- 1). Dig down to the rear portion of the septic tank to reveal the rear access hatch. This can be done with a shovel, but a backhoe can make quick work of this backbreaking job. Remove enough dirt to allow the access hatch to be removed without the risk of loose dirt falling into the tank.
- 2). Pump out the tank, enlisting the help of a professional. Since the tank will be opened and the tank must be empty to complete repairs, hire a professional to clean the tank. He will have the proper equipment to complete the job quickly and a legal means of disposing of the wastewater materials.
- 3). Build your replacement baffle, using PVC pipe. Cut three pieces of PVC pipe, one to 24 inches, one to 8 inches and the last to 30 inches. Insert the 24-inch section of pipe into the tee portion of the tee fitting. Insert the other two pieces of pipe into each of the other outlets of the fitting. Use pipe cleaner and adequate glue on all connections.
- 4). Install the baffle in the septic tank. Insert the new baffle with the 30-inch pipe pointing toward the bottom of the tank. Carefully slide the 24-inch section through the outlet port of the septic tank. This section will then be coupled to the existing drain line. Again, use pipe cleaner and adequate pipe cement to form a solid connection. The pipe inside the tank must be straight up and down and not twisted when the connection is made to the existing drain.
- 5). Replace the access hatch and backfill the hole once all connections have dried. The baffle should be checked at the next tank cleaning to be certain it is still in place and set properly.
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