Need recommendation for septic tank pumped. (neighborhood, electric, property)

[Travelassie]

Originally Posted by MikMal

For some reason, the concrete tanks don't seem to last too long down here. I've heard of a bunch, and seen two personally (including my own), of concrete tanks that have failed. The reason given by the septic companies has been that the black water off gases an acidic vapor which in turn eats away the top of the concrete tanks over time. Granted, both of the ones that I've seen personally were around 30 years old (give or take some years), but I think I'd be more comfortable with paying a bit more for a poly tank. But on the same hand, who knows if I'll even be around in another 30 years??

Maybe it is the water. The septic tank at our house in Miami was the original one, put in when the house was built in 1958, ( making it 55+ years old) and it was concrete. It was still working just fine when we sold that house in January. We replaced the concrete top to the tank once after it cracked from a contractor's bobcat sitting on it for a while, as they were rebuilding the house after Hurricane Andrew, but that was it.

[saxondale351]

Originally Posted by MikMal

So, Saxondale351, what was the outcome today?

They showed up on time and the price was 5 dollars lower than the quote. It was full to the rim with solids. Skimmer was blocked and the line from the house was covered with solids. I know it was never pumped in its 11 year life. I think it lasted this long because it was only used in winters for many of those years. The Service person also said he thought it had never been pumped.

[HarborRat]

Originally Posted by Harbor Hopper

MA, don't do it!!!!!!!!! You are in the next "zone" for sewer expansion after they force my area on us. Have the hole repaired vs wasting the money on a new tank that you'll only get a few years use out of

I think the sewer system they will force upon us is a high pressure system (or something like that). From what I understand, you will still have your septic tank but a blocked off drain field. A pump in your tank will force the crap to the sewer pipes at the street when it gets high. The tank would still need to be inspected periodically too. All that and our taxes and water prices go up too, it's a lose-lose for us.

[saxondale351]

Originally Posted by Messing About

We had Gibson come out to pump our tank two weeks ago based on the recommendation of a neighbor. I wasn't real pleased with their customer service from the office so when the driver emptied the tank and told me we needed a new septic, I was skeptical. They wanted $3450 to replace it with a poly propylene tank.

We got a second opinion from Martin septic. They came out the same morning I called.
The inspection was the same, a 6 inch hole in the top of our tank, which appears to be 30 years old. They gave us a bid of $3000 to replace it with a new concrete tank. The office staff, as well as the driver who came out to our house, were very professional and they earned my business. The tank should go in in the next few days once the permitting process is complete.

I would never pay 3k for a new tank because of a hole that size. I can buy a lot of fiberglass and resin with hardener for 25 bucks. I bet I can repair it for 50 bucks or less. At worst, I would put aluminum on it and rivet it to the tank. put some tar on it and your good to go. For gods sake it holds crap. LOL.

[saxondale351]

Originally Posted by HarborRat

I think the sewer system they will force upon us is a high pressure system (or something like that). From what I understand, you will still have your septic tank but a blocked off drain field. A pump in your tank will force the crap to the sewer pipes at the street when it gets high. The tank would still need to be inspected periodically too. All that and our taxes and water prices go up too, it's a lose-lose for us.

Come on home prices go up more, I will sell and move to my hills in Missouri.

[Harbor Hopper]

It's a vacuum system and our anti-sewer group has been told numerous times that our entire existing system would be crushed and filled.

[HarborRat]

Originally Posted by Harbor Hopper

It's a vacuum system and our anti-sewer group has been told numerous times that our entire existing system would be crushed and filled.

Good to hear...if they are telling us the truth.

[born01930]

Vacuum system? Never heard of such an animal except on a honey wagon. Got any details Hopper?

[saxondale351]

Originally Posted by born01930

Vacuum system? Never heard of such an animal except on a honey wagon. Got any details Hopper?

I think he means its a pumper system. The field is higher than the tank and there is a pump that sewage ejector that pumps it out to the field.

[Harbor Hopper]

No, I said what I meant-a hybrid vacuum system. It's what our crooked county has been promoting for two years. Similar to some other neighborhoods' sewer systems. Every 8-10 houses there will be a control panel with vacuum station in the front yard (easement). Guess what happens when the power goes out??? CCU claims they will install backflow-prevention valves, but they LIE about everything else so I don't see why they would tell the truth about this.