YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Are you aware that as a homeowner, you are responsible for the upkeep of your septic system? Are you aware that taking care of your septic system safeguards your investment in your home? Are you aware that you should regularly inspect your system and have your septic tank pumped out?
With proper design, construction, and maintenance, a septic system can effectively treat household wastewater for the long term. Neglecting its maintenance could lead to costly replacements, potentially amounting to thousands of dollars. A failing system may contaminate groundwater, which could be a source of drinking water. Additionally, if you decide to sell your home, the septic system must be functioning well.
This guide will help you care for your septic system. It will help you understand how your system works and what steps you can take as a homeowner to ensure your system will work properly.
Four Key Ways to Safeguard Your Septic System
1. Conduct regular inspections and pump your tank when needed.
2. Use water wisely.
3. Avoid disposing of household hazardous materials in sinks or toilets.
4. Maintain your drainfield.
HOW DOES A SEPTIC SYSTEM WORK?
Components
A standard septic system consists of four key parts: a pipe leading from the house, a septic tank, a drainfield, and the soil. Microorganisms in the soil break down or eliminate most pollutants from the wastewater before it finally enters the groundwater.
Pipe from the home
All of your household wastewater exits your home through a pipe to the septic tank.
Septic tank
A septic tank is an underground, watertight container usually constructed from concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It retains wastewater long enough for solids to settle at the bottom (creating sludge) and for oil and grease to rise to the top (forming scum). This process also facilitates the partial decomposition of solid materials. The tank is designed with compartments and a T-shaped outlet to stop sludge and scum from exiting the tank and reaching the drainfield area. Additionally, screens are advised to prevent solids from entering the drainfield.
Modern tanks typically feature risers with surface-level lids, facilitating easy access for locating, inspecting, and pumping the tank. *Depending on county requirements, your newer system may or may not have risers. Risers are always recommended for easier care and maintenance.
TIP
To avoid buildup, it's necessary to remove sludge and floating scum by periodically pumping the septic tank. Routine inspections and pumping are the most effective and economical methods to maintain your septic system's proper functioning.
Finding Your System
Your septic tank, drainfield, and reserve drainfield should be clearly marked on the "as-built" drawing for your home. An "as-built" drawing is a line drawing that accurately depicts the buildings on your property and is typically filed in your local land records. You may also notice lids or manhole covers for your septic tank. Older tanks can be difficult to locate because they lack visible components. An inspector or pumper can assist you in finding your septic system if your septic tank does not have risers.
Drainfield
Wastewater leaves the septic tank and flows into the drainfield, where the soil continues its treatment. Each time new wastewater enters the tank, the partially treated wastewater is moved into the drainfield for additional treatment.
If the drainfield receives too much liquid, it can become overloaded, leading to flooding, sewage surfacing on the ground, or backups in plumbing fixtures, which can hinder the treatment of all wastewater.
Newer permits require a repair area drainfield, which is an area on your property that can accommodate a new drainfield system if the current one fails. This area should be maintained with the same care as your septic system.
Soil
Wastewater from the septic tank moves to the drainfield, where it seeps into the soil. This soil offers the final treatment by eliminating harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Appropriate soil is essential for effective wastewater treatment.
Alternative systems
In many regions where soils are unsuitable for conventional septic systems, an alternative system may be required. Alternative systems may also be necessary if there is a high concentration of standard septic systems in one area or if they are located too close to groundwater or surface waters. These systems utilize advanced technology to enhance treatment processes and may require specific care and maintenance. Some alternative systems employ sand, peat, or plastic media instead of soil to facilitate wastewater treatment, while others might incorporate wetlands, lagoons, aerators, or disinfection devices. Electrical or mechanical components like float switches and pumps are commonly used in these systems. It is recommended that alternative systems be inspected annually. For more details on the operation and maintenance of an alternative system, consult your local health department or installer.
WHY SHOULD I MAINTAIN MY SEPTIC SYSTEM?
When septic systems are designed, built, and maintained correctly, they can significantly reduce or eliminate most health and environmental risks caused by pollutants in household wastewater. However, they need regular upkeep to prevent failure. It's essential to monitor septic systems to ensure they function properly throughout their lifespan.
Saving money
One major reason to maintain your septic system is cost savings! Repairing or replacing failing septic systems can be costly, and neglecting maintenance is often to blame. Regular inspections of your septic system are cost-effective compared to the expense of replacing the entire system. The frequency of pumping depends on the number of household occupants and the system's size. A non-functional or poorly maintained septic system can decrease your property's value and might lead to legal issues.
Protecting health and the environment
Ensuring safe sewage treatment is also crucial for preventing the spread of infections and diseases and for safeguarding water resources. Household wastewater typically contains pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus, and harmful bacteria and viruses. A properly functioning septic system effectively removes most of these contaminants.
With one-fourth of U.S. homes relying on septic systems, over 4 billion gallons of wastewater are dispersed daily below the ground. Insufficiently treated sewage from septic systems can lead to groundwater contamination, posing serious risks to drinking water and human health by contaminating wells and causing diseases in humans and animals. Sewage that is improperly treated and reaches nearby surface waters can increase the risk of swimmers contracting various infectious diseases, ranging from eye and ear infections to severe gastrointestinal illnesses and diseases like hepatitis.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY SEPTIC SYSTEM?
Inspect and pump frequently
A typical septic system should be inspected by a professional at least every three years, and the tank should be pumped as advised by the inspector, usually every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components require more frequent inspections, typically once a year. Your service provider should check for leaks and examine the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the outlet tee's bottom or the top of the sludge layer is within twelve inches of the outlet tee, the tank needs to be pumped. Make sure to record the sludge and scum levels noted by your service provider in your operation and maintenance records, as this information will help determine the necessary pumping frequency.
Four main factors affect how often pumping is needed: the number of people in your household, the amount of wastewater generated (based on household size and water usage), the volume of solids in the wastewater (for instance, using a garbage disposal increases solids), and the size of the septic tank.
Some manufacturers of septic tank additives claim their products break down sludge so tanks never need pumping. However, the effectiveness of additives is debated. Septic tanks naturally contain the necessary microbes for effective treatment. Regular pumping is a more reliable way to ensure septic systems function properly and last for many years. Regardless, every septic tank requires regular pumping.
In the service report, the pumper should document any repairs made and whether the tank is in good condition. If additional repairs are recommended that the pumper cannot perform, hire someone to complete the repairs promptly.
Use water efficiently
Average indoor water use in the typical single-family home is almost 70 gallons per person per day. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons each day. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system. Efficient water use can improve the operation of the septic system and reduce the risk of failure.
Install high-efficiency showerheads
Fill the bathtub with only as much water as you need
Turn off faucets while shaving or brushing your teeth
Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only when they’re full
Use toilets to flush sanitary waste only (not kitty litter, diapers, or other trash)
Make sure all faucets are completely turned off when not in use
Maintain your plumbing to eliminate leaks
Install aerators in the faucets in your kitchen and bathroom
Replace old dishwashers, toilets, and clothes washers with new, high-efficiency models
For more information on water conservation, visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.html
High-efficiency toilets
Toilet use accounts for 25 to 30 percent of household water use. Do you know how many gallons of water your toilet uses to empty the bowl? Most older homes have toilets with 3.5- to 5-gallon reservoirs, while newer high-efficiency toilets use 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush. If you have problems with your septic system being flooded with household water, consider reducing the volume of water in the toilet tank if you don’t have a high-efficiency model or replacing your existing toilets with high-efficiency models.
Faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerheads
Faucet aerators help reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system. High-efficiency showerheads or shower flow restrictors also reduce water use.
Water fixtures
Check to make sure your toilet’s reservoir isn’t leaking into the bowl. Add five drops of liquid food coloring to the reservoir before bed. If the dye is in the bowl the next morning, the reservoir is leaking and repairs are needed.
A small drip from a faucet adds many gallons of unnecessary water to your system every day. To see how much a leak adds to your water usage, place a cup under the drip for 10 minutes. Multiply the amount of water in the cup by 144 (the number of minutes in 24 hours, divided by 10). This is the total amount of clean water traveling to your septic system each day from that little leak.
WATCH YOUR DRAINS
What goes down the drain can have a major impact on how well your septic system works.
Waste disposal
What shouldn’t you flush down your toilet? Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, and other kitchen and bathroom items that can clog and potentially damage septic system components if they become trapped. Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system or might contaminate surface waters and groundwater. If your septic tank pumper is concerned about quickly accumulating scum layers, reduce the flow of floatable materials like fats, oils, and grease into your tank or be prepared to pay for more frequent inspections and pumping.
Washing machines
By selecting the proper load size, you’ll reduce water waste. Washing small loads of laundry on the large-load cycle wastes precious water and energy. If you can’t select load size, run only full loads of laundry.
Doing all the household laundry in one day might seem like a time-saver, but it could be harmful to your septic system. Doing load after load does not allow your septic tank time to adequately treat wastes. You could be flooding your drainfield without allowing sufficient recovery time. Try to spread water usage throughout the week. A new Energy Star clothes washer uses 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than a standard model.
Care for your drainfield
Your drainfield is an important part of your septic system. Here are a few things you should do to maintain it:
Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drainfield.
Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drainfield or damage the pipes, tank, or other septic system components.
Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and other rainwater or surface water drainage systems away from the drainfield. Flooding the drainfield with excessive water slows down or stops treatment processes and can cause plumbing fixtures to back up.
WHAT CAN MAKE MY SYSTEM FAIL?
If the volume of wastewater entering the system exceeds its capacity, it can back up into the house or yard, posing a health risk.
A system failure might be suspected not only when there is a foul odor but also when partially treated wastewater surfaces on the ground. By the time you notice a smell or see an issue, significant damage may have already occurred.
By conserving water, you can decrease the amount of wastewater your system needs to process. Regular inspections and pumping of your system as necessary can lower the likelihood of failure.
A system installed in unsuitable soil conditions can also fail. Additional risks include tanks that are difficult to access for maintenance, drainfields that are covered or parked on, and tree roots or faulty components that disrupt the treatment process.
Failure symptoms
The most apparent septic system failures are simple to identify. Look for water pooling or muddy soil around your septic system or in your basement. Observe if your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry. You may also see patches of bright green grass over the drainfield. Septic systems can also fail when partially treated wastewater interacts with groundwater. This kind of failure is difficult to detect but can lead to contamination of wells, nearby streams, or other water bodies. Consult a septic system professional and the local health department if you suspect this type of failure.
Failure causes
Household toxics
Is anyone in your home using the utility sink to wash paint rollers or dispose of toxic cleaners? It's important to keep oil-based paints, solvents, and large amounts of toxic cleaners out of your septic system. Even waste from cleaning up latex paint should be minimized. Before rinsing, press out any excess paint and stain from brushes and rollers onto several layers of newspaper. Take any leftover paints and wood stains to your local household hazardous waste collection center. Keep in mind that your septic system is home to living organisms that process and treat waste.
Household cleaners
For the most part, your septic system’s bacteria should recover quickly after small amounts of household cleaning products have entered the system. Of course, some cleaning products are less toxic to your system than others. Labels can help key you into the potential toxicity of various products. The word “Danger” or “Poison” on a label indicates that the product is highly hazardous. “Warning” tells you the product is moderately hazardous. “Caution” means the product is slightly hazardous. (“Nontoxic” and “Septic Safe” are terms created by advertisers to sell products.) Regardless of the type of product, use it only in the amounts shown on the label instructions and minimize the amount discharged into your septic system.
Hot tubs
Hot tubs are a great way to relax. Unfortunately, your septic system was not designed to handle large quantities of water from your hot tub. Emptying hot tub water into your septic system stirs the solids in the tank and pushes them out into the drainfield, causing it to clog and fail. Draining your hot tub into a septic system or over the drainfield can overload the system. Instead, drain cooled hot tub water onto turf or landscaped areas well away from the septic tank and drainfield, and in accordance with local regulations. Use the same caution when draining your swimming pool.
Water purification systems
Some freshwater purification systems, including water softeners, unnecessarily pump water into the septic system. This can contribute hundreds of gallons of water to the septic tank, causing agitation of solids and excess flow to the drainfield. Check with your licensed plumbing professional about alternative routing for such freshwater treatment systems.
Garbage disposals
Eliminating the use of a garbage disposal can reduce the amount of grease and solids entering the septic tank and possibly clogging the drainfield. A garbage disposal grinds up kitchen scraps, suspends them in water, and sends the mixture to the septic tank. Once in the septic tank, some of the materials are broken down by bacterial action, but most of the grindings have to be pumped out of the tank. Using a garbage disposal frequently can significantly increase the accumulation of sludge and scum in your septic tank, resulting in the need for more frequent pumping.
Improper design or installation
Some soils provide excellent wastewater treatment; others don’t. For this reason, the design of the drainfield of a septic system is based on the results of soil analysis. Homeowners and system designers sometimes underestimate the significance of good soils or believe soils can handle any volume of wastewater applied to them. Many failures can be attributed to having an undersized drainfield or high seasonal groundwater table. Undersized septic tanks—another design failure— allow solids to clog the drainfield and result in system failure.
If a septic tank isn’t watertight, water can leak into and out of the system. Usually, water from the environment leaking into the system causes hydraulic overloading, taxing the system beyond its capabilities and causing inadequate treatment and sometimes sewage to flow up to the ground surface. Water leaking out of the septic tank is a significant health hazard because the leaking wastewater has not yet been treated.
Even when systems are properly designed, failures due to poor installation practices can occur. If the drainfield is not properly leveled, wastewater can overload the system. Heavy equipment can damage the drainfield during installation, which can lead to soil compaction and reduce the wastewater infiltration rate. And if surface drainage isn’t diverted away from the field, it can flow into and saturate the drainfield.
Septic System Dos and Don’ts
(adapted from National Small Flows Clearinghouse)
Dos
Do ask your inspector if your system can handle your garbage disposal grinder.
Do conserve water. Putting too much water into the system can eventually leak to system failure.
Do repair leaky faucets or toilets, and install high-efficiency fixtures.
Do avoid long showers.
Do clean the toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs with a mild detergent or baking soda instead of commercial-grade cleaners and laundry detergents.
Do ask your inspector about allowing the water softener to backflush into the septic system.
Do keep records of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and other system maintenance activities.
Do keep a sketch of your system including measurements from two points on the house.
Do have your septic system inspected and pumped as part of a regular home maintenance plan.
Do have only grass over your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs could cause problems for the absorption area.
Do make sure that a concrete riser is installed over the tank if the opening is not within 12 inches of the surface, providing easy access for measuring and pumping the tank.
Don’ts
Don’t use your septic system like a trash can. Don’t put dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, latex paint, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals into your system.
Don’t use commercial-grade drain cleaners to clear a clogged drain. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake to open clogs.
Don’t allow surface water to flow over the tank or absorption area.
Don’t drive heavy equipment, trucks or vehicles over any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drainfield or damage the pipes, tank, or other septic system components.
Don’t dig in the absorption area.
Adapted from the public documents located at www.epa.gov/owm/septic/pubs
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