When a pumper was called to service a 41-year-old single-compartment septic tank, he discovered a serious issue — there were no inlet or outlet baffles. After informing the homeowner, the customer was understandably concerned about the potential cost of a new tank and leachfield.
Looking for a cost-effective alternative, the pumper recommended retrofitting the existing system using Polylok’s Extend & Lok fittings, PL-68 inlet tee, PL-122 effluent filter, riser system and safety screen. This approach restored proper function, extended the tank’s service life, protected the leachfield, made maintenance easier, and prevented unauthorized access, all at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
At the inlet, the existing cast iron pipe was badly deteriorated. After removing the loose material and cleaning the pipe interior, the pumper hammered in a 4-inch Polylok Extend & Lok, creating a solid PVC Schedule-40 connection that allowed a Polylok PL-68 tee to be glued in place as a new inlet baffle.
On the outlet side, the existing pipe was PVC but positioned too close to the tank wall to attach a tee or filter housing. The pumper again used the Polylok Extend & Lok to extend the pipe outward, providing the necessary clearance, and a Polylok PL-122 effluent filter and housing were then installed on the new extension.
To complete the job, Polylok adapter rings, risers, safety screens and covers were installed to bring the tank to grade. This allowed the homeowner to maintain the system without digging up the yard, ensuring continuous safety for children and pets, while making routine cleanings and inspections simple, clean and convenient.
The tank and filter have since been serviced roughly every three years, with quick and easy access through the Polylok riser system. More than 15 years after the retrofit, the system remains in perfect working condition, demonstrating the lasting reliability of Polylok products.
This project illustrates how Polylok retrofit solutions, including the Extend & Lok, PL-68 inlet tee, PL-122 filter, riser system and safety screen, can revive aging septic systems, extend their lifespan, simplify maintenance and enhance safety, a smart, cost-effective upgrade that continues to deliver value for decades.
Polylok Inc. is an international supplier of plastic injection-molded products for the precast, drainage and wastewater industries. Unlike the majority of our competitors, we design our products in-house, and manufacture in the U.S. We have two manufacturing facilities in Connecticut, and one in Indiana. In addition, we hold more than 75 patents and produce more than 200 different products. We are constantly striving to develop new and innovative products.
877-765-9565 | sales@polylok.com | www.polylok.com
