Repairing a failed leach field by Replacing a septic field with chambers

We replace a clogged septic leach field with chambers after the septic tank backed up. The homeowner dug up the field and found extremely dark black water. This is a sign that the baffle failed and allowed solids to clog the septic field.
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[@SheenaRea]

Not every day ya get to see a septic leach field. This was interesting. Wide range of projects out there! Thanks Shawn 🙂

[@GCFD]

Thank you Sheena! These chambers work very well. I installed them at my house too.

[@TheFatesLieutenant]

He should have pumped that tank out while it was open before the new field was installed.

[@GCFD]

We talked about it but he said the tank was pumped recently. He also has that nice riser (black round lid) so it's easy to access to pump.

[@sarahhood9624]

That tree was scary! And now I know more about how septic works. Beautiful drone work Shawn.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Sarah! Yes, that was a very dangerous tree to be messing with. The homeowner was surprisingly not worried about the internet line because he uses his phone as a hotspot. I'm thankful it wasn't a major disruption for him that I took out his internet.

[@saynotolagoona]

I was gonna ask if Ronald was still around. Haven't seen him in a few videos. Glad to see he's still with you.

[@GCFD]

Yep! He's still around. It rained here today and we cleaned up the shop and truck.

[@db0nn3r]

Thanks for documenting and explaining the projects you do so clearly. I just did a drainfield with different products but your video still helped a lot with certain concepts.

[@sentuhankecundang7351]

in Malaysia we just dig really deep hole and use concrete rings as a septic tank really cool to see this leach field system though nice video

[@nedjasa]

I’ve been watching your videos daily! Just love the authenticity, showing us all parts even when something doesn’t go right, and following up on projects just makes the whole video! Just keep doing this and you’ll keep growing! Thank you for sharing you’re work with us!

[@GCFD]

Thank you NJ!

[@theburiedlife]

Seriously one of my favorite channels on KZbin. Always entertaining and interesting.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I'm always going for entertaining and interesting (maybe even educational?). Thanks again!

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

The shower during work was a d!ck move. Thanks for showing this process, haven't seen a septic system installed before.

[@GCFD]

I don't think the homeowner realized what he was doing, but a stream of water started right as we were working there..

[@Matlockization]

I like your summaries right at the end as I'm learning something new.

[@colleenroux1512]

Absolutely learned something... I did have to Google the purpose of a leach field, I could figure it out from context but wanted to certain. Those chambers looked like giant corregated pipe 😏

[@GCFD]

Corrugated works well for leach fields because it slows the water way down and allows it to dissipate into the ground.

[@dcwshoreline5416]

Such nimble yet intriguing work!

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@allanb9360]

Another interesting and functioning job. The work just looks good as well 👍👌🇨🇦

[@terryhiggins9700]

This is the only channel that I give a thumbs up 👍, before even watching the content. Very informative, variety and workmanship. Outstanding.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Terry! Thanks for watching and commenting - Shawn

[@whip205inthebam3]

Shawn, WTG great job to you and all the guys and gals on the crew! 👍

[@patrickfrost007]

Shaun I’m a contractor near St Louis area and this is my fave channel on YT. Been in business since ‘98 and enjoy learning new things. Keep the videos coming. We appreciate your hard work and explanation of how and why things work.

[@GCFD]

Wow thank you Patrick! I have cousins near St Louis and I pass through along I64 (Ithink) on my way to Colorado ever year.

[@bobsmith6484]

I worked for a contractor in Michigan when we did a repair /replace a drain field he had the tank pumped so we didn"t haft to deal with the sewer water and it had to be inspected before we could backfill it

[@GCFD]

We would have loved to have time to get it pumped!

[@chrishelms1967]

Great job, always interesting how these things are done in different parts of the country....

[@GCFD]

Yes I agree. Luckily, this was a simple, gravity system so it wasn't too tough.

[@ron.v]

You said, "This double-split is perfectly level. I showed you already." Actually you didn't. You only told us. You speeded up the part where it was leveled. To explain to viewers what they missed, your employee leveled the double-split BEFORE glueing, then marked both the split and the adjoinging pipe. Once glue is applied, all he had to do was align the marks to know it was level. I'm so glad you made this video. My dad hand dug a tank and lines in the 1951 house I grew up in. He used concete & clay pipe and always had trouble with roots. In the 1970s, I used perferated plastic pipe and gravel for field lines. Less than 10 years ago, I had a new leech field installed where I now live. They used chambers like you. I wondered how it works. You just solved that mystery. Thanks.

[@brentking-gmailking2570]

Good job. Looks nice. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Brent!

[@bradley.loveland]

professional and informative - I enjoy the videos - Thank you

[@GCFD]

Thank you Bradley!

[@terryhiggins9700]

Enjoyed it thoroughly 👌. Very interesting. Thanks Shawn.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Terry!

[@tinkeringtaylor3053]

Great repair job Shaun, that tree was sure rotten, I think the guy could have gotten the tank cleaned out, job well done 👏 👍

[@GCFD]

Yes, I recommended getting the tank pumped. He said it was done recently, plus he has that nice riser installed so the tank can be accessed easily.

[@steverusie6986]

Great drone footage! You have really gotten to be a pro with the drone and it give such great angles showing what you are doing. Great to see a septic video, it has been a while since the last one. All Good 👍!

[@GCFD]

Thanks Steve! I crashed my mini 3 yesterday into the box truck and destroyed one of the arms and the camera. The shots were good though! I love how the drone shots give context on such a large scale and they have really changed my video quality.

[@JohnDoe-ft3qs]

Hey Shawn, great video and editing. I'm a huge fan of Ronald, dude is such a great guy

[@GCFD]

Thank you John! I'm a fan too!

[@anthonyfindlay466]

Hey Shawn, another one in the bag , great job as always, glad to see the main man back on the beat. Shout out to Ronald and tell him to wear his goggles when using power tools especially that saw, stay blessed and keep on keeping on.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Anthony! The best results I've had with PPE is to tell them "it's for the video."

[@martinworrall5888]

Great job Shaun 👍

[@GCFD]

Thank you Martin!

[@tomgriffith1952]

Shawn, nice work.

[@AlexeiTetenov]

Thanks for sharing!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Alexei!

[@Tony-InLosAngeles]

👍🏻 good job as always

[@GCFD]

Thank you Tony!

[@stevelindley191]

Omg crazy what some states let you do. I can't believe you were not required to replace that tank man....and always pump the tank before you do a leach field repair, makes things way less messy for you and crew

[@GCFD]

I would have loved to Steve! We had exactly one day to get in here before more heavy rainfall was coming. These things don't always work out perfectly with emergency repairs like this.

[@gardenman3]

I was supprised they did not have to put gravel around the chambers and have some kind of an inspection.

[@stevelindley191]

@gardenman3 inspection before backfill i was surprised about too. As far as gravel goes, those chambers are designed to not be used with gravel. It's one of the main benefits of using vs a rock and pipe type system

[@10lauset]

Interesting project as I'm a city boy. But when I lived on an island by Nanaimo BC (Protection Island) I had a septic holding tank which would pump the sewage into the sewage pipe of the island periodically. This island had running water, sewer system and communication hookups....the only island to have such things of all the Gulf Islands of BC. Cheers to you.

[@GCFD]

Interesting Laurie! This was a simple gravity system with no pump needed, thankfully. I've only ever installed gravity systems and the more complicated systems require more requirements for installers.

[@kubota33]

Great video You guys do great work

[@GCFD]

Thank you Kubota!

[@kubota33]

@@GCFD Your very welcome Thanks for sharing the video Well done

[@stevezamarron3830]

Best leach systems ever, mine are over 10yrs old and strong a 3axle truck can run over filled lines and won’t collapse 🇺🇸👍🏻

[@GCFD]

I really like installing chambers like this.

[@stevem1081]

My old septic tank was built from concrete block in 1970. I have all low flow faucets, shower heads etc, the blocks allowed more seepage than I was putting in, so my drain field never got anything in it, not even water. Then 2 years ago, it caved in, so new tank and the chambers. Although they required 100 ft of chambers here, I am in all sand and with my low flow stuff, I could probably get away with only 20 ft of chambers, if I still had my old tank, I wouldn't need any drain field.

[@juliehoffman92]

Fantastic

[@GCFD]

Thank you Julie!

[@calivalley9056]

I have never seen an install on this type system before, very interesting.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Cali! This was a very simple, gravity system.

[@douglascole3842]

In tn we have to run our lines on contour so they have the same cover when they run level. And you started the chambers backwards. In tennessee our depth for field line is max 24. To 30 in

[@BDHO73]

I hope you charged top dollar for this job. My stomach was churning all the way in Australia.

[@SavageChip810]

That drone intro had Andrew Camarata vibes. Nice work

[@redmatrix]

I've never heard of a leach field, so that's what I learned today.

[@GCFD]

Awesome! I hope you enjoyed the video!

[@AdamLProductions]

Ugh, I would never want to do anything like this. We had issues with our septic tank when we bought our current home. It had a drain field in thick clay and it never worked properly and we had constant surfacing. Smelled terrible. Had to change the whole thing out for an aerobic system. Works fine now.

[@GCFD]

One thing you can do in that situation is pipe the gutter water away from the field. That can do wonders for the surfacing and smelly shovel that is placed in the ground. I've done this many times with drainage systems and it improved the septic field. 👍

[@MikeHarris1984]

A few widow makers on there... Just send some guys that don't have wives to do the work around the tree/take it down... that way they are no longer widow makers, just killers :). Wouldnt you get a pump service out there first to pump out and drain the septic tanks so you didn't have to deal with full chambers? And then they start with a full clean new system and when the home owner decides to take a shower or drop the kids off at the pool while your working, you dont get hit with overflowing poo water. City boy here, had city hook ups at everywhere I've ever lived in Phoenix Metro valley area... Now I am in Far North Peoria (what people call Phoenix as the whole valley, but i'm in the city of Peoria), and just had a house built about 3 years ago and the land out this way is all solid rock... this is where at the rock queries are for landscaping, down in the riverbed about 200 feet from my house. Now all filled in. But no soil out here. I dont know if a septic system could work out here with all rock. But I have city hookups. all my neighbors that put in pools all had to pay for tough digs and use jackhammers on excavators to dig the holes for a pool... The community grade work flattened hills and all kinds of things and so we have about 2 feet of broken rock, then solid granite.

[@cheskydivision]

Definitely need to have clients pump out the tank before doing work in and around.

[@GCFD]

I would have loved to! The issue was we had exactly one day to get this done before more bad weather was coming through. We got it and got it done right before the rains came back. Then we had to wait for those to finish and things to dry up before we could come back and finish.

[@robertsalido1232]

Excellent Job as usual. Sorry I haven't bee around much. A few surgeries and a few visits with physical therapy. I am glad to see you in your niche. The concrete stuff was awesome when it was about your solutions, no offense, but "those other guys who help you," do not have the experience or skills you have. Keep up the AWESOME WORK, Sir.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Robert! I’m glad you’re back!

[@VocaEvolved]

I learned now what a leach field is. in europe septic tanks rare because all houses got a drainage into the city-recyceling-system more and more. just a few houses got a septic system mostly in little communtiys. but one question is open for me.^^ how can you clear a leach field when its clogged? i mean normally clear water goes into it but when the water stands and doesn't seep away? great video....i love see you with your team doing drainage-stuff....after when you're done, the land will always look clearer and better.^^

[@GCFD]

The old field was going along the slope back and forth and I went down the slope into clean soil. If the soil is extremely contaminated, you would need to remove that soil and replace it.

[@dcwshoreline5416]

That red soil is cool!

[@dcwshoreline5416]

All black soil out here

[@GCFD]

It's called Georgia Red Clay and has high oxides that give the red coloration.

[@SuperSasori9]

Hi Sean. Big fan of your work. Love watching your videos. Where do you get your pipes from? I've been looking at Home Depot/Lowes but they have a variety of them and being a complete noob just wanted to ask what I should be getting. I will be using the pipes to connect my down spouts in my backyard....too far from the street so I need to daylight onto the yard just away from the house.

[@Stratos53100]

Nice one, All that can be expected w a rotted out tree, good fall & missed the main power

[@GCFD]

This was a tough tree for sure and I was embarrassed I hit the owner's line.

[@nathanek6598]

Good Job. What is the leafy vine growing on all the trees?

[@shanewhite499]

Great job Shawn and crew. That was a big job. I know the homeowner is happy to have a working septic system again. Is there a code of how many feet per bedroom in North Carolina? It's 100ft per bedroom here in East Tn.

[@GCFD]

The codes are different in different areas. We have thick soils here, but they are high in clay so don't perc super well.

[@whiskey5jda]

You really should have someone come pump out that septic tank.

[@MrKamccarthyinc]

Good repair Shawn. Would it have been beneficial to dig deeper and lay a bed of septic gravel to help with percolation? Just asking. Where I live we cant lay baffles over dense soil with clay like that.

[@RW-to2fy]

I am surprise your company does not have pumps to remove water.

[@jeffcotton2235]

Don't septic leach field layouts need to be inspected by the county or the state? Just curious.

[@stevencorley2352]

Interesting departure from you "normal" jobs. Great intro by the way.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Steven! Yes, we've done a bunch of septic work but I've only put a few videos up. These jobs are usually under a time sensitive constraint to get things done quickly. Filming takes a lot of time off the job so I haven't filmed too many.

[@stevencorley2352]

@@GCFD Then double thank you for taking time and effort to share this job.

[@rusosure7]

You'd think the owner would get his tank pumped during the job. So his ill timed shower wouldn't have flooded your work area. BTW, how much does an outlet baffle filter cost? A LOT cheaper than a new field.

[@MrCoxmic]

seriously, the owner took a shower while you are working on that, smh

[@GCFD]

I don't think he quite realized what he was doing. OOPs!

[@d.d.5633]

Ronald! 😃

[@douglascole3842]

This from infiltrator specs Advanced contouring connections swivel up to 15°, right or left Latching mechanism allows for quick installation Four-foot chamber lengths are easy to handle and install Supports wheel loads of 16,000 lbs/axle with 12" of cover Certified by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)

[@GCFD]

These chambers are so awesome.

[@douglascole3842]

@@GCFD I install them on a regular basis. But we have to be inspected

[@treymintz4455]

@@douglascole3842 There suppose to be inspected in NC also....

[@douglascole3842]

@@treymintz4455 I figured as much

[@jericlocke1]

Sawing would most likely have been a more accurate choice of directional fall. Sometimes it goes how it wishes despite our best efforts of available means.

[@matthewolauson3892]

What’s your intake to use chambers as a drywall and put gravel between them and not dirt?

[@oldnstillworkin5709]

I’m glad I don’t have smellavision 😂

[@GCFD]

This wasn't too terrible, because he has that riser installed. The ones that have been anaerobic for years are terrible!

[@jamesj590]

Just to clarify, the trench should be level and doesnt need fall from start to finish? I guess that makes sense, the effluent should sit across the entire length to allow maximum permeability to surrounding soil? *edit* - I kept watching and you just revisited that topic and explained it, legend! Question now is, does the same principle apply when used slotted PVC in a leach field?

[@bentheguru4986]

People, for the sake of you and your loved ones, put on a pair of chaps when using a chainsaw. Laziness and complacency will catchup to you sooner or later. Same goes for ear and eye protection on other tools.

[@douglascole3842]

Did you have to be permitted to install?

[@ipaddlemyowncanoe.7441]

Yeah that was really good job. Those things work really good. Well you have the tank open. Why wouldn't you get the tank sucked out to take all that crap out of it and to be a lot easier to work. You just have a lot more room. You sealed the top off so how is he going to get the tank pumped out if he has to? That was my thing you got to pump the tank out. Did you make a map to show where the tank is and where your two checkpoints are at the end of the the two runs? Just curious. 👍👍🙂🇨🇦

[@GCFD]

I know I said the Lid, but that black round lid is the actual lid to the tank. The open end of the tank, someone had previously broken it to install that PVC baffle and then just placed the broken pieces back together. We talked about getting the tank pumped, but the homeowner had recently pumped it, so he wasn't worried about it. I forgot to mention that.

[@ipaddlemyowncanoe.7441]

Okay that makes sense but it still didn't look too clean in that tank. I would have got it pumped out again but his money you can do what he wants I guess no that was a good good job. 👍👍🙂🇨🇦

[@GCFD]

I thought pumping it out was a good idea too.

[@DanDeVoto]

Septic tank needs to be pumped out!

[@GCFD]

The homeowner said it was recently pumped.

[@ts6141]

Kind of surprised there is no bottom to those chambers....I guess it just keeps the water "contained" of sorts to allow it to soak into the ground?

[@GCFD]

Yes, the chambers are unique in leaving the soil completely available to absorb water., i.e. no gravel sealing off the soil.

[@MrMatteNWk]

4:48 "You people knocked me off the modem!"

[@MFingChuck]

I hope a new tank is in the homeowner's future plans.

[@GCFD]

The tank is working as is, but I think a new one would be some great peace of mind.

[@jamessimmonds3773]

The manufacture says you don't need gravel, but I wouldn't trust it without. Seems the chambers would fill in or sink in the dirt.

[@jimmyscott6011]

Better hope the county don’t see this. Heck of a fine will be coming. Have to have new leach fields permitted and inspected. Nc level 4 licensed installer

[@GCFD]

Why level 4 Jimmy? This was a gravity system with one tank.

[@treymintz4455]

@@GCFD I think what Jimmy is saying is, he is a level 4 installer, not that you need to be a level 4 to install this type of system. While I really enjoy your work, I agree with jimmy, the county health department should have come out and written a permit for this determining the trench bottom and location of the field. Also, correct me if I'm wrong but I tried looking your license up and was unable to find it...Lastly, the tee fitting you used, is what we refer to as an "indy" tee for cleanouts, not made to be put on its side. North Carolina typically requires a distribution box to be used.

[@neilbrew8985]

Great video, what kind of license do you have to get to be able to install septic systems

[@GCFD]

In NC you have to take an 18 hour class to install simple systems like this (single tank, all gravity). More is needed for complex systems. Homeowners can also install their own systems on their property and get them inspected before backfilling.

[@TheSoloAsylum]

Where I'm at an inspector would want to come out and see the bottom of that trench flat and smooth before you could place the first piece of chamber in there.

[@TheOldGunsmith58]

so , what are these chambers called and who makes them?

[@dgortner]

Risers should have been put in for the inlet and outlet covers for servicing.

[@GCFD]

For sure! He’s already got risers installed and I think the plan is to replace the tank sooner than later.

[@paulzapol9840]

How do you keep the sump pumps you install from freezing? Thanks.

[@GCFD]

We rarely get freezing temps around here. If they are calling for freezing temps, all the schools shut down the night before.

[@paulzapol9840]

@GCFD That must be nice. I live in Ohio and always have to worry about freezing on everything. I'm watching your new video right now! Keep them coming!

[@Tokaisho1]

If in a very cold climate, insulate the lid of the catch basin, refer to pump and manufacturers recommendations

[@ASHole71]

Prob should get these pumped out first?

[@GCFD]

It's never a bad idea.

[@thejohnbeck]

​@@GCFD I would never advertise that, lol. "You do septic tanks?" Me "crap... If I must"

[@hollandduck79]

Hello from the Netherlands. so disrespectful to use your sewage system knowing people are working on it. what a bad bad disrespectful customer that is . that would be a very good reason for me as an employee to leave at all minutes and leave the work completely as it is at that moment. luckily I do a completely different job now. I certainly won't miss these kinds of jobs . thanks for for the video Shawn . Sincerely Hollandduck

[@10tenman10]

IF the leech field is clay, will it drain? Should you not truck in a load of sand?

[@jasoncorreal8810]

Wondering the same thing!

[@GCFD]

It does perc, just slowly. The nice thing about the chambers is they are very high capacity (around 45 gallons), and they fully use the soil because there is no gravel covering the soil. The chambers also have slots on the sides so the sides of the trench can accept water as well. They are also made from recycled plastic. These chambers are a great technology.

[@jasoncorreal8810]

Awesome, thank you for the response!

[@UserName-ip9lw]

Was this an engineered and inspected job?

[@GCFD]

👍👍

[@jimanderson4495]

Thanks Shawn. Where’s the Harley to finish grade?

[@GCFD]

This needs to settle for a few more months before we go in and finish it. Otherwise the trench will re form.

[@MichaelSchneiderTexas]

I have not seen you do anything with septic systems before, do you have previous experience with septic systems?

[@GCFD]

Hey Michael I usually don't film my septic work because it's usually time-sensitive. I've done a few septic videos, but yes, I have a lot of experience with septic systems and water water treatment plants too.

[@Tech-di7yd]

I was eating a burrito when the camera went into the tank for a close up of the “scum”. I guess I could be a septic guy, it doesn’t bother me.

[@GCFD]

Haha nice! I'm glad it didn't bother you!

[@jimsilverdale205]

Apparently, there aren't any laws in NC that define how a proper spetic and leach field are installed. No perk tests or inspection were accomplished.

[@AmericanJustice22022]

Good Job, But I would have talked the home owner into replacing the tank for sure, that tank is going to have to be replaced at some point and if he tries to sell that house, that tank is NOT going to pass inspection, at least it wouldn't pass my inspection, Im out of the business now and I must say I DONT MISS IT. Best of Luck Thanks for the video......

[@GCFD]

Yes! The homeowner is definitely working towards replacing the tank. The main objective here was to get the system back up and running. The tank is working right now so it's good for now.

[@AdamMuhle]

I'm surprised they didn't have it pumped while all opened up. Would have made your job easier too.

[@GCFD]

We didn't have time to schedule a pumping and the homeowner said it was recently pumped. I would definitely recommend it though.

[@scottrakes1622]

So you guys don't have to use gravel underneath your leach chambers in North Carolina?

[@GCFD]

Nooooo Scott! Chambers remove the need for gravel. By not having gravel on the soil, that soil is completely available to absorb water. The gravel seals off the surface area of soil that it is sitting on. The chambers are a really awesome technology.

[@GwinnettLawns]

How come you guys did not go ahead and pump out the tank since you had it open?

[@GCFD]

I mentioned it to the homeowner, but he had recently had it pumped.

[@keelawnlandscape7402]

Does NC issue repair permits for this work or is there a soil scientist involved?

[@GCFD]

Both. You can get the health dept to help but they are usually backed up with scheduling. Often we will hire a LSS to help.

[@rusosure7]

Beverly Hillbilly moment @ 14:50

[@chrisjohnson4666]

In Ohio that's a 15k job and way more complicated with eta mounds or wisconsin mounds etc etc nice to see the kiss method still lives...

[@GCFD]

Thank you Chris!

[@RW-to2fy]

Where is the filter that protects the outlet to the leach field

[@maxmacdonald7174]

Expanding or you just have not posted one of these in a while?

[@GCFD]

I don't advertise that I can to septic systems but we have done a bunch.

[@HYUKLDER1]

Owner could have got in arboriculturists to clear trees away; owner's choice to have a drainage company give it a go. Don't feel bad about the cable! That tank could benefit from a pump out. Shouldn't there be an effluent filter on the outlet pipe to the drain field? Why did you use a twin elbow rather than an adjustable D-Box?

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I still felt bad about the internet cable. The tank has that nice riser for easy pumping. I recommended the homeowner pump it out. The effluent filter is only used when you can access the filter. The tanks I install are two chamber (nc requires) with double access holes so you can access the effluent filter. I typically used the twin EL over a distribution box when I have only two laterals. I definitely could have used a D box with speed levelers in this case.

[@shaggyrat2643]

Septic tank My thoughts Should have pumped the thing out Fix leech field But overall pump the tank

[@GCFD]

Yes I agree. The homeowner said the tank was pumped recently and it has that nice riser for easy access.

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

At the very minimum, I think you should have had the tank pumped out before fixing the leach field... That would have reduced the Biohazard exposure you and your crew faced on this job...

[@GCFD]

I completely agree! We only had one day to get in here before a massive amount of rain was coming through the next day. We got it done but then had to wait for the rains to finish and then things to dry back out before we could return.

[@TJ-Travler]

There is an old septic tank saying when you start to gag.... Smells Like Money!!! 💩💰👍

[@GCFD]

👍 haha

[@RW-to2fy]

Looks the homeowner needs a new tank

[@martyreiber8945]

How come the home owner didn't have the tank pump out while you had it open looked like it was close to being full🤔

[@GCFD]

He said the tank was pumped recently.

[@Claudia_Koster]

there is no way you can see if a tank is getting full. You know when it is full when there is no clear water level available to go in your leach fiels. A tank consist of solid-clear-scum. And it looks already full after just a few days if it contains just loads of water with scum on top. A pump out is to get rid of solids. Not for the liquids.