DH and I are getting conflicting advice on what to do with our septic system; so I thought I'd see if anyone here has some advice.
Our house was new construction when we bought it in 2009; but the septic system was the original on the lot. So it's old (as in; 38 years..). But we were told it was in great condition. We've faithfully had it pumped every 3 years and reduced the number of trees around it on our property. We had it pumped one year ago. A few weeks ago we noticed a little water on the ground next to the lid. So DH called and the same company we've had all along came to pump it out right away. DH didn't get to talk to the guy but I tried to see what he thought caused it. He kind of skirted around saying possibly the water table is high (we've had like 8" of rain in the last month.) and mentioned the age of the system and the one big tree on the property. He recommended getting a soil test done; but said no to getting/needing an inspection when DH asked. (DH had to call the company to get a 2nd hand report on what the guy said.)
So DH called the guy who does the soil tests and he basically said not to get the soil test yet because they aren't cheap and the system could last years. (He said the tests are good for 5.) So it feels like we were given conflicting advice. And now 2 weeks later; we have water on the ground again... We also got about 3" of rain last week. The soil here is VERY sandy; so drainage usually isn't a problem; but a lot of ditches, fields and drainage ponds are FULL. My neighbors on either side basically neglected their systems for lack of funds; and they've never had this happen.
I'm not sure what to do. DH is thinking we should call a few other septic companies to see what they think and what they charge. He's also browsing the internet for advice and that's a whole 'nother can of worms. My mother said showers at her house are $.50 I didn't ask about laundry...
Any advice or experience?
Our house was new construction when we bought it in 2009; but the septic system was the original on the lot. So it's old (as in; 38 years..). But we were told it was in great condition. We've faithfully had it pumped every 3 years and reduced the number of trees around it on our property. We had it pumped one year ago. A few weeks ago we noticed a little water on the ground next to the lid. So DH called and the same company we've had all along came to pump it out right away. DH didn't get to talk to the guy but I tried to see what he thought caused it. He kind of skirted around saying possibly the water table is high (we've had like 8" of rain in the last month.) and mentioned the age of the system and the one big tree on the property. He recommended getting a soil test done; but said no to getting/needing an inspection when DH asked. (DH had to call the company to get a 2nd hand report on what the guy said.)
So DH called the guy who does the soil tests and he basically said not to get the soil test yet because they aren't cheap and the system could last years. (He said the tests are good for 5.) So it feels like we were given conflicting advice. And now 2 weeks later; we have water on the ground again... We also got about 3" of rain last week. The soil here is VERY sandy; so drainage usually isn't a problem; but a lot of ditches, fields and drainage ponds are FULL. My neighbors on either side basically neglected their systems for lack of funds; and they've never had this happen.
I'm not sure what to do. DH is thinking we should call a few other septic companies to see what they think and what they charge. He's also browsing the internet for advice and that's a whole 'nother can of worms. My mother said showers at her house are $.50 I didn't ask about laundry...
Any advice or experience?