So, the saga continues.
After babying the system for a year, being very prudent about how much water I use, it was backed up again. Time to dig up the front yard and see what the problem is.
Wayne's came out and dug down to the pipe exiting the tank to the drain field. The pipe had completely collapsed, nothing was exiting the tank. Ok, so simple fix, replace the pipe. They continue digging to find the start of the drain field and disconnect the pipes. Totally plugged with roots. He looks at me and says I need a new drain field. BUT..... now the health dept has to be involved. The have to examine the system, determine if the field is still viable, run perk tests.... oi.
So they come out, dig up where the end of the drain field is, and find the soil in pristine condition. Wayne's convinces the inspector that all that is needed is to dig out the old pipe, lay new gravel and pipe and cover it up. No perk test. No new system, no mound (worst case), and a HUGE savings to my wallet.
But both of them made a strong suggestion to have a maple tree removed. It was the tree that put down all the roots that got into the piping. Not having the tree removed would probably compromise the new drain field within a few seasons. SO... today a tree guy is coming to take down not one, but two maple trees, as the 2nd tree is close enough to cause problems too. These trees are old, established, look nice, provide shade, and I am going to miss them.
The tree put out roots seeking the water from the drain field. Root got into the pipes, blocking the water from draining. The water backed up and ran out between the pipe and the tank. The escaping water eroded the soil under the pipe. The weight of the 2-3 feet of dirt above the pipe caused it to collapse. This has been a long time in progress.
Waiting for the tree guy to show up this morning and the carnage begin....