Septic Load and Dye Test Poll

[Jack Pryma]

recently had this done for a home we are trying to buy. glad i did. home consists of 3 bedroom with a 2000 gallon cesspool. a regular septic or one who pumps them out couldnt do it as they werent licensed. we called in a licensed cesspool inspector. he introduced 400 gallons of clean water into system and took measurement. came back 24 hours later then followed up another day after that. the way he explained to me, cause i ask questions, is the 400 gallons introduced should have dissapated when rechecked. the system did FAIL as only 40 gallons leached out from the pool. glad we had this checked. the sellers are looking into estimates,solutions but my understandeing is a full replacement is needed and a failed cesspool is not repairable. may get a new drainfield or soundmound out of the deal. i also believe the health department gets involved in this as well.

[Jack Pryma]

the home that i currently own has the septic tank/cesspool combo that will hold 2000 gallons. here is our situation, it is 2 bedroom with 4 occupants. best i can tell, is it works o.k. and gets pumped out once a year. here is my question, has anyone ever tried the sewer additives like bacteria or enzymes that disolve the solids etc. the concept is there to disolve and open up crevices to allow more to seep or leach out. does it work or is it hype. any opinions appreciated. thanks

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Flushable additives do not work.
Have the system properly inspected, evaluated and pumped after inspection.

www.psma.net

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

If the system needs to be pumped out every year, that is a major red flag. Most likely the system needs replaced, and they are just buying time by pumping it so frequently. I have no idea where you are located, but many municpalities only require pumping every 3 or 5 years. Whenever there is any concern with a private disposal system, I always recommend the local Health Dept. be contacted.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

One home system, all underground, and if you miss a bad problem it can cost you $30,000? How much are you paid to take a risk like that? Best answer; nothing, I tell them to hire a septic system inspector.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

I agree, if you are not trained in performing an auxillary inspection, it is best not to do it.

[Peter C. Russell]

Originally Posted by jbraun

I agree, if you are not trained in performing an auxillary inspection, it is best not to do it.

I agree also

[Pete Campbell]

Originally Posted by rkie

How much water do you use to preform a septic Load and dye test?

1. 50 gallons per bedroom

2. 50-75 gallons per Bedroom

3. 75-100 gallons per bedroom

4. 150 gallons per bedroom

your question is as bogus as both of those useless tests