The Chamber of Secrets

It turns out that the septic had a few surprises up its sleeve...


















Not only is the system fully functional after many years of neglect, but the tank has a mysterious third chamber! Terry from Honey Bee Septic discovered the extra space using a flashlight and mirror. Now we have to cut through the concrete top of the chamber to pump it out.

Good news: the septic works, and the tank may be big enough (1000 gallons) to support a two-bedroom house.

Bad news: the County Health Department may not allow us to use the septic since the condition and extent of the leach lines are unknown. Plus, we are within 200 feet of existing sewer lines, which makes the County less likely to grandfather our septic through the permitting process. To find out whether the septic is viable, we'd have to spend at least $2000 to get the lines inspected, an "as-built" site plan drawn, and the County to review the plan, with no guarantees that the septic would be approved.

Or we fork over about $10,000 to hook into the sewer and be done with it. Except for the $600+ annual fee to use the sewer. Yikes. Have to think about that one...