Septic crack in seal on tank lid…
Meatheadagain
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I’m trying to buy a house, and we had it inspected. The septic failed because “there was a crack in the seal around the lid to the tank” . I am quite experienced in home re-modeling, but have no experience with septic. I am wondering how difficult it would be for me to dig up and fix this myself, and what it would entail. I am also wondering what a rough ballpark price would be for having it fixed, so I know how major of a project this really is.
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Easy fix.
Just dig down to uncover the top of the tank. Install a plastic riser to reach the surface of the ground with a access lid. You just set the riser on top of the tank over the opening and back fill. Throw the existing lid away. Be sure to do both compartments. Probably about a hundred bucks for both.
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thank you, I thought as much after researching it. I am good at digging...
might even be easier
what exactly does "the septic failed" mean? if simply that a home inspector - not a municipal employee of the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) - said it had a crack it may mean the HI just wanted to write another line on his form to be able to bill you or the seller.
A 'crack in the seal', esp if the cover is buried under a few inches of dirt, is of no concern unless it is so big it lets dirt fall into the tank. All you need to do is put a piece of 6 mil black plastic over the cover and back fill with dirt.
A photo of the 'crack' would be beneficial.
If the inspector was from AHJ, then ya gotta kiss their ass and do what they want, usually.
Septic advice.
You need access covers because you need to pump your tank reguarly. I've heard so many times "my tank hasn't need pumping in x years." Yea, your tank may not have backed up in all those years, but failure to pump reguarly can result in solids being discharged into the leach field. This can clog the lines or worse foul the trench walls. The result is total failure. Pumping won't help at this point the leach lines will need replacing. If that's not possible you can always move. But you can't sell your house.
There are two ways to use additives. 1. Take your money and flush it down the toilet. Save all the middle men. 2. Lift the lid on the toilet, leave the seat down. Sit on it. Deposit bacterial laden organic matter in the toilet. This material has all the stuff needed to digest what you put in the tank. If i call it what it is the forum will substitute "jobsite word" for the s hit. Flush the toilet. Take your money and buy some beer.