What to do about septic backup under my house?

Question

I have just bought a house and it turns out that the exit pipe from my house to the tank was busted out. Also, the tank was full causing all of our waste for 6 weeks to dump in our crawlspace. We didn't notice it until about a week ago when it started to smell in our house I crawled under the house and saw what looks like around 2 months worth of feces, water, toilet tissue, etc... I have had someone come and fix the issue temporary but all I knew to do about the crawlspace was to shovel some of it out and spray the water hose now I am lost. What can I do to try and get my family by? Maybe just wait till it all dries up and that's all? Please someone give me some advise because we spent our entire life savings to get into this house and the home inspection didn't point this out. Home inspectors only give you the $300 back that you paid them when they miss things. Thanks in advance.

Update:

Thanks for the good ideas guys. Keep em coming. I don't however think that I can go back on the seller because a home sale is as is right? My inspection didn't include septic but that's the most expensive thing that goes wrong. Go figure.

renpen · Accepted Answer

In the short term get some hydrated lime.  Most any hardware store will have it in bags.  Spread that over the area.  It will reduce or eliminate the odor and help dry the area.  I agree that you should consult a lawyer.

Joan H · Answer

First off, you should be able to go back on the seller and make them repair and pay for it. They must have known that before selling and it is illegal to sell a house with a problem and not tell the buyer. After the problem is fixed, powdered lime may help if you could blow it in someway all the way under the house.

Yourinnervoice · Answer

Get a few bags of pulverized limestone, and disperse it to neutralize the bacteria and dry up the spill substantially. This also helps to prevent the waste from leeching into the soil. Those home inspectors can be either good or bad. It pays to shop around for a reputable one of them every time. After the lime does its job, you can gather it and disperse or dispose of it, whatever is appropriate. A man I know just took his out to the yard and spread it to green up his lawn, and it turned out beautifully.

insp99999 · Answer

Get a lawyer.  Possibly you can use one that works for free through the BAR association if you can't pay.  The seller should be responsible for the repair and the cleanup.  Was there a "disclosure" form completed by the seller?  If so look through it for the sewer area to see if it was disclosed.

Innocent Man · Answer

i would buy a bunch of cat litter to absorb what it can, and it should help with the smell also

Mee-OW =^..^= · Answer

it is not fair at all on this situation. there must be something you can do legally they should not be allowed to get away with that.

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What to do about septic backup under my house?

6 Answers