Upfront Septic provided septic pumping services at a property in Eatonville, WA, after the homeowner contacted our team for septic tank maintenance. During the visit, our technicians uncovered the remaining access points on the property's 1,125-gallon, two-compartment septic tank to pump the system and evaluate its condition.
Upon arrival, the tank was found to be flooded, with wastewater sitting nearly halfway up the transport line leading to the drainfield. When pumping began, liquid from the transport line flowed back into the tank, raising concerns about potential drainage or drainfield issues. Our technicians also observed a small trickle of wastewater entering the tank from the home's plumbing.
The inspection revealed several areas of concern. Significant root intrusion was present in the first compartment, entering through the gap around the main tank lid. Additional roots were found around the second compartment lid and transport line. None of the tank lids were airtight or watertight, creating potential entry points for groundwater and root intrusion.
Our technicians also discovered significant deterioration along the floor of the first compartment. The bottom portion of the divider wall on that side was deteriorating as well, raising concerns about the tank's structural condition and continued performance.
Recommended follow-up work includes a drainfield evaluation to investigate the wastewater backing up through the transport line, additional septic tank maintenance, resealing the transport line, and installing two 12-inch risers and three 24-inch risers. These repairs and evaluations can help address the identified access and sealing concerns while determining the cause of the elevated wastewater level and assessing the condition of the drainfield and tank.
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