Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 • 3:03 pm • Septic Tanks

To maintain a healthy septic system, you need to exercise care what is drained into the system as well as perform preventative maintenance procedures, such as:

• provide periodic pump-outs of the septic tank
• periodically inspect the system
• keep all records of septic pump outs and inspections

Any soaps or solids that may be accumulating can be removed allowing the liquids to flow without obstruction.

Maintaining proper bacterial diversity in your septic system will lead to prolonged service prior to pump- outs. The septic tank is not a place to dispose of all household wastes. It is a living system and many wastes can kill it. What is put into the system has a direct effect on whether your system will be a healthy, long lasting and trouble free system.

How long does a septic system last?

Some last for several decades. Most do not.

Keep Trees Away from the Septic System

• Discourage root damage by keeping trees at least 100 feet away from the septic system.
• Trees with very aggressive roots, such as willows, should be even farther away from the system.

Minimize Heavy Duty Cleaners

• Overuse of heavy cleaners kills beneficial bacteria in the septic tank, so solids won’t break down as well.

Avoid Hazardous Chemicals

• Varnish, paint thinners, motor oils, gasoline and other similar chemicals can ruin your system and are a hazard to groundwater. Dispose of them properly

Perform Regular Maintenance

• Solids must eventually be pumped from the tank. Many experts advise a family of four with a 1,000 gallon septic tank to have the tank pumped after 3-5 years of full time use.
• Never attempt to open a septic tank yourself. Gases and bacteria in it are dangerous.

Monday, March 29th, 2010 • 3:01 pm • Septic Tanks

A typical septic tank holds 1,000 gallons of liquid and solids, and is usually made of concrete, but can be made of fiberglass, metal or plastic. The tank has internal slabs at the inlet and outlet that controls flow patterns.

The primary purpose of the tank is to separate the solids from the liquid waste. The septic tank contains anaerobic bacteria, e.g. bacteria which thrive without oxygen. These bacteria partially digest the solids. The solids in the form of sludge settle on the bottom of the tank. Grease, scum, and hair float to the top.

These undigested solids left on the bottom of the septic tank must be pumped out on a regular basis. This pumping prevents solids from being carried into the drain field and preserves the effective capacity of the tank.

What are the parts of a septic tank system?

A conventional septic system has a tank (typically 750 to 2000 gallons) and a leach field (perforated pipe buried shallow in an extended area).

Friday, March 19th, 2010 • 3:07 pm • Grease Traps

Grease traps slow down the flow of water coming from drains, allowing the water/ grease time to cool. This cooling causes the grease to coagulate and float to the top, while other, heavier solids, fall to the bottom of the trap. The remaining water is free to pass through on to the city sewer lines.

Things to AVOID

• Do not put toxic or hazardous chemicals into the tank. Even small amounts of paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oil, photographic solutions, pesticides, and other organic chemicals can destroy the biological digestion taking place within the system.
• Do not dump grease or fats down your kitchen drain. They solidify and may cause blockages in the system.

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 • 3:13 pm • Waste Water

Waste water is passed to the drainfleld via the distribution box. The drainfleld usually contains a series of perforated pipes that lay in a bed of rock. Under the rock layer is a membrane. The waste water is distributed through the pipes into the field. A biomat or slime forms around the laterals, most aerobic digestion and filtration takes place in this biomat. After passing through the biomat, the waste water enters the soil where aerobic digestion continues to remove any remaining impurities. Pure water is then returned to the water table.

• Don’t Overload the Septic Tank and Drainfield
• Check faucets and toilets for leaks; make repairs if necessary.
• Use aerators on faucets and flow reducer nozzles on showers to help lower water consumption.
• Reduce water levels for small loads of laundry.
• Wait until the dishwasher is full to run it.
• Use a displacer to reduce the amount of water needed to flush the toilet.

Do Not Pour Grease Down the Drain

• Grease can clog the septic drainfield, making it impossible for soil to absorb liquids. If that happens you’ll need a new drainfield.

Protect the System from Damage

• Do not drive over the drainfield, build a structure on top of it, or cover it with concrete or asphalt.
• Do plant grass on the drainfield to minimize soil erosion.

Monday, March 1st, 2010 • 3:18 pm • Garbage Disposals

• A garbage disposal cans double the amount of solids added to a septic tank.
• Choose a top-line disposal that grinds food into tiny particles that are easier for a system to digest.

Monday, March 1st, 2010 • 2:59 pm • Septic Tanks

The drywell generally consists of a pit lined with rocks or blocks to allow water to pass through into the underlying soil. The drywell does not receive any septage but only receives water from areas such as the laundry drain. This water can contain lint or other small fibers as well as detergent scum. The water drains through the soil where the biodegradable material is acted on by the aerobic bacteria in the soil.