Over 698,000 strictly plumbing related posts
Plumbing education, information, advice, help and suggestions are provided by some of the most experienced plumbers who wish to "give back" to society. Since 1996 we have been the best online (strictly) PLUMBING advice site. If you have questions about plumbing, toilets, sinks, faucets, drains, sewers, water filters, venting, water heating, showers, pumps, and other strictly PLUMBING related issues then you've come to the right place. Please refrain from asking or discussing legal questions, or pricing, or where to purchase products, or any business issues, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions or issues not specifically related to plumbing. Keep all posts positive and absolutely no advertising. Our site is completely free, without ads or pop-ups and we don't tract you. We absolutely do not sell your personal information. We are made possible by: 
|
|
Author:
adkroot (NY)
I installed a new septic system last fall and opened the distribution box recently to see a few inches of a light grey sludge on the bottom of the box.
This system only serves the toilet, kitchen and bath sinks. No laundry or shower. We're vigilant about removing grease and any foods from dishes/pans before washing.
Is it typical to see sludge like that in the distribution box within 4 months of installation?
Thanks
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
DaveMill (CA)
It is normal to have some liquid in the distribution box, depending on how low the output pipes to the drainfield are mounted in the box. Liquids flowing in should flow equally to each of the output pipes. You should not see solids in the D-box.
If liquids flow in and flow out equally, with no solids in the D-box, you're fine. If you have solids or unequal outflow or blockages anywhere, call a septic professional.
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
WC (VA)
The main septic tank with a access riser would allow easy inspection -- and mainly allow installation of a strainer in tank discharge " T ". The strainer would stop solids from going to your distribution box and of course the drain field. If you do not already have one check Google. I have had one for about 3 years. The strainer is attached to end of a PVC pipe which extends up close to the opening. You remove the access cover held in place by several stainless steel screws. With cover open the strainer can be pulled up and out of the "T" and rinsed off with a garden hose. I check it every 3 months or so but it is almost always clean -- only one time did it need a real good flush cleaning. That's why I keep a check. IMO all septic tank installations should have this when first installed, but I suppose too many people would not keep check and maybe leave cover unsecured. If the top of tank is in good condition the riser and filter can be "easily" installed -- material only a few hundred $ depending on size. Labor unknown. ALWAYS keep the cover attached with the screws. Children have been known to fall in. Avoid breathing gasses -- but strangely when a tank is in good operation there is no really bad odor.
|
|
Post Reply
|
Please note:
- Inappropriate messages or blatant advertising will be deleted. We cannot be held responsible for bad or inadequate advice.
- Plbg.com has no control over external content that may be linked to from messages posted here. Please follow external links with caution.
- Plbg.com is strictly for the exchange of plumbing related advice and NOT to ask about pricing/costs, nor where to find a product (try Google), nor how to operate or promote a business, nor for ethics (law) and the like questions.
- Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.
Search for plumbing parts on our sponsor's site:
Special thanks to our sponsor:
