How do I fix this 1944 septic system?

The house was built in 1944 and the septic tank is normal but instead of running off into a leach field in the ground, the gray water runs on top the ground.

The county says to get a professional to make sure it works before they inspect it because if it fails they will make us replace the whole thing. But, the professional cannot 'alter' the system (by putting the leach field in the ground) without the county's permission. He can fix and upgrade the system but he cannot alter it.

Catch 22 right? Got any cost effective ideas rather than replacing the entire thing?

Comments

  • Your field is either not working ( clogged) or the baffle is stuck.

    due to its age I would guess your field is not working.

    Have your tank pumped ~ $120. they can check the function of the baffle.

    they may be able to service the field as well.

    My best guess is you should start saving a bit for a new field.

    depending on use you might be able to get away with a pump out every 3 or 4 months.

    Too much water will kill a field. avoid putting washer water into the tank.

    My $.02

  • No matter how old the septic tank is it should have a leach field. Get someone who will hand dig a field if need be and simply report they repaired the existing field. The "pro" you hired hasn't given a proper explanation. Fix and upgrade should include repairing a collapsed drain field.

  • call someone else he wants to sell you a whole system but dont blame him i wouldnt want to work on this old of a system and then have the tank collapse in 3 months and get bad mouthed for the work i did when it was not my fault

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