Septic System

A SEPTIC SYSTEM HAS FOUR MAJOR COMPONENTS:

1. A house sewer line carries the waste to the septic tank.

2. A septic tank prepares the waste material for disposal into the leaching system

3. A liquid distribution "D" box may be used to distribute the effluent uniformly through the leaching system.

4. A leaching system which may consist of a drain field, trenches, leaching pits, beds or galleries which help purify the effluent by filtration through the soil.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

Always conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed of.
Repair all leaking faucets and toilets.
Discharge only biological wastes into the system: no panty liners, cigarette filters, q-tips, tampons, condoms,
disposable diapers or other non-biodegradable products.
Divert all down spouts and all other surface water away from the tank and drainfields.
Have your septic tank pumped on a regular schedule and check for leaks and cracks.
Keep all septic tank covers accessible for tank inspections and pumpings.
Do not use a garbage disposal. Compost your garbage or put it in your trash instead.
Do not put solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides, etc. down the drain. This can disrupt the treatment process and contaminate groundwater.
Don't dig in your drainfield or build anything over the entire septic system including the tank.
Don't plant anything over the drainfield except grass.
Don't drive over the drainfield or compact it in any way as to prevent flow to the drainfields.

If a system starts to experience difficulties, what are some of the common symptoms?

•1. Plumbing fixtures may exhibit difficulty in releasing its contents (slow draining, bubbling, backups, etc.). This condition may be system related but it could also indicate just a clog in the interior piping or sewer line. The homeowner should have the interior piping checked before proceeding with an investigation of the sewage disposal system. However, on newer systems or retrofits the above symptoms could indicate that the septic tank outlet filter is becoming clogged. In that case tank maintenance is required in order to clean the filter and more than likely pump the tank.

•2. Large volume discharges (such as, washing machines, dishwashers and bathtubs) cause either a backup, as noted above, or, an overflow of sewage above the septic tank or leaching field. This condition is usually at its worst during and / or directly following a heavy rain event.

•3. Foul septic odors in storm drainage piping, catch basins, footing drain piping or curtain drain discharges may indicate that sewage from your or an adjacent property is entering these groundwater systems.