Drywell kits repairing failed septic system leaching field
Drywell leaching pit kits are excellent for new septic systems, adding on to one that is too small, or repairing a failed pipe-in-gravel leach field. If you have a failing leach field, there truly is nothing permanent you can do to repair it unless you add additional leach line or drywell pits. Please don’t believe those ads for “all natural, biodegradable, miracle cures” – at best you buy a couple of months, at worst you pollute the groundwater and kill local soil organisms with such additives. Septic waste digesters are generally too little, too late and schemes to punch holes in your yard to cure the problem are just that – schemes to take your money. If you want to “revitalize” your leach field health in a more natural way, use industrial strength hydrogen peroxide. Home use hydrogen peroxide is around 3% strength with pool chemical supply stores selling barrels of 30% strength up to 50%, or more. Highest strength hydrogen peroxide is preferred for cleaning leach fields and the price difference is typically minimal ($6 to $8 per gallon). Note that 35% strength and above is considered a hazardous material (HazMat) by Home Land security. So be sure to post a placard in your front and rear window when transporting above 30% strength; or better yet, have the store deliver for you. And keep in mind that a 55 gallon drum is going to weigh about 450 pounds, so plan ahead for delivery … at least you can roll a barrel.
You always hire a professional to flush the lines FIRST (power jetting) prior to adding hydrogen peroxide. They locate cleanout in front of leach field and thread hose down through perforated field pipe, flushing the accumulated bio-mat OUT of the leach field. Lacking the proper power jetting head for four inch pipe, you can do a passable job with a Fire Hose equipped with disruptor (shower) head. The strainer fitting used for end of hose when pulling water out (like a well) is commonly used to create spray around the full circle inside pipe. If you get stuck trying to do the job with a spigot and garden hose, always increase the water pressure with an in-line booster pump
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