Ace Acme Septic Services th Ave NE Arlington, WA toll free: phone:

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1 Ace Acme Septic Services th Ave NE Arlington, WA toll free: phone:

2 It s Time to Pump Your Septic Tank When... 8 Preventative Septic Maintenance... 10

3 Approximately a quarter of the households across the nation rely on septic systems as the primary method of wastewater treatment. While the topic of septic systems does not generally arise in casual conversation, it is an important topic that merits attention. Many septic owners can save themselves numerous hours of frustration if they understand how to properly care for their septic system. This ebook was written to arm septic system users with the information they need to successfully and cost-effectively maintain their system. We will open with a discussion of the basic function of a septic system, move to chapters regarding maintenance and troubleshooting, cover DIY repairs, and wrap up with the environmental benefits and cost-savings that a septic system offers. Having a functional understanding the maintenance techniques needed to keep your septic system operating at its best will save you from problems that could have been easily avoided.

4 Unless you are an experienced plumber or love to install drain fields for a living, very few people have a good understanding of what a septic system is and how it functions. This is understandable, since septic systems aren t exactly on our top 10 list of interesting topics. However, it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of what is going on under your lawn. Ultimately, it will pay off for you to know the way your system works and how best to use and maintain it. Pretend, for a moment, that you re a gallon of hot, soapy water that has just swirled down the shower drain. This is where you re headed. A Septic system is made up of two parts: a tank and a drainfield. All of your household waste and water flows into the tank before moving on to the drain field (or leach field ). When you were first washed down your drain, you were rushed through a series of pipes, directly into the septic tank. The septic tank itself is an underground box most often made up of concrete, plastic, or fiberglass. The inlet baffle inside the tank is shaped like a T. This slows down the incoming sewage so that it does not mix up the already settled scum forming on the bottom of the tank. Our imaginary waste water has completed the first stage of travel, and is now ready to be separated inside the septic tank itself. Good bacteria immediately begin to break down the hard waste, allowing it to settle in a thick sludge across the bottom. This forms the first of three layers inside the tank. The second layer is the water itself. As the bacteria deals with everything that is not purely H2O, the water builds up inside the tank until it reaches a certain depth point, after which it is gradually released. Our third layer is the scum. The scum floats on top of the water, and is carefully prevented from exiting with the water and contaminating the drain field.

5 As the scum on the bottom begins to increase with time, it pushes the amount of water ever higher, until it reaches the exit door of the tank and an outlet baffle. The outlet baffle is carefully designed to prevent the floating scum from entering and clogging up the drain field. As the water passes through the baffle, it is distributed into the drainfield and allowed to settle back into the ground. At this point you ve been thoroughly cleaned by the bacteria, and have become groundwater, from the showerhead to your lawn.

6 We should all be glad that we live in this day and age. There have been many great advances in all areas of life, but we should be especially grateful for the advances in our waste disposal techniques. There was a time that when man wanted to take care of business he would be forced to make use of a drafty shack out in the elements. Aren t we all glad that we have moved past that? The first septic system was nothing more than a pit dug in the ground. The pit would often be lined with stones, brick or some other available material. To provide some privacy and protection from the elements a shack was built above. As you can imagine this did not make for the most pleasant conditions, but it sufficed. When the pit filled up, as it inevitably did, another pit was dug and the shack moved locations. As you likely already guessed, these were referred to as outhouses. With the advent of flushing toilets, restroom breaks became a bit more comfortable for people. People were able to take care of business without leaving the comforts of home, and the waste was piped out and away from the house. Some people would just send the pipe out far enough so that the waste carried away by the nearest body of water. But more thoughtful individuals used what were called cesspools. Cesspools were first developed during the Renaissance and, for a long time, they were considered an effective means of disposing of waste. Of course, just like the outhouses, they would fill up over time and then a new one would need to be dug. While cesspools were reasonably effective, they couldn t take on the extra wastewater from the houses. The rising amount of water getting sent there was overwhelming the cesspool, which led to the development of the septic tank. The septic tank was a watertight container that all the waste and water would enter first. The solid waste would build up at the bottom of the tank and the wastewater would leave the septic tank by overflowing through a pipe and into a drywell. There, the wastewater would slowly leach into the ground. Grease and oils would accumulate on the surface and run off into the drywell as well. This presented problems because the grease and oil would clog up the soil around the drywell and it wouldn t drain properly. To solve this problem, extra drywells would be installed to handle the extra wastewater runoff.

7 However, as everyone became more aware of the environment, they realized that many of the drywells were so deep that they were leaching directly into the water table. With the realization that they were polluting their drinking water, regulations were passed stipulating that there must beat least four feet between the seasonal water table and the leaching portion of the septic system. Also, dirt alone wasn t always effective at filtering the wastewater. This introduced leaching fields, and drywells were no longer used. After a septic tank, the wastewater would be piped out to a field of gravel. These would not need to be nearly as deep as drywells. Here, the wastewater would filter down through the gravel and then the soil. Over the years the technique of dealing with waste has become more and more efficient. Now, with a properly installed and maintained septic system, there is usually no negative impact on the environment. Often, the environment is even aided by the properly treated water. As innovation continues, we can be grateful that we no longer have to brave the elements whenever we need to take care of business.

8 Welcome to a Worst Case Scenario discussion of septic tank issues. A proactive septic tank user will schedule maintenance at regular intervals in order to avoid the mess of problems listed below. However, in the case that consistent upkeep is left by the wayside or your septic system fills up unexpectedly fast, watch for these signs. Septic tanks are often equipped with a high water alarm. When the level in the tank reaches a certain capacity, the alarm will sound as a sign that the tank should be pumped. When you notice that your septic system is draining rather slowly, this generally means your tank should be pumped out pronto. Be aware, however. If you notice that just one lone drain line is backing up, that could merely be a symptom of a clogged drain, not a overly full tank. When a septic tank is over capacity, sewage has a tendency to seep out of both ends. The tank can overflow onto the surrounding soil, or sewage can begin to suspiciously seep into toilets inside the house. We can all agree that sewage backup in your home is more than a little revolting. If either of these symptoms begin to occur, it's prime time for a pump-out. Tank overflow and sewage backup generally produce rather abhorrent odors. If suspicious smells begin to surface inside or outside, it is most likely time to pump out the tank. Do take notice, though. Another cause of smelly symptoms could be a ruptured pipeline, so be sure to do a general system checkup before you assume your tank level is the problem.

9 Regular maintenance can resolve a host of septic tank issues before these symptoms make a mess. Have your tank s capacity tested and see how long you can go between pumpouts. Also, regularly test your tank s levels and take appropriate action to maintain your system. Keep a three-year mark in your mind. Your tank should usually be pumped out every three-five years. However, five years is the maximum. After five years, your risk potential begins to increase exponentially. Too much sludge begins to develop inside the tank and cause drainage issues. Slow or clogged drains can cause the tank to overflow and back up at a faster rate. The more time between pumpouts, the higher the potential for a mess.

10 The people who boast that they have never had to deal with their septic tank in over 20 years really don t have anything worth bragging about. It s actually a bad thing not to regularly maintain your septic tank. There is no telling what kind of disgusting build-up or prehistoric monster might exist in tanks that have been woefully neglected. Contrary to popular belief, having to pump your septic every few years, or needing to clean a filter does not mean your septic has stopped working. It just shows that your septic system needs a little regular TLC. A septic tank operates on the basic premise of the decomposition of organic material by bacteria. When you introduce chemicals into this mix, it can hinder this natural process. The offenders of this natural process usually are chlorine bleach and other harsh anti-bacterial products. Check your detergents and cleaning products to make certain they do not contain anti-bacterial agents. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended, and it is best if leftover cooking oils are not poured down the drain. Also, try not to flush sanitary napkins, baby wipes or other items down your toilet. These items can cause blockages and imbalance the bacterium ecosystem within the tank. If your drains do get clogged and need a drain cleaner, make certain the cleaner is not anti-bacterial or chemically caustic. Regulating the amount of water poured into the septic tank every day is critical in the life of a healthy septic system. Flooding the system with excessive water over a short period of time will cause problems. The leach field will flood or the drainage lines may clog due to the influx of wastewater. Fixing leaks, turning off the tap immediately after use, and taking shorter showers are all ways that you can keep from overloading the system.

11 Excess water flows out to the drain field, so it is crucial not to block or damage the pipes. Invasive plant roots can clog or even damage the drain field, so make certain to only plant grass near the septic tank. Of course, be sure to not park or drive over your septic system. As we ve said, the average time span of a healthy septic system between pumps is three to five years. At that point, the sludge on the bottom should have filled up 25% of the available space in the tank. Once the sludge levels reach this point it is extremely necessary to have it all pumped out, even if it is less than five years since the last pumping. When extra buildup occurs, this will push the water out into the drain field before it has had proper time to settle. This means that the water seeping through your drain field and into your lawn is most likely contaminated with raw waste. Be sure you keep a close eye on the water levels in your system. Whenever it appears to be backing up in the house or forming puddles in the yard, call a professional plumber to come and take a look. Another step in keeping your septic up to par is in cleaning out the filter. Most septic systems have an extra filter called the Baffle Filter. The Baffle Filter is located in the exit area of the septic tank. Before water leaves the tank to flow to the drain field, it is passed through the baffle filter to ensure that no foam or scum leaves with it. Not only does this scum pose the potential problem of blocking the drain field pipes, but it will also contaminate the area around the drain field as well. It is necessary to clean the baffle filter at least once every six months. To sum it all up, proactive maintenance will keep your system running optimally. Ultimately, it will save your numerous headaches and messes down the road!

12 So now you are aware of how vital it is that your septic tank remains in working order. These systems hide underground near your home and make life away from the sewer main bearable. However, this means you are responsible for any maintenance or repairs. Any malfunction can result in foul odors and huge repair bills. While many issues require professional septic tank services, there are some things that you can fix yourself. Due to the contents of a septic tank, problems often manifest themselves with strong odors that are redirected back into your house. When problems do occur, they are commonly found in the pipes or lid. Items can easily plug the pipes, resulting in an inability to flush a toilet or drain a bathtub. What exactly plugs up the pipes? Answers to that question range from a buildup of domestic grease and oil that can t be broken down to roots and other foreign objects. The first thing to do is to send a plumber s snake down the drainpipe to dislodge whatever is blocking the pipe. If the snake is unable to remove the blockage, you may be required to dig. Use a hoe or a shovel to dig up the earth around the septic tank. Then open up the lid of the tank to check the liquid s level. If the level is below the house s inlet, the blockage is at the end of the inlet. You can try using a garden hose set to high pressure to knock free the object. You should also check the drainpipe. Large debris floating out can occasionally get caught there and block the flow. Plants and tree roots will also try to grow here as well. Cut back the plants and any other large blockage so it can be washed away.

13 Your next step is to check the lid. The lids are made from concrete and over time they will crack from wear and moisture. If you can, take the time to repair the lid; they can be very expensive to replace. Use a tool, perhaps a screwdriver, to scrape away debris and use a wire brush to remove more stubborn remains. If there are cracks in the lid, you will want to repair them. To do this, you will need a Concrete Epoxy Crack Filler Kit. Mix the solution as directed by the kit s instructions and add some water and sand. Then apply the filler to the cracks, doing your best to get the filler deep inside. Smooth it out and wait for it to dry. These are all repairs that you can do yourself, potentially saving you a lot of money. However, for many problems, such as cracked pipes or routine pumping, you will need to call in a professional. Remember that regular septic system maintenance is essential.

14 During the winter months, our surroundings will be transformed into a glittering, winter wonderland. If you live in an area where temperatures fall below freezing, you will want to ensure that your septic system can survive the ordeal. Thankfully, there are several precautions you can take to protect your septic system. This is easier than it sounds. It does not involve digging up pipes or any large monetary investments. Believe it or not, the elements themselves will help insulate your septic system. A layer of snow over the tank and pipes will provide good insulation. If snowfall is light, a thick layer of loose mulch or straw will do the trick. Letting your grass grow long over the tank will help catch snow and hold it there. Avoid driving over top of the tank and keep foot traffic to a minimum. This will compact the earth and any snow, causing it to lose much of its insulating properties. This can also be quite simple: use warm water, often. Using hot or warm water will help stave off the chances of the septic system freezing, especially if you spread it out over the day. Do a load of laundry, run the dishwasher, and take hot baths or showers. Be sure to fix any leaky faucets. A slow, steady drip can cause a thin layer of ice to build up in the inside of pipes, which could eventually result in frozen pipes. Some high efficiency furnaces do create small flows of water. To keep this from causing a problem, wrap the pipe with heat tape. If you are going to be away from the home for an extended period of time, you will want to have a friend or neighbor come by and run the water for you occasionally. However, if this is a summer home and you are not staying in it over the winter, you should have the septic system pumped out. A full tank that is not used can potentially freeze during the winter months, seriously harming the tank itself.

15 There are a few common mistakes people make in regards to their septic systems, often causing more damage than good. Using antifreeze, for example, will kill off the good bacteria in the tank and sometimes cause the pipes to clog or back up. It also won t guarantee that the pipes won t freeze. If your septic system does freeze, don t try thaw it yourself by lighting a fire over top of it, running water continually, or adding more antifreeze or salt. Call a professional. Repairing or replacing a cracked septic system can be expensive, but if you take a few simple precautionary measures, you can enjoy your winter without worrying about what harm it might cause to your septic system!

16 Septic or sewer? This is a relatively controversial topic, and for good reason. Waste and water treatment is a very important concern for our society. For the continued wellbeing of our community, it is vital that we take care of the environment and ensure that our world is habitable for generations to come. One of the facets of this task that we can manage personally is how we deal with waste and water treatment. What are most people using these days anyway? According to the EPA, in 2007, 20% of all U.S. housing made use of septic tanks while 80% of people were attached to publicly centralized systems. The location of these homes has a large effect on what system they use. Fifty percent of all septic systems are used by homes in rural settings. Fortyseven percent are located in suburbs. The last mere 3% are located in central cities. This is pretty much what you would expect considering that rural areas often don t have easy access to public sewer mains. The southern states of the U.S. have a greater use of septic tanks, accounting for 46% of all septic systems currently in use. This is a difficult question. Many people are not aware that the processes used by septic tanks and public sewer systems are essentially the same. They both make use of microorganisms to deal with viruses, bacteria and any other harmful elements in the water. Essentially, the answer lies in whether or not the system in question is well maintained. A public sewer system that undergoes sufficient upkeep doesn t pose an environmental threat if the system process adequately handles the waste and releases well-filtered water back into the environment. The public sewer system lines usually last about 20 years before starting to wear out. Old lines can start eroding and leaking effluent into the surrounding ground. Also, a sewage plant that fails to effectively filter the water it releases back into the surrounding area can also pose a threat to the environment. On a local level, septic tanks do provide environmental benefits. The water used in the home is filtered back into the ground through the leach field, as opposed to being pumped away through a sewer system. However, a septic system that is not well-

17 maintained can leach contaminating waste into the area, and the pollution has a detrimental impact to the quality of the surrounding ecosystem. The fact that septic systems are small and local is also what makes them more environmentally friendly. A properly installed and maintained septic tank does an excellent job of breaking down and processing effluent. It recycles the wastewater back into the surrounding environment. As long as the homeowner takes proper care of his septic system it will last indefinitely with no harmful effects. In the end, the answer to the question posed above comes from whether or not a homeowner can properly care for his septic system. But even with just basic care, a septic tank is a local, environmentally friendly option.

18 When long-term costs are analyzed, septic systems can be highly advantageous to the average household. Here is a breakdown of the various costs: Up-front cost of a brand-new septic system is between $1,500 and $4,000. However, that includes the total cost of installation and any other additional costs. When the cost of pumping out the tank is added to the total, a cost of about $400 every three years, a new septic system will have a ten-year cost of about $5000. Here s the deal. Public sewer and water bills add up as well. In a cost comparison, septic systems tend to always cost less. The water bill for an average household runs between $50 and $150 a month, resulting in an annual average of $1200. In ten years, a public sewer user will spend over $10,000! Within ten years of installing a septic tank, you will have saved more money than your septic system originally cost to install and maintain. Up-front costs may appear daunting. However, in the end, it s thousands of dollars in savings.

19 You are now armed with the tools and tasks needed to conquer potential septic tank problems! Remember that while most septic problems can be avoided or easily fixed, there may come a time when you need to call a professional. Don t hesitate to periodically schedule a septic tank inspection and make sure every element is functioning as expected. If you proactively test, repair, maintain, and monitor your system well, you ll be right as rain! For more information on septic tank pumping, inspection, service, maintenance, and repairs, visit