Septic lines clogged? Here’s a trick that will save you $$$

[@chuckster6513]

Well done ! When I hear someone complaining about something like this, I tell them it is one of the many joys of home ownership.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Yes indeed!😂😂😂

[@j.maxwaddell2557]

Great explanation and video to see the work you did. My favorite part was seeing your young son helping down in the dirt. Thank you.I have to come up with my plan on how to fix my blocked leach field.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Good luck my friend!!

[@carltonbellaire4926]

I install septic field lines and have a couple of nit picky things I’d like to point out for those of you at home thinking about giving this a try. You can always ask the pump truck operator to pump some water out of the line leaving the tank so you don’t have to bust another hole in the tank, you can simply catch on the original leaving (tail out) pipe and go from there. The easy lay packing peanut field line there will only last this man 5-10 years! Yes this is an easy fix to save $$$ but the money being saved should definitely be put in a box because sooner or later it will fail (Home Depot is not a septic supplier company) and you will most likely want a company to install the needed footage to get it accurate. These are also not inspected by the county! Meaning that when this guy goes to sell the house the new home owners will have no knowledge of this ever being done. Septic systems are designed so that the amount of people living in the house (4 bedrooms meaning 4 people) will have the appropriate amount of leach field for their water usage. Highly recommend not doing this yourself, but if you do decide to, make sure it’s a forever home or take my advice and keep an extra 6-7 thousand in the piggy bank. Thanks all 💙

[@carltonbellaire4926]

Great job on the diy though!

[@leef8063]

When selling a house (realtor here) the home inspection only checks to see if it perks. Meaning no standing water in the septic field when they did a shallow hollow in the soil above the field. And run all the water in the home for a few minutes. They don't dig to see if the pipes are to code. One other tip, termite damage. The home inspector will not move any coverings or insulation. They only view visible damage with a flashlight.

[@stevenfaulkner5649]

@@leef8063 Yes! Home inspections are a hit and miss. My realtor has a 'go to' inspector(s) that she trust. Any concerns should be followed up with an inspection from someone in that field. Such as a stepping crack in older homes. Get a structural engineer. They ain't cheap, but they're cheaper than fixing a serious foundation issue.

[@andyparks6120]

i think he said it was on private side. But, yeah that pipe not rated for sewage i dont think.

[@olemancharles4108]

The man did a fine job for his means. It's not rocket science to move gray water from one point to the next. With that said, yes, I agree there's other material that can be used. Which doesn't mean a hill of beans if you have someone accidentally run over your leach line or field.

[@MissionaryForMexico]

Next time drill holes closer together. Outstanding repair. I am here in Livingston , TX also.

[@cheryladams7945]

I swear McGie is there anything you can't do! Good job!!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

😂😂😂 some things I don’t wanna do!!

[@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe9644]

Gravel in trench and on pipe with fabric on top of gravel and would last 10x longer and just use a cap to block off old pipe which could be removed if wanted. Most gravel drain field will outlast you if done right.

[@JimmyOverstreet]

Jack of all trades! Great job.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks my brother!

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

Great fix and detailed video. Thanks for sharing.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks! Hope you’re not having similar problems!!😂

[@williamlaprarie3007]

Replace that old concrete Tank its just going to happen again, you need a top baffle that sticks down about 14" accross the entire surface of the water and about a foot below the water level bottom baffle, the baffles catch the floating materials so they don't clog your line, they also maintain a water level for bacteria to grow in. the bottom baffle traps the sludge down in the bottom so only water goes out into the leech line.

[@stevehamburg185]

Great Video. The simple trick of taping the pipe to the drain so it wont come undone when filling the hole was genius

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks brother….. maybe redneck, but still not bad!😂😂😂

[@Chrissers2010]

I'm sure glad I turned the volume all the way up to hear you talking at the beginning of the video. That way concrete drill bit then deafened me! You'd think I'd learn, but I had to turn it all the way up again to hear you talking again, and you finished the deafening with the circular saw! 🤣

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

😂😂😂😂

[@janetcutler9539]

Your a jack of all trades and master of all of them. God bless

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

I wouldn’t go that far 😂😂😂

[@thecamocowboyoutdoors5693]

You're a handy man to have around! Looks like you did a good job. Take care

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks brother! Not really fun 😂

[@theroostergardenandcityhom9323]

Hay Buddy. Looks like you did a really good job. And yes you can save lots of money if you do it yourself. Take care and have a super day.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks brother!

[@slurrysolutions]

Handheld Diamond core drill with 4.5” bit. 15 minute job.

[@CruzesLouisianaOutdoors]

Ida been a nervous wreck sledging the side of my concrete septic tank...I could see the whole side of that thing crumbling lol....that's usually my luck :-) Good weekend brother!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

I was definitely thinking twice 😂🤣😂

[@davegaetano7118]

Yes, I would have drilled more holes first.

[@nomobo1778]

The real secret is having the opening to the inlet pipe set below the desired liquid level in the tank. That keeps the floating sludge from entering and plugging the drain field. Many jackleg plumbers simply let the entire flow go out into the drain field.

[@sonofthunder7584]

Great job i live the same. Either fix it yourself or figure out how then do it. Its the way our forefathers made this country.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

That’s right!!

[@greenacres1739]

How long is your drain field pipe? And do you not have a distribution box on on your septic? Thanks for your time

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

It’s roughly 250’ and has a homemade distribution box.

[@greenacres1739]

@@McGieHomesteadAdventures Thanks

[@davidevans474]

You can jet the drain field to or use a pressure washer . Dig down and brake the drain field pipe

[@JimLovesGolf]

Thanks a million. This is great!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

You're very welcome!

[@jbull7126]

did you consider putting a 90 degree fitting on the existing outlet line?

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

I had to get away from that area compooply 😂

[@rogermccaslin5963]

I would have used the original hole and a long sweep 90 to bring the pipe around to the new drain line. I would also put in a filter and a riser for access.

[@williamlaprarie3007]

@rogermccaslin5963 rule 1 never use 90 use two sweeps 1 ft apart.so it doesn't obstruction flow also all drains lines need a 2 percent minimum slope to drain.

[@rogermccaslin5963]

@@williamlaprarie3007 I'm going to assume you mean two 45's where you said two sweeps. That is one way to do it. Long sweep 90's are fine for this, especially since I said put filter on the outlet. Only water should be going down that line. The filter will insure only water exits the tank and make the drain field last a lot longer.

[@AS-tt8ui]

If you would have fixed your broken cement outlet baffle sooner you wouldn't have ruined your leach field. Always check condition of baffles at each pump out.

[@singlewing39]

Excellent Video How many feet of rockless pipe did you use? How many feet do you recommend for a 750 gallon tank? thank you

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

120’ is the minimum for a one bedroom house, after that it goes up by bedroom but I’m not sure how much.

[@MASTER3RDEYE]

I would cut capped-off leach line, installed 90 degree elbow. and ran new leach line from elbow. You need to pump your tank more often.

[@sleeve8651]

He looks and sounds like Luke Bryant ! 👍😉

[@dwhallon21]

Good to see someone else doing what I need to do

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Go for it!

[@w1646]

I just ran a hydro jet hose from my pressure washer down my leach line and cured my problem. $60 for the hydro jet hose kit and it’s been good for the last year. That and been using the waste digester packets once a month.

[@mizaelbautista6151]

how deep u go and what kind field drain u used?

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

It doesn’t matter. Just keep it level by all means!

[@w4ame]

Always nice to have some helpers with big jobs like that.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Absolutely!

[@country4lyfe365]

I look in my septic tank and my baffle is way up high. Should it be lower down in the tank. ? And my outlet pipe goes to a creek across a feild if it's not running out due to a collapse or critter can I, and how can I, unclog it. ?

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

You might have to do what I did and just put a hole in the side of your tank and run an entirely new line out

[@davegaetano7118]

If roots might be clogging it, consider using an approved herbicide.

[@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead]

Great advice!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks so much!

[@rlchc2806]

What is the name of the leach line product you used? Thanks for an educational video!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

It is called gravel free sewer line. It is 12 inch.

[@robertlafnear7034]

Nu-Tech Bio. ( LIVE BIOLOGICAL )when all is said and done make sure to use a generous amount over a period of time to unclog all those little holes in the leach lines, it was also used to clean up the BP oil spill in Louisiana ............. works so darn well..... Two Springs in a row and my system is like new.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Well said!

[@86z50r]

I'm just curious: How do you apply it to a cloged line? Does it work by pouring it directly over the leach field line?🤔

[@robertlafnear7034]

The Company has a Web site... One of the products can be added direct to the outflow line, the powder packets are flushed down your drain... they explain how to use the different items they sell.

[@The-best-hunt]

Great job 👏🏼 bro 👍🏼👍🏼

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks brother. It’s working great!

[@phillipstallter9018]

The old leach field will recover if dry for a couple years. Don’t. Concrete…Make it so you can pull the plug later

[@davegaetano7118]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@jimjordan5630]

Too late now! 😂

[@johnpotter7873]

How about a PVC cap to let it dry? Don't glue..? Thanks for the video!👍

[@leef8063]

In the video, it seems you cement and plug the incoming, from the house. 6.20min. You're only 9 inches below the top of tank. Was this a mistake or do you have another infeed from the house? Or someone installed the tank wrong, and the sludge clogged the drain field.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

This is the outlet. I never dug up the inlet.

[@longbowbanjoAL]

in alabama your not legally allowed to do it yourself. they have a list of people at the health department that are certified to do it and when finished but not burried it has to be inspected by the health department. they really like their "mint" down here lol

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Well sir, this was inspected the first time, and we see how much good that did me😂 This time I inspected it myself! 👀🕵️

[@christapherdane]

Depends on the County here in Texas. Texas law says you can do your own property, but each County has the right to take that freedom away.... It is also law that you have to have a certain size lot for septic and it is also law that you use an approved method, which graveless pipe is an approved method and my preferred.

[@longbowbanjoAL]

@@McGieHomesteadAdventures lmao cant blame you

[@backachershomestead]

@@McGieHomesteadAdventures got that right.

[@maddierosemusic]

These health departments got a scam going - they should allow homeowners to do the job and then get it inspected - but NO, you gotta pay out the nose for a 'certified' contractor. Tell me how hard it is to measure a trench size and the 1/4' per foot drop? Simple. Governments are out of control.

[@landonpryor8907]

Would have been easier to just glue a 90 on the original outlet pipe and connect to new drain field. Just my 2 cents. Still.... good job. Saved some Money.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks bud!

[@flyrobin2544]

That is what I plan on doing 🖖

[@patriot4007]

Where did you get the gravel less pipe? Can't seem to find. Thanks

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Puggs septic in Livingston Tennessee.

[@patriot4007]

@@McGieHomesteadAdventures Thanks again!

[@davegaetano7118]

Maybe roots have clogged the drain field pipe. Before doing this installation of a new drain field line , maybe at least try using some approved herbicide, maybe directly into the drain field pipe that is clogged. If it's not roots, maybe try some approved drain field restorer.

[@JohnAdams-er7nz]

Ok.i think I would have made that trench 2 times bigger,,then added gravel to the bottom,put the line in with enough fall,add more gravel to the top, back fill with dert... the leech field has got to leech.do it right the 1st.time you don't need to come back.leech field you could make it as big as you want.

[@truthalonetriumphs6572]

How can you do another video if you do it right?

[@manuelaliaga1]

Very good Max! Where did you buy the drain pipe, give me specification/type of this pipe? Let's know, thanks

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

It’s a 12” gravel-less leach pipe most septic supply companies have it!

[@jkyontz]

Another job well done, well it's done.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

😂😂😂 my thoughts exactly

[@cherylfarmer6086]

Normally there should be a distribution box that divides the separate lines into the lateral trenches.

[@sunriseboy4837]

That kid learnt more in a couple of hours, than he did for a year in school! "Schools, prisons of the mind". Mahatma Ghandi.

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

Why not place a 90 elbow at the bottom of the pvc baffle? And, I think this baffle shouldn't bee too deep where as solids are swept in.

[@CampDogOutdoors]

Great work, I noticed you didn't have as many helpers on this job🙄

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Yes I wonder why!😂🤣😂

[@ronrobertson9324]

Are you not required to have that new drain line inspected?

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Nope.

[@Forged721]

Very Good,,,thx a bunch for this

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Most welcome 😊

[@Forged721]

I specifically needed to see a Baffle be made - but after watching you I'm thinking about hiring a machine and dropping a whole new septic tank in .mine here is 40 year old easy ..concrete baffles dropped off

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Good idea! Concrete gets old and brittle!

[@brianstout4362]

Micah "the Jack of all trades"!💪👍

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Master of not much 😂🤣😂

[@Johnboy1951]

I would have caped the old outlet with a pvc cap and glue. No need for concrete, especially inside a slick surface like pvc pipe. It could leak and have a wet spot .

[@MrResale]

great video ese

[@bobbell5928]

Great Video.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaeldreves5072]

Maybe invest in a 4 inch core bit much easier

[@RW-to2fy]

Why didn’t you use a 3” pvc cap over the old pipe baffle

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

It was completely plugged. Maybe I should have. Hey it’s still out there…… I could easily dig it back up!😂 well not easily maybe.😂

[@tammykell6430]

Great instructional video. Common sense is genuis in work clothes!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks so much! It’s definitely nice to be able to figure out solutions to problems!

[@jimwilliamson7598]

You should have left the T further into the tank so you would have access to it when you take the lid off. 50 yrs in the business!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

I hadn’t thought of that!

[@brycekirby1567]

Look forward to your videos, not being knowitall but why not add 3-4 ' of gravel and chip under that pipe then get the tank pumped more frequently.? Just curious, i know you are practical

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

I honestly didn’t know that I was supposed to get it pumped……. I will now. This is “graveless” pipe so that’s why I didn’t put gravel. But I almost wished I had anyway. It couldn’t hurt!

[@JohnnyZed3108]

Where is the inspection?

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

You just did it

[@mpedmar9701]

Good morning Micah, is there anything that you can't do ??

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

😂😂😂

[@mpedmar9701]

@@McGieHomesteadAdventures I'm serious

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

You are very kind...... I can do quite a bit, but I never could stand school 😂🤣😂

[@mpedmar9701]

@@McGieHomesteadAdventures My father only finished the 6th grade , He started working to help the family. He was one of the smartest men I knew.. He could fix anything you brought to him. Book smarts aren't everything. Some Of the people with the highest I.Q.couldn't survive without somebody else doing everything for them..lol

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

That’s very true!!

[@troyerpostbuildings3997]

That’s pretty neat I didn’t know you could put a new line in the side of a septic tank

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

We sure did it!😂

[@SCUMDOGFISHING]

It's a crappy job, BUTT someone has to do it 🤣

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

🤣😂🤣

[@christapherdane]

I'm in Conroe, where in Livingston did you rent it? That's a good price.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Livingston Rental Center...... ask for Matthew..... awesome fella!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

It’s Livingston Tennessee........ I think I saw you’re in Texas. I’m originally from Waxahachie Texas.

[@christapherdane]

@@McGieHomesteadAdventures LOL, sorry I heard Livingston and thought wow that's only and hour away.

[@hazemsider]

My septic fills with water when it rains even though no one lives in the house at this time. Any idea why? Thank you

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

The ground doesn’t perk.

[@hazemsider]

@@McGieHomesteadAdventures i pumped the tank, no one lives in the house, it filled again from rain water. Would that means the tank is cracked? Or the pipes are broken? Thank you

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Not necessarily. Franks septic tank does the same thing. It’s just in a low lying area with poor drainage.

[@peterratnavel3913]

Thank you for the video. I need some one to repair or replace my leach field. We have 4 leach fields. One is failing since my septic tank, 3 leach fields and distribution boxes are all good and working. I need someone to extend my leach field, repair or add one Parallel to existing one and connect to the existing distribution box. I am not good in DIY had stroke 6 years ago and live in Fairfield County, CT anyone you would recommend. I need some one to repair or replace my leach field. We have 4 leach fields. One is failing since my septic tank, 3 leach fields and distribution boxes are all good and working. I need someone to extend my leach field, repair or add one Parallel to existing one and connect to the existing distribution box. I am not good in DIY had a stroke 6 years ago and live in CT anyone you would recommend.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

You need to ask around your local area. I’m a thousand miles away from you. Good luck!

[@peterratnavel3913]

@@McGieHomesteadAdventures thank you 🙏

[@davegaetano7118]

Maybe consider trying some leach field chemical treatments before adding another line. Like an approved herbicide in case the roots are clogging it, or some other approved treatment if the problem is different. Also if you have a distribution box that is an old one, it might not be sealed, and roots may be clogging it. That's what happened with mine. I physically pulled the roots out, and then herbicided the lines just to be sure.

[@pablobon5957]

U r pretty amazing dude

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

You too!

[@talaleleivole4256]

Great job

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks my friend!

[@CopperheadRoadHomestead]

I had heard that leach line has to be level. Do you know? Did you make sure yours was level? I was wondering if you’d gotten the backhoe attachment for your tractor...renting is much cheaper! Good work!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

It definitely needs to be level........ mine ain’t perfect but definitely good enough 😂

[@amclamb9543]

@@McGieHomesteadAdventures mine aren’t level but I have a pump in mine that pumps it uphill. Kinda like a well pumps water to your house. Our property goes up and down and up again so our home sits at the top in the front and the property and our septic sits behind our home on the downhill slope so the leach field has no choice but to be go way out from the septic because when it rains it wouldn’t want to dry out if that’s where we put our leach field in the downhill slope which legally it would t work anyway. So it had to be placed on the upward hill way behind our property and since it goes up hill and then kinda levels off it has to be pumped up there. So the leach field doesn’t necessarily have to be on a level area but if it’s not then like mine you may need a pump to get it up there or it will just backup just by sheer gravity.

[@vincentkosik403]

Simple. Sure it is...have one now that is real old and praying it won't back up

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Hopefully it’ll hold on a while longer!😂

[@davedutile6317]

No cover put on for easy access to empty.

[@raakmore4443]

Good job ol son!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks!

[@franksurovik1613]

I guess no one saw the sanitary t was upside-down

[@stevecassick8056]

Ya put your T fitting in upside down!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Definitely! I’m sure it’ll slow the flow!

[@gregmoyer8959]

I’m going to do something similar,which way should it go, please let me know

[@michaelbrady6646]

Smart kids, ones got his Carhartts on and the other rubber boots.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Yep!

[@ReapWhatYouSeauxLeJeune]

😢. Some had to do it lol .

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

That’s for sure!😂

[@jackkeeble9272]

Nice

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks!

[@juanmartinezmbapmppmiacp2104]

excellent vid

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks Juan!

[@chestertnted]

Informative

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks brother!

[@00buck34]

Id be workin right through lunch everyday

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

I’d hate to do that!😅😂😂

[@garvdarb]

Plugged is PLUGGED!

[@troyelder56]

Oh god he’s just drilling holes in his tank 🫣

[@beemikeme]

I would have used chambers instead of that gravelless pipe.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

That’s what I wanted but it wasn’t available anywhere at the time.

[@posys5140]

I would have NEVER don that

[@smote_his_ruin]

I was just going to divert the original outlet line to a new location..

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

That’ll work!

[@randyroberg5926]

You should of just put a 3” cap on it

[@walterrankin6401]

Why do American cover up the lid to the tank all you do is set in a rasing section then no more looking for the cover

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Who knows? It’s rarely done here.

[@leftylou6070]

YAY!

[@BootsAndBonnetWithChrisChristy]

Don’t fall in 😂😂😂

[@BootsAndBonnetWithChrisChristy]

The man the emptied our last time told us to put a trash bag between the lid and tank for easier opening next time.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

That’s an awesome tip! I’ll remember that!

[@sethagreen]

I just ran mine out to the river and did away with the leach field. I dispose of so many kinds of toxic chemicals down my drain it wouldn't be good for the leech field anyhow. That river just hauls it off like a big ol tanker would! Ok, I'm joking, but back in the day I guess the sewer pipe really did just hang on out over the river along with all the neighbors and plopped their plops straight into the water. When it plugged up they had a way to hook up compressed air to the line and literally blow the shit out of it. Based off the stories I would love to have seen it. I guess it was quite the shit show. The river I'm talking about and still live on is the Colorado River. No big deal. I'm pretty sure nobody down stream minded! If innate privilege's actually exists, I'd say it applies to us who live on the headwaters of a stream.

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@CDavis-vc8gl]

U R #BobTheBuilder in real life!!!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

😂😂😂

[@MouthBreatherCure]

I bet some days are shittier than others.

[@anonygent]

Two words: safety glasses. You should not be using a saw or working with cement without eye protection.

[@Joe-pd9hj]

Did you get permits and health department inspection?

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

They don’t have that here.

[@CDavis-vc8gl]

I know you were outside however, please be careful pouring dust like compounds and inhaling... I recommend a mask.. Safety First!!!

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

Thanks that’s definitely true!

[@jimjohn1002]

😊

[@tarasporleder1]

I remember my dad fixing that. Was a smelly job

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

It’s definitely not fun!😂🤣😂

[@Ske4444]

How about a hole saw 🙄

[@McGieHomesteadAdventures]

I’m sure that could work.

[@markk3652]

Happy pooping!!

[@ajc0813]

thats green...