Septic Horror

From Washington State:
I have been living in my first house not even 6 weeks when I noticed water "squirting" out of the ground above my septic tank after taking a shower. "How could this be" since the tank was pumped and checked out 3 months earlier?
After spending 2 days digging, I discovered the outlet baffel was crushed and the drain field pipes full of solid matter.

The previous owner had to have known about this. She signed "do not know" in the disclaimer under septic problems.

The company that pumped the tank before I bought, stamped their approval on every component of the tank.

My purchase was partially based on the fact that according to the seller/septic service record from 3 months earlier was in "good working order"

I am now looking at replacing the drain field ($)
I would appreciate any suggestions.
-Lance

[HomeGuru]

This is a tough call. It is hard to say if the Seller knew or did not know. Contact a contractor to check out the situation.

After many cubic feet of dirt dug up by me and a contracter, I discovered the problem not to be that bad (total bill: about $500).
I will pay for it and make the repairs myself but will be sending a letter to the previous owner with a bill and a soft threat of small claims court.

[HomeGuru]

Good ending to the story.