16 Years Without Pumping a Septic Tank: What Happens?

Join me on a hiking adventure through the woods as we discuss the importance of regular septic tank maintenance. Today, we'll dive into a real-life scenario where neglecting to pump a septic tank for 16 years led to serious issues. From locating a hidden tank to discovering missing baffles and damaged drain fields, learn why it's crucial to stay on top of septic care. Whether you're a homeowner or a potential buyer, this video provides essential tips and insights to help you avoid costly repairs and keep your septic system in top shape. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your own experiences in the comments below!

[@bkeevers6719]

I bought a house and had it inspected before the sale. The inspection found the septic tank had cracked. They dug it up and found not one, but two septic systems on top of each other. They pulled both systems out and replaced one. Little did they know, but the drain in the basement was hooked to the lower system, and when they took it out, it had nowhere to drain to. 2 years later, the basement flooded, and the water had nowhere to go.

[@tammyschilling5362]

When we bought our home in MD 11 years ago, I made the sale contingent on a passed inspection, including septic. Turned out, some genius had dropped an enormous shed with concrete floor right on top the drain field. The owner ended up putting a new drain field in, along with a lift pump because of where it had to be located. Cost her about $8k

[@bradbowles1153]

We made the mistake of buying a home and getting a basic home inspection. We should have had a septic tank professional look at the system before we purchased it.
We ended up having to replace two drain field lines and the distribution box for about $3000. It turns out when the house was first built the driveway was designed as a single lane and eventually previous owners kept parking further and further over until they were driving over one of the drain field lines and the distribution box. Both were crushed at some point. We have our tank pumped every three years. It’s cheap security because these systems are very expensive.

[@workingcountry1776]

Parents have lived in a house for 20 years and never called a septic company. Ridex on schedule. House was built 35 years ago and no septic work

[@MDwellandsepticguy]

I have seen so many houses who ride of die with that product. There is so much research out there showing that it does not work. The best way to prevent drainfield failure is to keep that tank pumped regularly.

[@icon134]

I'm currently in the process of buying a house that has a septic system that didn't pass inspection, and the sellers are in the process of reparing the system.

[@emilyspiderman587]

Awesome video!
In your experience, what factors impact whether the lack of septic tank pumping will result in waste backing up into the house vs excess solids entering the drainfield?
In this case I would assume it not backing up into the house is due to a combination of the one drainfield still functioning and maybe the septic tank sitting much lower than the house (based on that retaining wall).

[@MDwellandsepticguy]

Thank you! If we assume that the drainfields are working fine and a back up still occurred, the issue for the tank would be the build-up of scum. Commonly I will see that people put flushable wipes and thick toilet paper down the drain. This stuff sticks in the front baffle and can cause a blockage. If the conveyance lines are trash, there is also the possibility that the clog ends up in there.
The larger issue is with the drainfields getting the debris. This particular system was still limping along because the one trench was good. The bio-mat plugged the other trenches up and will eventually plug the last trench should nothing be done. The absorption system will always be the most expensive portion of a system. For some reason a lot of people will try to save $300 in the pumping of the tank but risk $15,000 with a drainfield failure. I compare it often to trying to stretch out oil changes on a car.

[@bubblegumshoestringracing1498]

I had a septic inspection they didn't do anything your talking about

[@MDwellandsepticguy]

That's interesting. What did they do for their inspection?

[@bubblegumshoestringracing1498]

@@MDwellandsepticguy it was halls honey pot that did the inspection and they pumped it, I didn't see a camera but they said the baffle was replaced and basically told us what not to put down the drain