank cover or covers, are how a licensed professional accesses the interior portions of the septic tank. Per the State of Connecticut health code, these are not to be lower than 12 inches beneath the surface. We can install extensions over the covers if needed to bring the cover closer to the surface. We can also replace covers that may get deteriorated or broken over time.

After proper soil testing has been conducted, we are able to propose a design to replace or install the septic leaching field. Depending on the situation, we offer a variety of options for repair. We are well versed in the most reliable leaching system designs. Give us a call today, and we can discuss any options.