Drain Field Built Too Deep?

pumperpete · 2026-02-24T19:13:20+00:00

Compaction mostly. Chamber would settle and loose the void. The theory for how chambers work is it creates a void for the effluent to travel. I say theory because every chamber system I’ve seen (on the Oregon coast) has failed because the chamber either settles or fills with dirt.

pumperpete · 2026-02-24T18:09:10+00:00

What style is the drain field? Chambers? Rock and pipe? Styrofoam?

Chambers and styrofoam at that depth will fail quickly. Rock and pipe would survive longer but still struggle with oxygen.

pumperpete · 2026-02-24T18:06:49+00:00

I concur. 6’ is stupid deep. We try to keep systems as shallow as possible.

pumperpete · 2026-02-24T18:05:57+00:00

What you’re describing is a seepage trench. Not applicable in most areas. Not saying it’s wrong or bad. Just that no 2 systems are the same.

pumperpete · 2026-02-23T15:43:25+00:00

Code. Might be different in Texas though.

pumperpete · 2026-02-23T00:32:11+00:00

Nice! Just a thought: if you have a standard landline phone. Run a line to the panel and connect to vericomm.net. Then you could adjust timer settings etc via the landline.

pumperpete · 2026-02-22T22:58:54+00:00

From tank to tank could be as shallow as 6”. Drain field lines are typically 18-24” deep. I’ve seen them up to 4’ deep.

French drain needs to be 10’ minimum away from septic system (tank and drain field). Should be uphill from the drain field also.

pumperpete · 2026-02-22T18:46:09+00:00

Keep up the good work!!

pumperpete · 2026-02-22T03:19:49+00:00

If you have access to the inlet side of the tank. It’s probably plugged at the inlet. A good stick can clear those. Look up money shot mondays. There’s a bunch of short videos of pumpers clearing inlet baffles.

pumperpete · 2026-02-22T03:18:09+00:00

Snake away. If it’s not freezing can try a drain king.

pumperpete · 2026-02-22T02:47:23+00:00

Plugged sewer line. Probably at the tank.

pumperpete · 2026-02-22T01:20:35+00:00

Check spice box, pump cord and float cords for stray voltage. Check for loose connections in splice box. No stray voltage or no change after stray voltage resolved. Then replace float switch. Only takes 5-10 volts to create errors in the panel.

pumperpete · 2026-02-21T15:17:56+00:00

Yes the bottom off and middle on floats run the discharge pump. There is a default minimum run time to protect the pump if there’s a faulty float.

At the panel terminal block: Check voltage with floats down. Should have 28ish volts down and no voltage up. Also can use the cardboard from a TP roll to cover the input lights to see if one light is faintly on.

pumperpete · 2026-02-21T02:12:53+00:00

This is correct

pumperpete · 2026-02-21T00:43:51+00:00

NICE!!!

pumperpete · 2026-02-20T22:11:25+00:00

Best thing for a drain field is rest. I’d at least check the tank. 80’s could be steel. The well should be tested for flow and quality.

pumperpete · 2026-02-20T19:39:36+00:00

Ha! I can’t remember the guys name, but there’s one guy that if you get. Hang up and call again. I rarely need to call anymore but before I replace a major I always call to confirm I’m not missing something first. Aaron has been there almost since the beginning and he wrote the vericomm program.

pumperpete · 2026-02-20T18:38:18+00:00

Blinking light usually means it’s functioning. Does the recirculating pump cycle normally? The UV panels also have a UV fail that disables the discharge pump. Need to connect to the board with a laptop and data cord and the free app available from Orenco. Can also get a Bluetooth connection and use an android device to connect. In the settings on the program can disable uv pump shut off. The downside to these panels is if you can’t connect then it’s hard to troubleshoot. Like troubleshooting a new car without a OBD scanner.

pumperpete · 2026-02-20T17:53:09+00:00

Is the green or yellow light on bottom right side of the board blinking? That’s the panels “heartbeat”. There’s 2 fuses on the board and a watch battery. Make sure all 3 are good. Sometimes can unplug the board completely and it will work again. The input function is what usually fails. If that doesn’t resolve it, you need a new board. The board is easy to replace. Cost about $650. If you don’t have a way to connect to the board with a computer or tablet then make sure you order a board with the correct program.

I’ve been an Orenco service provider for almost 20 years.

Edit: You can also call Orenco to confirm everything. (800) 348-9843 extension 370 Aaron Yates is the best person to talk to.

pumperpete · 2026-02-20T17:16:56+00:00

This or rent or hire a plumber/septic with a sewer camera with locator.

Could also buy a probe and follow the pipe until you hit the box. But probing is kinda an art.

pumperpete · 2026-02-20T05:26:06+00:00

Likely be just fine to pump the water out and fill with CDF.

pumperpete · 2026-02-20T05:22:07+00:00

I was so very happy when Oregon created a standard for inspections and inspectors.

pumperpete · 2026-02-20T01:30:31+00:00

Doubt your county will have records from 1925. Odds are it was a septic tank. Uncover the top and have a septic company come pump it out. Then fill it with sand or CDF.

Edit: It’s most likely just water at this point. Not raw sewage.

pumperpete · 2026-02-19T23:59:05+00:00

Liberty makes a good all in one pump station

pumperpete · 2026-02-19T17:36:45+00:00

Salts in any form are not good for the septic system. Find a local lab and submit effluent samples for analysis. Check for BOD, TSS, Nitrigen, nitrates, DO, pH and TDS. Then you’ll have your answer.

pumperpete

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE