A typical septic system has four main
components: a pipe that exits the building, a septic tank, a
drainfield, and the soil.
Your wastewater exits your home through the
pipe to the septic tank, a buried watertight container typically
made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene. The tank holds the
wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (sludge)
and oil and grease to float to the surface (scum). Compartments
and a T-shaped outlet in the tank prevent the sludge and scum
from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield area.
Some newer tanks have risers with lids at the ground surface to
allow easy location, inspection and pumping of the tank.
The wastewater exits the tank and is
discharged into the drainfield for further treatment by the
soil. The partially treated wastewater is pushed along into the
drainfield for further treatment every time new wastewater
enters the tank. Wastewater then percolates into the soil, with
provides final treatment. Microbes in the soil digest or remove
most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches
groundwater.
When septic systems are properly designed,
constructed and maintained, they effectively reduce or eliminate
most human health or environmental threats posed by pollutants
in household wastewater. However they require regular
maintenance or they can fail. Septic systems need to be
monitored to ensure that they work properly throughout their
service lives.
Regular septic system maintenance can:
The four things you can do to maintain your
septic system are:
- Inspect and have pumped regularly
- You should have your system inspected every 3 years and
your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector (generally
every 3-5 years). Regular pumping is the best and cheapest
way to keep your systems in good working order! Click
here
to be added to our database and receive automatic pumping
reminders.
-
Use water
efficiently - The more water a household conserves, the
less water enters the septic system. Efficient water use can
improve the operation of the system and reduce the risk of
failure.
-
Watch your
drains - What goes down the drain can have a major
impact on how well your system works. Don't flush (or put
down the drain) dental floss, feminine hygiene products,
diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat
litter, paper towels, household chemicals, gasoline, oil,
pesticides, antifreeze, or paint. Some of these items will
clog up the system and others can destroy the biological
treatment taking place in the system or contaminate
groundwater.
-
Care for your
drainfield - Plant only grass over and near your septic
system. Roots from trees and shrubs can clog and damage the
drainfield. Don't drive or park vehicles on any part of your
septic system. And, keep roof drains, sump pump drains, and
other rainwater or surface water drainage systems away from
your drainfield.
There are many signs of septic system failure:
-
Surfacing sewage or wet spots
in the drainfield area
-
Plumbing or septic tank
backups
-
Slow draining fixtures
-
Gurgling sounds in the
plumbing system
-
Sewage odors in the house or
yard
-
Tests showing the presence of
bacteria in well water
If you notice any of these signs,
or if you suspect your septic system may be having problems,
contact us immediately!
What are the causes
of septic system failure?
The most common causes of septic system
failure include:
-
Household
toxics - Remember that your septic system contains a living
collection of organisms that digest and treat waste. Any
toxic disposed of via drain or toilet can kill those
organisms.
-
Household
cleaners - Check the labels of your cleaning products. The
words "danger" or "poison" indicates that the product is
highly hazardous and should not be discharged into your
septic system.
-
Hot tubs - Your
septic system was not designed to handle large quantities of
water from hot tubs. Drain cooled hot tub water onto turf or
landscaped areas well away from the septic tank and
drainfield.
-
Water
purification systems - Freshwater purification systems,
including water softeners, should not pump water into your
septic system. Check with a licensed plumber about
alternative routing for water treatment systems.
-
Garbage
disposals - Using a garbage disposal frequently can
significantly increase the accumulation of sludge and scum
in your septic tank, resulting in the need for more frequent
pumping.
- Improper design or installation - Many
failures can be attributed to having an undersized
drainfield or high seasonal groundwater table. Undersized
tanks--another design failure--allow solids to clog the
drainfield and result in system failure.
What are alternative systems?
Alternative septic systems use newer
technologies to improve treatment processes. Some alternative
systems use sand, peat, or plastic media instead of soil to
promote wastewater treatment. Other systems might use wetlands,
lagoons, aerators, or disinfection devices. Float switches,
pumps, and other electrical or mechanical components are often
used in alternative systems.
You might have or need an alternative system
if there are too many typical septic systems in one area or if
the systems are too close to groundwater or surface water. Check
with your local health department or Sullivan Septic for more
information on operation or maintenance of alternative systems.
Source: United States EPA |
