Robert11 wrote:
Hello,

Havew the typical septic system with a "chamber" that feeds several
perforated pipes in a leaching field. Believe the pipes are nestled
in gravel, and covered with soil.

These pipes with the holes are, I believe, clogged.
Or, the gravel and surrounding soil are "clogged.

Question:

Before I call anyone in:

a. Are there treatments, or perhaps steam-cleaning for the
perforated pipes that is effective ?

b. Are there treatments or steam cleaning for the gravel and/or
surrounding soil ?


Are any of these doable without removing any over-soil ?

e.g. just a steam probe inserted thru the main feeder pipe to the
field, or... ?

I keep thinking of steam, as it's hard to believe anything else might
work. Thoughts ?

Thanks,
Bob

One problem that has started to occur during the past quarter century since
most authorities now insist on laundry water being discharged to the septic
tank is synthetic fiber lint. Natural fibers would add lint that would break
down and not affect a septic tank, but synthetic fibers don't break down.
They flush through the system into the leach field creating a web of lint
fibers in the pipes and gravel surrounding them. This evenually clogs up
like any filter will and can cause the leach field to fail. Many new tank
designs include a lint filter in the discharge. It is best if you can avoid
any laundry lint going down the drain.