Septic Tank Debris Field Concerns


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Old 09-05-19, 11:35 PM
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Septic Tank Debris Field Concerns

At the edge of our property is a small concrete fish pond. It measures about 15 by 7 feet in diameter. It is reverse wedding cake where the depth is about 1 foot and an area 3 foot round going to about two feet depth. It was to be semi temporary when it was dug. If you dig two feet down in that area you hit gravel and digging stopped when gravel was hit. The assumption was made that the drain field would have ended much sooner and this was just excess gravel. Especially since there is rip rap granite and such extending 5 feet or so past property line. Surly they would NOT allow your field to go to other peoples property. The the pond is not in direct line with the opening on the septic tank and it is about 75 feet away from the opening. Is there rule of thumb of a safe distance or does it go by the size of septic tank for a 3 BR house? Soil is very sandy and land slopes slightly parallel with field. Does anyone see concerns especially when it came time to sell? I was recently informed there are concern of crushing debris field regarding pool and pond. Has anyone ever heard that?
Also, Adding to concerns are fruit trees planted in line of field 50 feet away from opening of septic tank. A 6000 gallon above ground pool possibly over lapping field but not directly on top of it 25 feet away from opening (flattest spot in yard). A row of Leylands Cypresses along property line more the 20 feet away from field or septic tank opening. A current tree 30 feet high planted 5 feet on other side of septic tank opening which was there when we bought the house 20 years ago. As of date we have never experienced any problem with septic minus smell in lower bathroom which has always been there.
Assuming worst case scenario what is cost of new drain field or would it ever come to that? Thanks.
 
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Old 09-05-19, 11:58 PM
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You want to avoid putting trees, pools, ponds on top or in the near vicinity of your leach field!
 
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Old 09-06-19, 02:51 AM
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How old is the septic system? they might have a record of it [where the lines run] at the permit or health dept.
Locally drain fields are require to be at least 10' from property lines or bldgs.
Prices vary a lot depending on local labor costs and the type of terrain. Calling an installer and asking for a ballpark price would give you a good idea of what it would cost in your area.
 
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Old 09-06-19, 04:22 AM
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There is no solid "rule of thumb" as to how long your leach lines are or how they are laid out. Their length and layout depends on your location, soil type, when the system was installed among other things. Basically though if you dig and hit crushed stone you should stop digging as you are likely on one of your leach lines.

I have never seen areas of crushed stone just as a way to get rid of stone. There are too many uses for it on a construction site. And, since installing a septic system involves a lot of digging nobody digs more than they have to.

Trees 30+ feet away are not much a problem for a chamber type leach field but I would keep all trees 50'+ away from a traditional leach system. Trees can send their roots out much further than most people think and they are great at clogging lines.
 
 

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