Septic tank question/help

I recently bought house ( built in 20150)a couple months ago through an auction. Prior to buying this house we had a plumber( realtor called and set up) and had it inspected. We were not able to turn on the water to the house so he brought water in a tanker to test. He said that he placed 100 gallons of water into the tank and 4 hours later the septic tank was dry. He said there must be a leak and it failed inspection and would need to be fixed in 9 months per county requirements.

I ended up talking with family friend and he recommended talking to another plumber. So I talked with another septic guy and he recommended rechecking the tank by filling it up with hose and see if it holds water.

So I dug down and removed the septic lid and the tank is full. I waited over night after no one used water for 8 hours and tank is still full.
New at this game but this does not go along with the original inspection and I assume leaks do not fix themselves.

So looking to confirm my thoughts about a full tank after 8 hours indicating that problem does not exist or am I missing something in my lack of knowledge in the situation. I really do not want to have to pay for another certification but am worried about having original plumber back out. Any one know about septic tanks and have any insight on what they would recommend with moving forward.

Thanks
Geoffrey

Not sure about that but when a friend of mine inspects septic tanks he has to have it pumped so that he can see into it. Never heard of him adding water to see if it stays in place.

I can’t believe there would be an issue with a house septic system that was built in 2015? I would call the installer and have him check it and also certify it.

Sounds like the plumber that checked wants to replace it, or say he replaced it and make some $$$$. How could he tell it was dry if it was never opened up? Seems like a scam to me.

I would talk to the Realtor and ask for my $$$$ back for the inspection.

I would check the records with the county/city and see who has been servicing the system in the past. Call them and ask if there were any issues that they new of. If you can’t fid that info,
I would pay a reputable firm to re-inspect. IMHO it would be money well spent.

Sorry about the mistake in typing. The house was built in 2005 so septic is 10 years old. Plumber from what I under stand dug up and took off tank cover. Then had to put water in to see if it held water. I assume it was empty( dry) because house had been empty for about 9 months prior to inspection. I hope this makes more sense.

Contact your local health dept. There should be a permit and inspection reports done by the area Sanitarian. Most septic tanks are 1000, 1250, or 1500 gallons. A 100 gallons of water would fill it one tenth or less. If it’s full of water and there is no water service from the house, somebody either filled it up or it was filled by runoff rainwater or it’s cracked and is taking on ground water. Do you know where the ground water table is in that area?

The tank should not be empty unless it was pumped out. The purpose of septic tanks is to settle solids to the bottom, allow bacteria to break down waste and paper so only effluent (water) goes into the septic drainfield and then filters down over stone and sand. The outflow pipe should be approx one foot below the top of the tank so if it’s dry it was pumped or has a leak. If the house was but in 2005 and had water service, the tank could very well be full to the level of the outflow pipe. That is what I would expect.

Typically, I think, knowing if the leech field percs well is usually more of a concern. But your head is probably spinning by now from all us arm chair plumbers. LOL!

Richard Whitlock wrote:

The tank should not be empty unless it was pumped out. The purpose of septic tanks is to settle solids to the bottom, allow bacteria to break down waste and paper so only effluent (water) goes into the septic drainfield and then filters down over stone and sand. The outflow pipe should be approx one foot below the top of the tank so if it’s dry it was pumped or has a leak. If the house was but in 2005 and had water service, the tank could very well be full to the level of the outflow pipe. That is what I would expect.

Spot on Richard!

In my explanation i failed to mention that we are living in house an been running water(4 person family) for about 1 month. Plumbing working normal from what i can tell. I opened top of tank expecting it to be low due to leak reported to me. However, it is about 1 foot below out flow pipe. Sorry for left out info and i appreciate all of your help.

I think somebody is looking for some work where none is needed. Septic tanks should be pumped every four or five years to remove the sludge that builds up, but that’s more to prevent the stuff from getting into the drain tile runs and causing issues. A 2015 house should not have septic tank issues unless there is problem with the way it was put together.

If everything is running smooth with no signs of back-up I’s get on with living and less worry. But do flag the access cover in the event winter comes with a septic problem. You should do this every fall before the snow flies.

pass0047 wrote:

In my explanation i failed to mention that we are living in house an been running water(4 person family) for about 1 month. Plumbing working normal from what i can tell. I opened top of tank expecting it to be low due to leak reported to me. However, it is about 1 foot below out flow pipe. Sorry for left out info and i appreciate all of your help.

Water should be static just below the exit pipe to the drain field. If it is 1′ below you’re leaking somewhere. What kind of material is the tank made of? 1′ of water would be approximately a 100 gallons depending on your tank dimensions.

Tom Sawvell wrote:

I think somebody is looking for some work where none is needed. Septic tanks should be pumped every four or five years to remove the sludge that builds up, but that’s more to prevent the stuff from getting into the drain tile runs and causing issues. A 2015 house should not have septic tank issues unless there is problem with the way it was put together.

If everything is running smooth with no signs of back-up I’s get on with living and less worry. But do flag the access cover in the event winter comes with a septic problem. You should do this every fall before the snow flies.

GOOD idea to flag the access covers and I also cover the top every year with straw. This will hopefully keep it from freezing in the event you have dig in and inspect. DONT ask me why I know this!