Septic System Info. What are septic systems?

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1 Septic System Info What are septic systems? Septic systems are actually "small on-site sewage treatment plants" that are buried in the ground. They have two main parts: the septic tank and the soil absorption area. The first septic tank was patented in London, England around Since then, septic tanks have changed in design, but they still perform the same job. Websters defines the septic tank as "a tank in which waste matter is decomposed through bacterial action." Today s tanks come in different sizes and shapes. Some are concrete and some are strengthened plastics. Whatever the size or shape, the same process takes place. Wastewater and materials flow into the tank through the inlet pipe. (see Fig. 1) The materials and organic solids float to the surface and form a layer that is called "scum." The wastewater remains in the middle of the tank and this is where the bacteria lives. The bacteria feeds on the scum layer and converts this material into a liquid. During this process of digestion, the bacteria produces a by-product. This by-product along with other inorganic materials fall to the bottom of the tank and form a layer known as "sludge." The fairly clear wastewater between the two layers should be the only thing that flows out of the outlet pipe into the soil absorption area or "lateral field."

2 Out of Sight, Out of Mind It's common for most people to have many questions about septic systems, how they work, and what components it takes to make one work properly. In cities and suburban areas, sewers are used to get the sewage or waste, to a wastewater treatment facility. Where these piping systems and treatment plants are not available, septic systems are used to do the jobs of both. "Out of sight, out of mind" can be dangerous! If you have a septic system, you need to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the information on this website. Knowledge is the best way to save yourself costly repairs and many hours of trouble. Every home is going to produce waste in different amounts and different compositions. The reason is that the number of people, their water usage habits, and the appliances they use, (such as washing machines, and dishwashers) all play a part in the equation. This diagram gives you an idea where the sewage is generated. Sewage Generation Water usage, appliances, and the number of people contribute to waste.

3 Septic System Basics How to Prevent Damage Any solid material flowing out of your tank will do permanent damage to your lateral field! This happens as the solids enter the lateral field and try to exit the lateral pipes through tiny holes in the sides of these pipes. The holes become clogged and will not allow the water to exit into the soil absorption area. If not caught in time, the system will clog and fail completely and will stop accepting any wastewater. Three Signs of Lateral Field Failure Wastewater backing up into your house (this can also be caused by a clog) Areas of black water appearing in your yard around the soil absorption area Outdoor odor Three Factors Cause Solids to Enter Lateral Field Not Enough Bacteria Normally, plenty of bacteria is provided naturally to digest the organic solids with normal household waste. However, bacteria can only work if we let it live, or we add enough bacteria to compensate. In today's society, we use all kind of things everyday that kill bacteria. Here are a few. Anti-bacteria soaps, bleach, acids, toilet cleaners, detergents, disinfectants, cleaning compounds, polishes, tile and tub cleaners and caustic drain openers. Even the chlorine in our drinking water, which is designed to keep the water safe from diseases, continues to kill bacteria as it enters the septic tank. There must be bacteria present to digest and liquefy the scum layer. If not digested, the scum layer thickness will continue to grow until it overflows, causing the soil absorption area or "lateral field", to become clogged. ( Fig. 3). Our "Just Flush" bacteria added to your system on a regular basis can eliminate this problem. Too long between sludge removals or "septic cleanings" The by-products of the digestion process along with other inorganic materials fall to the bottom of the tank and form a layer known as "sludge." This layer is not biodegradable and will not decompose. The sludge layer grows in proportion to

4 the amount of waste that enters the tank and must be removed periodically. (We recommend cleaning your septic tank every 3-5 years depending on your household size.) If not removed, the sludge will accumulate until it overflows, causing the soil absorption area or "lateral field", to become clogged. Outlet Baffle Malfunction The outlet baffle is designed to let only the liquid from the center area of the tank to go out into the soil absorption area or "lateral field". If the baffle has eroded away, broken off, or for what ever reason, isn t doing it s job properly, the scum will be allowed to flow out of the tank causing the soil absorption area or "lateral field", to become clogged. Contaminated Tank The sludge will cause the soil absorption area to become clogged if not removed.

5 Soil Absorption & Leaching Areas There are many types of soil absorption or lateral systems, too many to discuss them all. The three most popular ways are: Lateral Fields Lateral fields usually are made up of a network of perforated pipes laid in a gravel-lined trench. Solids clogging the perforations will cause drainage to be slow and eventually stop. (see Fig. 1). If water is now allowd to exit, the system will fail. Filter Beds Filter beds work on the same principle as lateral fields, with a perforated pipe running through layers of sand and crushed stone. Filter beds are wider than lateral fields, and can be constructed above or below ground. Filter beds are much smaller than lateral fields and can be utilized where property is not large enough for the long trenches required for a lateral field. Solids clogging the perforations or the sand will cause drainage to be slow and eventually stop. (see Fig. 2)

6 Drainage Pits Drainage pits are precast or concrete block cylinders. They have closed tops, open bottoms, and holes in the sidewalls. Some older septic systems consist of only a drainage pit or cesspool. (see Fig. 3) A pit is a common leaching area for older systems.

7 Septic System Maintenance Periodic Septic Cleaning A septic tank system will serve a home satisfactorily only if it is properly designed, installed, and adequately maintained. Even a good system which does not have proper care and attention may become a nuisance, and burdensome expense. from the US Department of Health, Education & Welfare Public Health Service Sludge that accumulates in the bottom of the tank must be pumped out periodically. How often depends on the size of the tank and its usage. There is no additive that you can use that will get rid of the sludge. It must be pumped out! If it s not pumped out, it will eventually overflow into the soil absorption area or "lateral field", causing the system to clog and fail, at enormous cost and inconvenience. Bacteria Maintenance As bacteria killing products are used in the home and in our way of life, it is a must that you replenish the bacteria layer! If the bacteria are not replenished, the septic tank will fill up with solids and the scum layer will overflow into the soil absorption area or "lateral field", causing the system to clog and fail. In both cases of failure, the replacement costs vary from $1, to $3, and up. "Out of sight, Out of mind"? Your system could be putting solid material into your lateral field right now! The problem is, if you wait until your having trouble, it is usually too late to do anything but replace the system. Fact: Neglected systems will fail