How To Repair Leach Lines

Unclog a Septic Leach Field

Information technology is ofttimes possible to make clean and renew a clogged septic leach field instead of replacing the drain field lines.

Septic field lines can neglect to drain when heavy solids accumulate and block perforations in the lines. This is commonly seen in septic systems that are more than 20 years old.

Annotation: when a septic arrangement that'southward less than xx years old fails to bleed, information technology's sometimes a sign of tree roots clogging the lines, issues with the surrounding soil, structural damage to a pipe, or a faulty design.

You tin use a sewer jetter to clean perforated PVC septic leach field lines from 2" to 6" ID.
- A sewer jetter can help yous scrub abroad viscous sludge and affluent out dirty residue to assistance reduce the need for subsequent cleaning of the lines.
- A Needle Nose™ drain cleaner is a sewer jetter with a tougher, braided steel jacket and a special meaty nozzle tip that allows it to pass through more types and sizes of drains.
- A gas pressure washer rated two.0 GPM to 4.0 GPM is usually required, since septic sludge can take pregnant force to scrub and flush out of the line. Electric pressure washers don't have sufficient power to scrub and flush the heavy sludge.
- Information technology'south usually recommended to locate and betrayal through digging the downhill finish of each septic line, excavation a large enough hole under each cease for the sludge to flow out and accumulate as you make clean the opened line.
- Another approach is to locate and expose the distribution box and and so feed the sewer jetter by hand through each line that exits the box. However it'southward more difficult to thoroughly affluent the sludge uphill toward the opened box, and you'll need to pump out the heavy residue that flows back into the box.
- If starting from an uphill opening or distribution box, the septic field lines should be allowed to bleed or exist pumped costless of standing fluid so that they comprise mainly biomat solids, since nozzle jets produce virtually no cleaning and flushing action when fully submerged in liquid.
- For more details you tin watch this iii minute video (part of Steve Maxwell's do‑information technology‑yourself Septic Organisation Rescue video class).
- Note: a sewer jetter that'due south powered by your force per unit area washer tin can't clean septic field lines fabricated of flexible hose less than 2" ID, or septic fields that consist of interlocking plastic chambers greater than 6" ID.
- Important: if you lot believe that there could exist tree roots in the septic leach field lines:
- If at that place are many fine tree roots, yous may be able to loosen the roots with a sewer jetter, and and then pull out the long strings of roots by manus or by using a rented mechanical drum auger that has a root cutting blade.
- If there are larger tree roots in the line, you might need to start by using a rented mechanical drum auger with a root cutting blade to dislodge the roots, and then affluent the line with a sewer jetter to remove the septic sludge.
To make clean the septic leach field with a sewer jetter:
- Put on fluid resistant work gloves and centre protection. Use extra care if you believe the bleed might comprise bleed cleaning chemicals.
- Connect the drain cleaner to your trigger gun, get-go the force per unit area washer, and then guide the nozzle at least a foot into the exposed septic field line opening before y'all showtime the flow of h2o.
- Guide the sewer jetter into the line equally you squeeze the trigger. For more than thorough cleaning, every few anxiety pull back nigh halfway and so proceed moving forrard.
- Later you have finished cleaning the line, pull the drain cleaner out. Use care to release the trigger to stop the flow of h2o before the nozzle reaches the opening. Then replace any fittings, check the system, and restore the make full dirt.
If you're not comfortable performing whatsoever of these steps, hiring a septic service visitor could relieve y'all coin in the long run. To notice a service company in your area:
- Outset past asking family, friends and co-workers to recommend a visitor that has performed similar services for them.
- If you are unable to notice a good recommendation from someone y'all know, search local directories like Google Maps, Yelp and CitySearch for service companies nearby who have skilful online reviews. Don't always trust reviews from individuals who published very few other reviews, or from people who give only positive reviews to everyone. Be aware that proficient service providers sometimes go a modest number of negative reviews for reasons that might not exist relevant to your situation. Look for a company with several reviews that tell a positive, believable story virtually repairs that are similar to yours.
- After yous find one or more service companies that seem to have a proficient reputation, search online for the visitor name and the names of individuals at the company, if known. Take into account both the positive and negative data that you observe about the company.
- Be aware that good service companies sometimes have a backlog of several days during tiptop times when there are low temperatures, heavy rainfall or holidays. Sometimes heavy demand can exist a sign of a company with lots of repeat customers.