What
You Thought You Should Know About Your Septic System but Hated
to Ask!!
Knowing
just this much about your septic system could save you thousands
of dollars
The
following article was compiled from a Jefferson County Health
Dept. brouchure and discussions with several septic companies.
Individual
Septic Disposal Systems
Unlike
the cesspools on Grandpa's farm, the modern individual sewage
disposal system or ISDS, is an acceptable and environmentally
sound method of wastewater disposal in areas where public sewers
are not available. Since many homeowners have no experience with
an ISDS, this guide will help in understanding how it functions
and provide tips and information that will help improve its operation
and prolong its life.
The
typical ISDS will consist of a SEPTIC TANK and ABSORBTION FIELD
(sometimes called a leaching field). The septic tank is a large
tank, usually make of concrete or other durable materials. Most
tanks will have a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more and will be
divided into two compartments. Sewage (or effluent) from the dwelling
flows through a BUILDING SEWER and enter the first compartment
of the tank. Here bacterial decomposition occurs and materials
which cannot be digested settle to the bottom as sludge floats
to the top to form a scum layer. The remaining liquid the flows
into the second compartment of the tank through a series of baffles,
where additional treatment occurs. Although most tanks are non-mechanical,
some will have a motor or aerator which produces as bubbling effect
in the sewage. These mechanisms are an integral part of the ISDS
and should not be removed or disconnected as this may seriously
affect he operation of the system.
From
the tank the liquid then travels through a pipe into the ABSORBTION
FIELD and enters a series of perforated pipes bedded in gravel.
It then drains through the gravel and underlying soil before flowing
naturally back into the groundwater systems. The filtering action
of the soil causes most of the harmful bacterial in the effluent
to be removed and a breakdown of many chemicals found in raw sewage.
The
result is a high degree of treatment occurring in a natural, environmentally
sound process.
Not
all substances can be removed by these systems. Nitrates migrate
with the effluent and mix with the groundwater. Distance separation
from wells and proper system maintenance are tools use to increase
the effectiveness as well as life span of the system.
Use
of Individual Sewer Systems
One
of the most important factors in ISDS operation is being careful
of what goes into the system. Items such as disposable diapers,
cigarette butts, and sanitary napkins should NEVER enter the system.
Kitchen wastes such as bones, eggshells, and coffee grounds do
not decompose readily and should be thrown out rather than put
through the garbage disposal. If at all possible leftover food
should also be thrown out rather than put into the system. Grease
is possibly the worse enemy of your ISDS; pans should be wiped
clean prior to washing and excess grease or drippings should NEVER
be poured down the drain. Paint, Mineral Spirits (don't clean
your paint brush in the sink) and colored toilet paper are also
extremely bad for your system.
Unlike
a public sewer an ISDS cannot accept unlimited amounts of water.
Your system was designed to handle a certain number of gallons
of sewage per day with a safety factor for peak water use periods.
However, prolonged overloading of the system may result in sluggish
drains, back-ups, or surfacing of sewage from the leaching field.
To prevent this it is recommended tht heavy water use be spaced
don't do multiple loads of laundry back to back or permit 3 or
4 showers to be taken in a row. This will allow the system to
accept the flow evenly without serious overloading.
Septic
Tank
Proper
tank maintenance is essential in prolonging the life of your ISDS.
Since not all material in the sewage can be decomposed, these
collect in the tank as sludge, or scum which must be periodically
removed. This can be done by a licensed Systems Cleaner who will
pump this material from he tank. If you have a 2 compartment tank,
both sides should be pumped. This pumper should also remove all
the water from the tank.; this will allow a "rest period"
for the leaching field. Failure to pump the tank at regular intervals
(Jeffco recommends as 2 year interval) may result in sludge being
carried into he leaching field where it can plug the soil pores
and cause failure. Since a leaching field may cost many thousands
of dollars to replace, the cost of pumping represents a very reasonable
investment in protecting your ISDS.
Absorption
Bed
This
is the point where the treated wastewater enters the soil and
failures are common in this component of the ISDS. However, a
few simple steps can lessen the chance of this happening. Since
the plastic (PVC) pipes in the field are usually 1 foot deep or
less, they are very susceptible to damage. Vehicles should NEVER
be permitted to drive over a field; the pipes may be easily crushed.
Parking
on the field should be prohibited; in addition to the physical
damage to the field, the soil may be compacted which will prevent
proper absorption of the sewage. Animals such as cattle should
not be pastured near a leach field; is this cannot be avoided
the area of the field it should be fenced off to prevent it from
being walked upon.
Repairs
Despite
the best of care, some systems may malfunction. If your ISDS should
back up into the dwelling or leak from the absorption bed, contact
the Health Department at once; they can advise you on procedures
to repair the system.
Household
chemicals will kill the bacteria essential in the functioning
of your ISDS, and consequently should be used sparingly. Bleach,
as an example should only be used in very small amounts and only
with a small percentage of loads of wash when washing clothes.
Additives
such as "Robic, Microbe Lift, and Rid-X", claiming to
improved the operation of the system can be used but, simply a
small package of yeast can be flushed down the toilet once a month
to help restore the bacteria necessary for a functioning system.
Baking
soda, also, may lessen any odors from the tank and, if necessary,
may be added for this reason.