Hello,

Have two questions, please.

Live in a house that has two separate septic systems. They are changed over
from one to the other via a small junction box located after the tank where
the solid wastes are collected, and pumped out periodically.

a. The system now in use is a "pit," (I don't think that they are in use or
approved any more for new construction ?) although I'm sure it has a fancier
name. Goes vertically into the ground, is precast concrete I think, and has
many holes for the water to leach out. About two years ago it stopped
leaching very well, and the contractor that came used a high pressure pump
and wand to try and clean out the inside of it. Also many pounds of
chemicals. Worked O.K. up until now.

So, since the chemicals and high pressure was didn't work all that well, two
years not being a very long time, what should I do now ?

Is there such a thing as a steam cleaning of the inside, assuming that this
is where the problem is, or is most likely that the ground around the pit is
all clogged up ? I would imagine that a steram cleaning, if there is such a
process and treatment, would be much more effectivce.

Or, should I just go to the other system, which is a typical leaching bed.

b. But the other system hasn't been used in probably 10 years by now.
I would imagine that the porous pipes are by now all filled with dirt.
Is this likely ?

Is the soil "bed" likely to rejuvunate itself after about 10 years ?
How should they be cleaned if I do changeover ? Steam, or... ?

Any and all suggestions would be most appreciated.

Much thanks,