Hi everyone!

     I have some questions about septic tanks, our's is around 40 yrs old.  We have had some problems with the sewer flies, so Mr. Rooter was called, the diagnosis is a new tank.  Our's is a cement tank, the (baffles) are broken, there are pretty good size hole's in the cement tank where the solids are able to go out to the leach field, this is not good.  A couple of years ago we put in a new leach field which is working just fine.  So my questions are has anyone ever had to put a new tank in?  it will cost us $10.000 dollars, quite a chunk of change, thank goodness my Dad is willing to help with this situation, if not I guess we would have to build an out  house, he and I joked about this.   Has anyone else had problems with there septic systems?

Just wondering if Mr. Rooter would be the one putting in the new tank, which would be a big conflict of interest???  Isn't there a septic tank inspector at the county or city offices, to give you an independent opinion?  We had to have one check the site when our tank was put in 12 years ago.  He designated where the tank had to go and where the field lines had to go, etc.  Then he came out and inspected after it was done and signed off on the work.  And we are in an unincorporated area of the county.

Just a thought, hope you get it fixed, sounds like a real burden.  

Hi! I typed in "What are baffles in septic tanks?" and found a site that has all kinds of info on septic tanks and things that can go wrong with them. According to this site, baffles can be replaced.  I'm going to post the address:           http://www.inspectapedia.com/s…..affles.htm

Cut and paste this into your browser and check it out.  There's a lot of info.  Each area is different and has different rules about septic tanks, but there is a lot of general info on this site, especially conditions that can go wrong and even photos of septic tanks with those conditions.  Bad baffles was one of them.

Check it out and I really hope this helps.  At least it will tell you what can and can't be done with whatever is wrong.  Good luck and I hope it can be fixed instead of replaced!!!

Thanks everyone for all the information!  Yes 10K is very expensive, but unfortunatly this is California where you pay through your blank blank blank, I know I am in a mood today, Sam,  is sick throwing up, Mr. Rooter was here drawing up the plans for the county, so everything will be permited and legal, Septic tanks, leach fields are very touchy things here in Grass Valley, anytime the County is involved you must do everything by the book or ELSE!    If you ever were to sell your home, all of these things are on record and if they are not done correctly, you may have to have them done again, doubling the cost!  So I have resigned myself to the fact that a new pooper box will be put in, that is what  I have decided to call it,  The big Back Hoe will be here tomorrow to start the BIG Dig, to bad Sam is 13,  if he was 5,  he might find all of this interesting.  They can't remove the old tank, so they have to dig a new hole next to it, in order to put it in, it will have riser's,  "YIPPY" so it will be easy to get to, instead of digging down four feet in clay dirt.  Hubby did not appreciate that dig!

I am very blessed to have family that can help us out in situations like this.  Hubby and I at some point would love to move out of California,   I won't touch that subject.  Thanks again for all of your support.

Thank you Pete!  it is in an area where there is not alot of foot traffic, or car's to go over it.  We have 6 dog's four are mine and two are my tenants, so this should be interesting tomorrow, I call it the doggie day care around here.  I asked that they call first and not show up at 6:a.m. out of the blue, so I can take care of the animals.

More Poop talk!  The guys are here with the backhoe digging away to china, its over 100 here today HOT as you know what, a great day for the poor fellow to be out in the sun, no shade, did I mention that?  I have been the water girl today.  Very exciting, the backhoe showed up at 8:00 instead of 9:30 dropped off by a BIG SEMI TRUCK down our narrow dirt road, I thought my husband was going to have a heart attack, but he kicked it in gear and as always took care of the situation.  A cement pooper tank will be put in place sometime this week I hope, Mr. Rooter said it will last 50 year's,  I told him that I would not be around in 50 yrs!  we had a good laugh over that.  The dogs are very excited, Gus is trying to help, Jada is just scared and hiding, I have never seen Peanut so scared in all of his life when I took him out for a walk, and Sandy was trying to steal all of Jada's toy's since she was hiding.  Hannah and Bo are basking in the shade with the mister on them and two swimming pool's to play in, they really have such a good life, except for having to swat the occasional fly.  It really is Doggie Day Care around here.

Hi, I am pooped, you would think that I was the one that had to do all the work!  They are not finished yet, the pumper could not make it out sooooo we have to wait until Mon. in order for the old tank to be pumped again! then they fill it up with gravel and dirt.  It is quite fragrant outsidebut the new tank is in and all hooked up, very exciting.  I told Mr. Rooter that I was very mad at him, when he asked why, I told him I wanted a swimming pool! not a pooper tank!  he told me that they fill the new tank with water and I could go swimming! I declined.  Gus my friends lab is going to get a hard hat, he made friends with all the guy's and was outside telling them how to do their job!  I swear he is human, he even had lunch with them, drooling all over their food, the guys did not seem to mind, they got a kick out of him.  I just hope we don't have to fish any animals out of the old septic tank this weekend because it is still open.  The new tank is all cement with cement baffles a 1500 gallon tank, quite the pooper tank, to bad you can't drive it!  There is just dirt everywhere, very attractive and the dog's of course love it!  The wind is blowing and the tractor was kicking up dirt all day, so no house cleaning for me, what's the point!  I gave all the guy's egg's and jam, they were so happy!  I don't think many people are that nice to them.

Wow, Grandmatotwochicks, it sounds like one ordeal you're glad is over. Phew!  I hope all goes well with

this new tank.  I think I'd be out there with a canon, guarding that tank so no one even got near it, let alone drive over it.  I'm glad it's over with.  At least you know what you've got now and I think a new septic would up the value of your home!  Keep records of what you improve and replace.  May come in handy someday. You have a nice day!