Understanding Septic Systems | Ask This Old House
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about septic systems, how they work, and how to maintain them.
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Host Kevin O'Connor and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey meet at the shop to talk about septic systems. Richard explains how septic systems work, what they look like inside, and what homeowners can do if their septic begins to fail.
Septic Systems are Contained Units
A septic system consists of piping running from the home’s drain system to a sealed tank, and then out to a series of pipes called leach pipes. As waste is flushed down the drain, it travels down the waste pipe to the tank where it separates, breaks down, and eventually ends up back into the soil.
There are Two Chambers
Septic tanks are typically very large, with over 1000 gallons of volume, and they’re made from concrete or fiberglass. Inside those tanks are two chambers divided by a half-wall. As waste comes down the drain pipes and lands in the tank, solid waste falls into the first chamber, while liquid waste continues over the wall and into the liquid chamber. From there, the liquid flows out into the leach fields through the leach pipes.
The First Chamber is Where Solids Break Down
Solids that travel down the drain pipe land in the first chamber and break down. The septic tank is an anaerobic chamber filled with beneficial bacteria and enzymes, and these bacteria and enzymes get to work breaking down the solid waste and turning it into liquid. Once it turns to liquid, other solids will displace it and allow it to flow over the half wall into the liquid chamber.
The Second Chamber is for Liquids
Liquids land in the first chamber and then overflow into the second chamber. Here, bacteria and enzymes break down any additional waste that may exist, but once the liquid reaches the height of the drain inside the tank, it overflows out into the leach pipes, dispersing into a leach field.
Earth is the Last Filter
After the wastes are broken down and flow out to the leach field, it then drains into the sand and soil where it will continue to be filtered until it heads back into the water table. This is the reason why properties require perk tests, as the wrong type of soil will not allow the waste to drain properly.
Certain Items Don’t Belong in Septic Systems
Septic systems are great at breaking down waste, but some items don’t belong. For instance, sanitary products, baby wipes, grease, dental floss, and other items that are flushed down drains can disrupt the harmony in a septic system. For the most part, these items float over the top of the other waste in a layer known as a “scum layer.” However, if these items make their way to the leach pipes, they can quickly clog the system and prevent it from draining properly.
Also, certain solutions like paint and other chemicals can actually kill the beneficial bacteria and enzymes inside the tank. This will prevent the breakdown of waste, and result in a backup, requiring the homeowner to call and have the system pumped out and restored.
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Understanding Septic Systems | Ask This Old House
/ thisoldhouse
This is way better than some generic 3D animation. A human who is passionate and a little scale model he built to help teach. Like the good ol days.
Def
Ok boomer
@@GOAT_GOATERSON aren't you busy being taught gender theory in social studies?
@@-eternal boomer😂
I very much agree!
These guys have been helping me around the house for 30+ years. I've learned to do about 95% of the stuff around my house from watching This Old House since I was 15 years old.
What?
YES ME TOO, SINCE LATE 70s or early 80s
PBS does put out good informational shows. Wish they would do one for car maintenance too, been watching scotty kilmer and he's too manic.
This old house never gets old
This old house has always been old. It's in the title.
Excellent model, Richard! As a proud owner of a septic system, I didn’t have a clue how they worked when we bought our house a couple years ago. This video and the others like it you’ve made in the past explaining septic (and heat pumps!) have really helped me understand the systems in our house. Great work guys, keep it up!
And just how proud of an owner are you? Have you written a song about your septic system? Have you held a ritual in honor of your septic system? How about a poem? Have you written a poopy poem? Go on, tell us about how proud you are😂🙃🙃🙃
just a word of advice from a fellow septic owner there is a screen on the inlet to the first tank its a stinky job but pull it out and clean at least every year you'll thank me.
A proud septic tank owner?
Proud?
Yea this dude is nuts lol 😂
I'm going to college for writing, but sometimes I wish I had gone into plumbing. When I was a kid I watched TOH all the time and even back then I remember always loving every time Richard would show up on screen to talk about plumbing or heating. It didn't matter if my house didn't have a gas line or a boiler system It was still absolutely amazing to watch someone so passionate about what he does.
You'll have much better job security and a higher wage as a plumber, and with all the time you save making more per hour you can write.
Oh yeah, and no student debt.
@My username is longer than you would expect Absolutely right! Gone are the days of "you have to have a college degree." Especially if writing is your passion. There's absolutely no reason to subject yourself to the college scam and spend your life paying off a pointless debt. Be a plumber and feel good about yourself as you take care of your family. And keep writing at the same time.
dont
Plumbing, carpentry, electrical, or HVAC: you will have a job forever because only really smart people can do those jobs. Whatever you choose, best of luck and thank you
@@Jamie-1985 I used to be a chef, its a universal skill, you can be a chef anywhere in the world. Then I went into mining, machine operator to chase the money. Now Im finishing up my commercial helicopter license so I can do something i truly love. I dropped out of uni doing Biomedicine for cooking drugs and ended up inside. Then turned life around. Always make the best of every opportunity!
Make sure to get a high end lint filter for the washer, polyester lint is a huge killer of drain fields.
That shouldn't be making it to the leach field. That, and everything else, should be pumped from the septic tank on a regular basis.
Great video w/ clear, concise description of how a Septic System works, what can damage it & how to ensure functionality.
All in 6 mins!
I got my septic pumped out last year and the guy almost immediately said "that's what I like to see" and "this is a nice healthy tank." Made me feel good and also made me realize that some people take their job seriously and probably get really annoyed when some tanks are filled with things that aren't supposed to be there.
mine too. i baby it anyway.
Great resource:
Septic Protector -- YT
I bought their book and washing machine filter.
P.S. I was in a local restaurant, overheard couple next table complaining about their vacation home "just" having a septic tank which "poisoned the ground".
Couldn't help myself. Leaned over, "excuse me", a proper sept tank returns clean water plus valuable nutrients. It's quite the opposite of "poison".
Another problem with city disposal systems is the water is usually run into a river or lake after treatment -- it's not returned to the local water level.
Retired librarian
You seem very skilled in this field. Can you tell me how exactly should the inlet and outlet pipes be?
To give you a little background to our problem. Ironically, my father is a civil engineer, but he's passed the age of retirement, so he doesn't actually remember things he learned in the Engineering University much, and the fact that he monitored roads and bridges' constructions his whole life means that he has no practical experience of constructing houses before.
We're building our house, and we've never felt this task being so difficult before, except when we reached the septic tank construction. My father wants things perfect and he is unable to get work done his way because of doubts that arise by people's suggestion (this includes insufficient information provided by engineers, plumber's and worker's experiences -- usually evolving around the trends in their hometowns and our neighbours' adamant suggestions in-contrary to my father's logic.
Now, to cut this short: we have built our Septic tank of 3 chambers. The inlet has 2 pipes, one of them has an elbow and the other has a T, attached to their ends which are then extended about a foot below to enter the flushed water; the outlet, on the other hand, has a T attached to the end without any extended pipes.
Now, my father got one of the inlet pipes' elbow's top cut into a 2''x2'' box to let the inlet gases escape (as he sees that to be the purpose of a T, and because our plumber already had installed an elbow -- without a consultation -- my father found it to be sensible to get the top part removed).
I don't exactly know what he did is right or not, but he finds it okay. Now, because our neighbour argues against even for T to be installed, he finds it odd for the elbow's top to be removed (which even I found absurd when my father told me what he did). This in retrospect, my father is now not sure if what he has done is right thing, and whether he should remove that elbow, add an extended pipe and finally install a new T/elbow.
It is all a mess! I need a faster answer because my father will find a way to fix it himself tomorrow. I don't want something wrong to happen again. Therefore, a faster answer would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I was told by a guy that installs septic systems that one of the worst things for the leach field is laundry lint. I installed a fine screen with a frame that fits snuggly in my laundry sink about 3” from the bottom, clean it out every couple of weeks.
This is very true, because most clothing fibers are synthetic and never break down.
We all just want someone who would describe us as that man describes the septic system 😂 wow. I love him and I loved his explanation and his passion for septic tanks.
I've had mine since new for 43 years, standard 2 story house. I've had it pumped out and cleaned every 3-5 years throughout its life. Pump and clean around $250.00. Maintaining properly will last a lifetime maybe more.
Glad you posted basic maintenance info. Proper maintenance is essential.
I wonder about the 3-5 years thing now that so many people work from home. My wife and I both went in 5 days a week, so lunches, coffee, bathroom, etc. weren't happening at home. Now we're both working from home almost 100% of the time. I have to think the intervals for cleaning need to be reconsidered for these changes in use.
3-5 years is accurate even for a family of 5 if you don't put things in there you shouldn't. Unless you unwisely have a garbage disposal going into a septic tank, or flush solids down besides poo and TP, then you should at least get those 3 years between pumping it out.
How about if all the bathrooms, kitchens and laundry pipes bypass the first compartment and go straight to the drainage compartment/filter.
All the toilet pipes can go to the first compartment and overflow from there to the 2nd and 3rd compartments respectively.
An effluent filter can be added before the lateral lines - ongoing filter cleaning is needed, can greatly increase the life of the leach field. Also, a grease trap can help - also needs cleaning. I think it would help if the grey water were plumbed to the 2nd chamber of the septic tank - taking long showers tends to push floating material into the laterals
You seem very skilled in this field. Can you tell me how exactly should the inlet and outlet pipes be?
To give you a little background to our problem. Ironically, my father is a civil engineer, but he's passed the age of retirement, so he doesn't actually remember things he learned in the Engineering University much, and the fact that he monitored roads and bridges' constructions his whole life means that he has no practical experience of constructing houses before.
We're building our house, and we've never felt this task being so difficult before, except when we reached the septic tank construction. My father wants things perfect and he is unable to get work done his way because of doubts that arise by people's suggestion (this includes insufficient information provided by engineers, plumber's and worker's experiences -- usually evolving around the trends in their hometowns and our neighbours' adamant suggestions in-contrary to my father's logic.
Now, to cut this short: we have built our Septic tank of 3 chambers. The inlet has 2 pipes, one of them has an elbow and the other has a T, attached to their ends which are then extended about a foot below to enter the flushed water; the outlet, on the other hand, has a T attached to the end without any extended pipes.
Now, my father got one of the inlet pipes' elbow's top cut into a 2''x2'' box to let the inlet gases escape (as he sees that to be the purpose of a T, and because our plumber already had installed an elbow -- without a consultation -- my father found it to be sensible to get the top part removed).
I don't exactly know what he did is right or not, but he finds it okay. Now, because our neighbour argues against even for T to be installed, he finds it odd for the elbow's top to be removed (which even I found absurd when my father told me what he did). This in retrospect, my father is now not sure if what he has done is right thing, and whether he should remove that elbow, add an extended pipe and finally install a new T/elbow.
It is all a mess! I need a faster answer because my father will find a way to fix it himself tomorrow. I don't want something wrong to happen again. Therefore, a faster answer would be much appreciated. Thanks!
This was a wonderful presentation and explanation of the workings of a septic system. Richard is a professor of master plumbing and always learning with each TOH episode.
That was by far the best demonstration of a septic system. Being a country boy I know all about them having grown up with them and actually installed a few myself. We never had our tank pumped, were diligent about what went down the pipe, had some of the greenest grass over the leach field. Every spring we would pull effluent from the tank and fertilize the garden with it and had what i call Chernobyl carrots, they were huge. It was a messy job but my parents kept a septic system for 30 years with no issues other than really thick green grass.
Sorry to say Rick thick lush green grass,is one of the first signs of a problem, It usually means the ground is no longer absorbing the effluent
I had 3 houses with septic systems over 38 years and never (thank God) had any trouble. As far as flushing things down the toilet, I had a rule: if you haven’t eaten it don’t put it in there.
I have a cesspool and we have the same exact rule with positive results
then where did you put the toilet paper, in the garbage bin when you were done? Or if you had a shower, you didn't eat the soap... did you save the soapy water? FFS.
@@MyKonaRC yes In the trash. And things like soap, etc just gets diluted in the water. It’s pretty much negligible
@@Techmatt167Official So you had poopy toilet paper in the trash can???
If you ate a carburetor, you may have gas! 😅
20yrs ago my parents had a home with a septic system. I still remember how green and soft the grass was towards the leach field. The leach area or tank had problems though which caused a backup.
I remember being a kid in the late 8s and I noticed that there was always one rectangular patch of grass that just would not grow like the rest of the lawn. Asked my dad why that was and he explained that was where the tank was buried just below the surface and much of the rest of the backward was tile field so the grass was always nice and green in those areas. Made it really easy to find the tank when we needed to get it pumped.
My house was built in 1870 before they had septic tanks and city sewers. The only bathroom was on the second floor and used gravity to flow into a dry well in the back yard. It now has city sewers but when digging in the back yard I uncovered the dry well and made sure it stayed closed up !!
Very good video! I learned something. My question is where does the top screen stuff such as toilet paper and grease go to? Doesn’t that have to be removed?
First time off grid, septic, this video really taught me so much, thanks!
One of the greatest series ever created!
As a Licensed Septic Professional with over 20 years of experience, I can tell you that not every Septic Tank has 2 Compartments like his cut away model. In fact, most residential Septic Tanks are just one single compartment with no partician or divider in them. To be clear, the size of the tank is usually dictated by the size of the house or more specifically, the number of bedrooms. I think because Richard Trethewy is a Licensed Plumber in Massachusetts, he's probably assuming that every state does things like they do. Thankfully, that's not the case, because Massachusetts has Title 5, and most states don't. In fact, in Massachusetts Septic Systems are overpriced as a result of all the ridiculous rules and regulations. Sadly, it's not uncommon for homeowners to pay over 30 thousand dollars for a new or replacement Septic System, which doesn't make sense to me. In any case, the most important thing for any homeowner to know about Septic Systems is that every state and or county across the country has different rules and regulations, which means no two systems are the same. Always remember that soil conditions and other considerations, like the water table and the size of your yard, will dictate what type of system you're allowed to have. Obviously, proper care and maintenance of your Septic System is the key to longevity, but no Septic System is permanent. It's Leaching Fields that inevitably fail, which can happen in as little as 10 years, but typically takes 30 years or more.
It would be great to have a TH-cam channel that answers and deals with all problems septic. Thanks
We use to use one tank, that was about 30 years ago, we currently use 2 stand alone tanks one larger than the other, one being 2.25 cubic metres the smaller one being 1.8 cubic metres, then for a 4 bedroom house its 2 x 13 trenches with concrete domes or plastic, then back filled with aggregate. these systems properly managed will last a life time, plus it shouldnt cost no more than $10K in easy digging soil, however, there seems to be a lot of red tape in Massachusetts, so maybe a Bio Septic System would be easier to install, still should cost any more than $10 - $15K
Soilair System or an air blower can be used to help rejuvenate the failed leach field. You have to make sure there’s no ponding of the water in the drain field. That air that’s pumped into the drain field helps the aerobic bacteria reduce the biomat.
Although a medium size, mine had 3 compartments.
@@messenger2099 In my state of New Hampshire, 3 Compartment Septic Tanks are not that common, and are typically used when an Aeration Treatment Unit (ATU) is installed in the 2nd Compartment because the 3rd Compartment allows the agitated wastewater to settle. In other words, the air pump stirs up suspended particulates in the effluent as the water is being oxygenated, which is why the 3rd Compartment is necessary. In fact, the Outlet Baffle usually has an Effluent Filter to make sure no solids can escape the Septic Tank and get into the Leaching Field. To be honest, I'm a big fan of 2 or 3 Compartment Tanks or even multiple tanks, because I believe that prolonged retention time can increase the longevity of the Leaching Field... just my opinion.
Two items to mention:
1. Natural enzyme vs Dried Active Yeast (also natural) which is (probably) cheaper and absolutely readily available; about 100g per 1,000 gallons tank, just flush normally and done!
2. Grease Traps basin which collects all the grey water from bathroom shower & all sinks, including kitchen- where most grease can flow into the system- flows into a small chamber (with lid) that allows water to enter in near the bottom and directly across, water exits just under the surface, which is fitted with a downwards facing 90° elbow and the “scum” just floats over the top without going into the septic tank- periodic cleaning and de-gunk keeps your tank grease free.
Hope it helps someone.
Don’t septic tank need a “breather” tube?
Thanks for the video, it was just what I was looking for.
I love when people find beauty in their work. The fact that he uses the word "beauty" and expresses with his hands while describing this system is awesome.
Best explanation of a septic system I have seen yet. Thank you Rich 🙏
I am putting in a new split system with a little bit more plumbing.
1. Toilets plumbed to a traditional septic system.. but only 300 gals to a smaller sized leach field.
(We considered compost toiletd.. but we live in California and a certain county which frowns upon it)...
2. Sinks, showers, tub, dishwasher & washing machine will be plumbed to a grey water tank then to a surface gravel bed slightly above grade of some fruit trees.
...we scrape off plates into bins for compost heap and are using old fashion screens in sinks to capture hair & food scraps.. do no need for a disposal..
We will use bio friendly cleaning supplies, soap and detergents.
🙃 hope it works...
You will eventually run into trouble because of the lack of water, especially in Cali, a friend reset his system exactly how you have described, it lasted him another two years.
i hope to own my own home one day. Been watching these guys for years
After watching numerous TH-cam videos and talking to people, I FINALLY understand how septic systems works.
Thank you
Very educational even for a 40+ year old like me. Thank you so much for this.
I'm very glad you did say that the septic system does need to be cleaned out or pumped out every few years !! I can't tell you how many people don't ever have their septic system cleaned out or pumped out . Most people don't even know what a baffle in the septic system is for . Only until it's backed up , then they go nuts . Good video !!
My ex-wife just bought a house from a couple who'd lived in it for 7 years they didn't even know they had a septic tank. I guess they thought it was magic. The inspector made them pump it out and check the drain field before he would sign off on the house. It was a good size house with a big tank and only the two of them thankfully so it was fine
@@JimDean002 Yes, drains are magic. Many surprises when moving to differing circumstances.
Great job on explaining how it works! I especially appreciate the suggestions to keep it working well.
Note: Hair does not decompose. When we clean out our hair brushes put it in the trash, not the toilet. (Or outside for birds to use in nest building, although if you have long hair good idea to cut it in half so they don't get tangled in it.)
Really interesting and informative. Love how Richard is so enthusiatice about the subject.
Can you tell me how exactly should the inlet and outlet pipes be?
To give you a little background to our problem. Ironically, my father is a civil engineer, but he's passed the age of retirement, so he doesn't actually remember things he learned in the Engineering University much, and the fact that he monitored roads and bridges' constructions his whole life means that he has no practical experience of constructing houses before.
We're building our house, and we've never felt this task being so difficult before, except when we reached the septic tank construction. My father wants things perfect and he is unable to get work done his way because of doubts that arise by people's suggestion (this includes insufficient information provided by engineers, plumber's and worker's experiences -- usually evolving around the trends in their hometowns and our neighbours' adamant suggestions in-contrary to my father's logic.
Now, to cut this short: we have built our Septic tank of 3 chambers. The inlet has 2 pipes, one of them has an elbow and the other has a T, attached to their ends which are then extended about a foot below to enter the flushed water; the outlet, on the other hand, has a T attached to the end without any extended pipes.
Now, my father got one of the inlet pipes' elbow's top cut into a 2''x2'' box to let the inlet gases escape (as he sees that to be the purpose of a T, and because our plumber already had installed an elbow -- without a consultation -- my father found it to be sensible to get the top part removed).
I don't exactly know what he did is right or not, but he finds it okay. Now, because our neighbour argues against even for T to be installed, he finds it odd for the elbow's top to be removed (which even I found absurd when my father told me what he did). This in retrospect, my father is now not sure if what he has done is right thing, and whether he should remove that elbow, add an extended pipe and finally install a new T/elbow.
It is all a mess! I need a faster answer because my father will find a way to fix it himself tomorrow. I don't want something wrong to happen again. Therefore, a faster answer would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Thank you, that was a refreshingly straightforward and clear presentation.
Only Richard could make a septic tank seem like box of chocolates! Great model .. good info
Never heard a septic system described as, "bee-uta-full." DOH!!
@@blaineedwards8078 Richard really knows his s--t.
What a coincidence!
I have a scale model, of a water treatment plant on my mantle.
It was an anniversary gift.
Exciting anniversary, I'll bet!
@@mikefitzpatrick1213 She promised a scale slaughter house, for our Silver.
Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. The service costs an average of $400 for a one-time pump.
Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often.
Your tank should be pumped if the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, or if more than 25% of the liquid depth is sludge and scum.
To keep track of when to pump out your tank, write down the sludge and scum levels found by the septic professional.
The service provider should note repairs completed and the tank condition in your system’s service report. If other repairs are recommended, hire a repair person soon.
But, Keep Notes about your Septic. Search and Look for a Septic Professional in your Area, If they have a Office, Perhaps Visit it, Ask Questions to Learn more. If you know Your Septic Hasn't Been cleaned in awhile, Perhaps ask them about Cost, Perhaps Ask them to do a Inspection and possible Pumping.
Knowing where your Septic is, is always a good idea, Making sure not to build or plant bushes or plants right on top of it.
I've lived in my three bedroom house for six years and we have seven people in our family. Haven't had to clean out our septic yet. A friend of mine hasn't cleaned his out for 10 years. My neighbor however has a truck come by about three times per year. I think every place is different.
@@fastrivers812 Have you gotten it inspected yet? should At least Consider on having it checked out. At least it might prevent a Costly repair bill.
@@fastrivers812 cheep pm we get ours pumped out every year its only 150 and thats way better then any problems in the house or septic field . each there own but every year is simple for us
I live in the house my grandfather built in the 1930's. Very simple version of a septic tank. After 80 years I finally had to replace it, it needed pumping out every year, sometimes multiple times a year. Finally gave up.
Had an aunt and uncle whose farmhouse waste disposal just ran out to the ditch by the road! When a daughter inherited she finally put in a septic tank.
Outstanding resource: YT "Septic Protector". I bought his book on septic tanks, including their care, and a filter he sells. Keeps clothes lint out of the clothes washer going into septic tank. Cotton, linen, wool natural fibers will break down. Nylon, etc. will not.
I get mine pumped out every three years. 1000 gal. concrete tank, 5 people, original 1974. System works great, so far so good. Have a good day!
he is the best with his mock ups
I rerouted my washing machine line to my sump pit, it goes through a filter when it enters the pit and then is pumped out to the drainage ditch at the road, I used to clean my paint brushes in my laundry sink in the basement but now I just let them dry out and toss them (rollers too), I just buy cheap disposable brushes and rollers now. Other than that it’s just the toilets and showers and the kitchen and bathroom sinks that go into the septic, my wife works for a local septic company so we generally get the tanks pumped every 3-4 years and I add the septic stuff every month like clockwork, 20 years now never had an issue, my wife brings the phone home on the weekends and just about every call she gets is someone backing up and of course they have never had the tanks pumped or it’s been a really long time since they have.
This from a chief septic inspector I met: If just black water were introduced into the system they will go just about forever with pumping out the tanks every couple of years. Other countries allow grey water to be used for irrigation and the like.
Great video.
Unfortunately for us, they don't allow us to use grey water for irrigation here in California. In fact the newly installed systems in California require a second tank. A new system in my area is easily 20k+ because of it. Its insane.
i have a septic tank that hasn't been touched in 50+ years, all gray water goes to dry well.
@@srharris88 I didn't have to read anything after the word "California". That state is a complete boondoggle and nothing surprises me about that state. I totally believe you by the way.
@@srharris88 There is a gardening channel called Epic homesteading. I didn't pay any attention to that video because it was of no interest to me personally. But I know he installed a gray water tank and that water I believe is used to water some of the gardens. Wonder how he was able to that? He is in San Diego County.
@Clarendon Lady just because you do it. Doesn't mean it is legal or not. Till you get caught.
Holy crap!!! This is amazing! Almost always been on a septic and never wondered how it worked. Thank you
What about laundry detergents and soaps, shampoo etc. Does that cause problems as well? My septic gets pumped every year. The baffle and the T’s had to be water jetted this year. I do have children that probably wipe their butt with half the roll each time so I’m sure that doesn’t help either.
You all are amazing! A good plumber is your BEST friend!!
I put in stainless steel strainers in all of my drains--the kitchen and bath sinks, and the shower. It is amazing how much 'stuff' is held in these strainers. The Japanese kitchens have a strainer that is about seven inches long and has to be removed and dumped into the garbage only about once a week. I have not been able to locate one here in the US but I will keep looking. I would also like to install a grease trap at the bottom of my kitchen sink's p trap. Grease is even a problem for central municipal systems.
Just purchased a sink at home depot with flat and/or deep strainer. Alot of these styles were on sale, probably a trend that never took off here.
Most people don't know what a bad idea it is, to pour grease down (any) drain. I pour it into a yogurt container kept in the freezer, once cooled down, and when full it goes out with the trash.
But anyways, just pump the septic tank out every few years. FAR cheaper than replacing a leach field.
Hair/tub drain, annoying! Maybe every six months, I open the drain, block the overflow valve, and plunge it through.
@@buzoff4642what a great tip about freezing grease. Thank you !
Kevin & Richard explain things so well. Enjoy watching their videos.
As always, I LOVE TOH....My old house turns 50 this year and, after a few years of denial, the ole reliable septic system is going to need replaced. Hopefully, the new system will outlast me.
"This is on my mantlepiece in my living room" Richard, I HOWLED!! LMAO
EXCELLENT vid for a beginner into this realm
I love you energy guys ❤, Thanks
Best and more clear explanation I've seen of a septic system.
Thank you, this was very helpful and informative. The house I am buying has a septic tank, so now I know.
I miss you Guys. Thank you for the lesson.
Wow, out of 1000s of videos, I just needed this one, Thanks a bunch
Well done. Also should add that if enough sludge/scum gets into your distribution field, it can permanently clog it up and you'll have to replace the pipes
I accidentally exited before i was finished my comments above. The model shown in this video will result in a Trickle into the septic field and cause premature lifetime of the field because of it. Now, if the soil is sandy, it is very forgiving. If the soil has a lot of clay, a septic field may not be a good option, and a pumpout system of the black water might be best. Pumping it out though onto the surface is not the best system because there is still a lot of bacteria in that black water. It is NOT gray water which would be from your shower or washing machine. The guy who said he was proud he never had his solids removed or pumped out is an idiot. Eventually both chambers will fill with solids and "everything" will leach into his field -- until the field gets plugged and the sh... now backs up into the house. Good luck with that!!!! On yet another point, there are so-called self-proclaimed and even certified experts on septic systems that actually learned from someone that didn't know too much.
So simple to understand. Thank you sir!
Thank You❣️
This was so unbelievable helpful you don’t even know
I bought a house last year with a hybrid septic system, sump pumps, extra drain fields, and an alarm system, been trying to learn how it operates, great video,lots of information
You have the new high tech one. Definitely keep it maintained!
@@volvo09 yea,we bought the house,no paperwork came with ot,even signed up with a maintenance Co local,part of ownership of the house,just trying to learn what I have
have it pumped every two years max and you will be fine....
@@jeffclark2725 glad you are learning... Knowing how your system works is how you have no problems.
Like someone who buys a car and thinks it "just works" and after they haven't changed the oil in 30k miles the engine is toast.
I've always been big on knowing what you have. I even try to educate friends on their well pumps or heating system.
@@volvo09 thanks
I had a new tank and a cesspit put in (it was allowed by the inspector as I didn't have the square footage for a big field). Installer never put an effluent filter on the outbound side and only two years later the cesspit stopped leaching liquid into the soil and I had a massive wet spot in the lawn. I had the system pumped, then I put risers on the tank and cesspit for ease of access, installed an effluent filter myself (you do not want to be hanging upside down in your septic tank but you do what you have to) and put a koi pond air pump in my basement and ran the hose to a diffuser in the cesspit to start aerobic breakdown. I also ran the grey water elsewhere. Just taking your washing machine off the septic will go a long way to helping keep your septic system alive.
I wish you had a video of that process.
I'm a fan of DIY, but it sounds like you, sir, took that to the next level! Hanging upside down in my septic tank is a line I'm not willing to cross. 😆
@@FrankHurt Someone was holding my belt, I wasn't completely suspended, just hanging over the side. I did tie my impact driver to my wrist though when putting the stainless steel screws in - if I dropped it I wasn't going in after it.
@@dalesworld1308 😆 I can't imagine why you wouldn't!
@@dalesworld1308 Too funny. To hear about, not likely very funny doing this.
I love the drain field filter for a septic tank. They should all be so environmentally excellent when possible.
Tree roots love them too. lol
GREAT video for city folks moving to the country who have no idea about this.. Imagine buying a house and putting a concrete driveway over your tank or field, because you never looked at the septic plan. And uh oh, you get a back up down the road, they come to pump and the fun begins! Thank you for posting this! It'll help a lot of folks!
Funny you should mention paint lol. That's why I'm researching this. I'm installing an outdoor utility sink, mainly, to clean paint brushes and rollers and keep them out of the house. What is the responsible thing to run the drain pipe to? I mean it has to go somewhere. Everyone's house is painted and the brushes / rollers were rinsed somewhere, I assure you. Help me out please
Bucket and water. Let the paint precipitate out.
i love that miniature model!
This was great! Thank you 🙏🏼 ❤
Fantastic video. Thank you.
Thanks, all makes sense !
This was an AWESOME explanation. Slow enough to understand but fast enough to not get bored. So what do people do when they have to wash paint and use harmful chemicals?
Let it dry out and throw away. What bushes out in a bucket, let the water settle out.
Harmful chemicals?? That is 100X worse than washing out a paint brush. Take those to your recycling center. If you are on septic, you afe probably on well water and you don't want to be drink those nasty chemicals than don't break down.
Just like changing the oil in my truck every 3000-5000 miles, I keep my septic on a regular pumping schedule of 2 years.
Excellent presentation
Thanks for this
What’s better than, This Old House? Nothing! 😉
This is a great visual aid! My new house build is in an area with clay soil and the septic system has to be aerobic. So a little bit different, but still your info helps a lot!
Trethewey is an absolute riot!
Another filter just before the “leache” field would be the best way of doing this. Possibly a yearly or more filter.
Great video. Question about the old clay pipes leading to the tank. Is it important to have them lined or replaced before there could be a problem? Thanks!!!
man, this channel is amazing
Great presentation.
Thank you for sharing the knowledge.
I live in a tiny town, about 12 miles from a city. I have a 1500 gal cement septic tank built back in the 1930’s, for my home. A few years ago, had relatives visit, and they were telling me they needed to dump their RV’s black water, so could I recommend a place to drive to in town? I said why go all the way to town? Just run the hose into my septic tank. I opened the access lid for them and in a few minutes their RV’s black water tank was empty. They asked if they should dump the grey water, too? I looked into my septic and it wasn’t full to the top, so I said sure, why not? So they dumped the grey water in and I closed the access lid up. About a month later, I had flooding from the septic in my yard. ?! I’d never had my septic back up before, even when I’d had several people stay in my home for lengthy visits. I called the septic cleaning company I’d used every few years, they pumped it out, and they recommended this expensive enzyme additive to get it back to running normally. I had to put in about three of those $90 + gallons, and my septic seems to be working okay, now. Something in that RV’s waste water, messed up my house septic tank’s way of ‘processing’ the waste water. We don’t flush paper into our tank, or let grease go down the sink. So to this day I’m not sure what happened, but I learned a very expensive lesson!
we should never let grease touch the septic tank: my father taught me this.
Great tutorial! Thanks.
I just moved to the country after living in the city for 58 years and have no clue about septic systems.... thank you so much for this video.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you guys. Useful video.
Rich T. is a BOSS!
What an excellent explanation.
I wish he talked about how bad draining your washer to your septic tank is. I poured about 2 gallons of rubbing alcohol down my drain years ago and it killed the bacteria and backed my tank up.
A replacement septic tank in my area could cost as much as $40,000 while a pumpout costs $250. I pumpout the tank every five years and I compost everything from the kitchen.
Why so much, its only a concrete tank, thats insane, to buy the tanks here and I need two, is $1000 for both., a excavator and operator at whatever your rates are should have the whole job done in a day, thats removal and re install.
If you have a garbage disposal, you have to DOUBLE the size of your tank and make the field bigger. Always put food waste in the compost or garbage.
Just a side note, you can add a cake of yeast every couple of months to encourage the breakdown of your waste. You're essentially adding good bacteria to your tank. The rid X isn't much different, just more expensive. My grandmother went over 50 years and never had it pumped.
Do not use yeast or Rid X in a system that has a tank and a drainfield. It will damage the system. If you have a cesspool which is different, knock yourself out. I have been in the septic business for over 30 years
Best one yet!!!
I inherited a vacation home that originally belonged to my grandparents . They replaced the original cesspool on the property with a septic system in 1964 . I haven’t had a problem with it since taking it over in 1987 . I’ve had it pumped and inspected several times .. the septic contractor said that whoever installed it at the time knew what they were doing. Thank goodness .. I can’t imagine what a new system would cost now in 2023 !
Fingers crossed yours continues to last. However, they do have a lifespan.
Around $35K to $45K in my state. Ouch!! Only for the well off financially affluent society.
It's really the classic plumber's lament
awesome explanation. thank you.
Excellent model and visual demonstration!
Thanking you ...❤❤❤
nice model demo
This was great, thank you!
Great explanation. Thanks gents.
the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.
We're new homeowners in CA, with a septic system. Home is 1960.
Please provide a list of products to avoid for sinks, toilets, etc to keep our system running smoothly between pumps.
Thanks