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November 19, 2007
Spell Check for Ed
Q: Your past article on septic systems was most informative. However, allow me to bring a minor error to your attention. You suggested that slow drains in a home with a septic system can be due to a malfunctioning "leech" field. In fact you used that term "leech" more than once.
I suggest that what you meant was "leach" field. Leach fields are areas consisting of shallow leach trenches into which the effluent from a septic tank is discharged. They are termed thus because the effluent then leaches into the soil. I am a consulting engineer and have designed several of these leach fields. I am sure that your use of the word "leech" was just a slip, but it does give rise to a hilarious mental picture! Millions of these bloodsucking little creatures avidly awaiting, and sopping up effluent in lieu of blood. I just wanted to point that out to you with warm regards. Yours cordially, Hugh (California)
A: Thanks, I can't argue with you, Hugh. You are not only correct, but you educated me on my misuse of the word in such a friendly, funny way that I accept full responsibility of my mistake and I vow never to confuse "leech" with "leach" again.
Your letter reminded me of when I first told my wife I was writing my book (Ed Del Grande's House Call). She replied that I had to read a book first before I could write one!
Posted by Ed Del Grande at November 19, 2007 12:58 AM
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