Septic Design Issue

[telleee]

I bought a house a year ago and the septic drain line to the leach field froze and broke this winter. I have repaired the line however, I realized that the leach field is ultimately lower than the septic tank although the drain line has a change in grade along the way and the pipe is full between the leach field and somewhere near the change in grade. My leach field is approximately 600-700ft from the tank and I live in Colorado at 9600ft so the winter months are extremely cold. Is there a way to correct this problem without major renovations of the system?

The drain line is only about 18" deep where it froze so I was planning on bringing some fill to cover the line to about 40" although with the line full I am not sure this is the fix.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Telleee

[Gary Swart]

I know next to nothing about septic systems, but I'm almost certain that the drain line to and from the septic tank should be sloped like a drain to a sewer main at 1/4" per foot. It should not have standing water to freeze. If the change in grade creats a low spot, that would have to be removed, and just piling more soil on it will not fix the problem.

[Mike Swearingen]

Consult your local Health Department for their advice on modifying, repairing or changing your septic system. They also may require a permit to do it.
They will be the local experts, or can refer you to a contractor or someone else who is for your locale.
Good Luck!
Mike