Households that are not served by public sewers usually depend on septic tank systems
to treat and dispose of wastewater. A well designed, installed, and maintained septic
system can provide years of reliable low-cost service. When these systems fail to operate
effectively, property damage, ground and surface water pollution, and disease outbreaks
can occur. Therefore, it makes good sense to understand and care for your septic tank
system.
 There are many different types of septic tank systems that can
fit a wide range of soil and site conditions. The following information will help you to
understand a simple type of septic system, and keep it operating safely at the lowest
possible cost.
A "conventional" septic tank system has three working parts:
- The septic tank.
- The Leachfieldd with its replacement area.
- The surrounding soil.
The typical septic tank is a large buried rectangular, or cylindrical container made of
concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Wastewater from your toilet, bath, kitchen,
laundry, etc. flows into the tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom where bacterial
action partially decomposes them to digested sludge and gases. Most of the lighter solids,
such as fats and grease, rise to the top and form a scum layer.
Septic tanks may have one or two compartments. Two compartment tanks do a better job of
settling solids and are required for new systems. Tees or baffles are provided at the
tank's inlet and outlet pipes. The inlet tee slows the incoming wastes and reduces
disturbance of the settled sludge. The outlet tee keeps the solids or scum in the tank.
All tanks should have accessible covers for checking the condition of the baffles and for
pumping both compartments. If risers extend from the tank to or above the ground surface,
they should be secure to prevent accidental entry into the tank.
 Solids that are not decomposed remain in the septic tank. If not removed by
periodic pumping, solids will accumulate until they eventually overflow into the
drainfield. Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 2 to 5 years, depending on the tank
size, and the amount and type of solids entering the tank.
"Early Warning" Levels Inside Your Septic Tank
The septic tank should be pumped whenever:
- the bottom of the scum layer is within 3 inches of the bottom of the outlet lee or
baffle, or
- the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet fitting.
Many products on the market, such as solvents, yeast, bacteria, and enzymes claim to
improve septic tank performance, or reduce the need for routine pumping. None have been
found to be of benefit. Some can cause solids to carry over to the drainfield, which
results in early soil clogging and the need for a new drainfield. Products containing
organic solvents contribute to groundwater pollution. |
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The wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. It
has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other
pollutants. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground
water is against Ohio State la
 The
leachfield receives septic tank effluent. It has a network of perforated pipes laid in
gravel-filled trenches (2-3 feet wide), or beds (over 3 feet wide) in the soil. Wastewater
trickles out of the pipes, through the gravel layer, and into the soil. The size and type
of leachfield depends on the estimated daily wastewater flow and soil conditions.
Every new leachfield is required to have a designated replacement area. It must be
maintained should the existing system need an addition or repair.
The soil below the leachfield provides the final treatment and disposal of the septic
tank effluent. After the effluent has passed into the soil, most of it percolates downward
and outward, eventually entering the groundwater. A small percentage is taken up by plants
through their roots, or evaporates from the soil.
The soil filters effluent as it passes through the pore spaces. Chemical and biological
processes treat the effluent before it reaches groundwater, or a restrictive layer, such
as hardpan, bedrock or clay soils. These processes work best where the soil is somewhat
dry, permeable, and contains plenty of oxygen for several feet below the drainfield.
Warning signs of a failure:
- Odors, surfacing sewage, wet spots or lush vegetation growth in the drainfield area
- Plumbing or septic tank backups
- Slow draining fixtures
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
If you notice any of these signs or if you suspect your septic tank system may be
having problems - contact Gullett Sanitation for assistance.
1. Practice water conservation. The more wastewater you produce, the more
the soil must treat and dispose. By reducing and balancing your use, you can extend the
life of the leachfield, decrease the possibility of system failure, and avoid costly
repairs.
To reduce your water use:
- Use water-saving devices.
- Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures.
- Reduce toilet reservoir volume or flow.
- Take shorter showers.
- Take baths with a partially-filled tub.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.
2. Keep accurate records. Know where your septic tank system is and keep
a diagram of its location. Records of its size and location may be available at your local
health agency. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. These
records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your
home.
3. Inspect your system once each year. Check the sludge and scum levels
inside your septic tank to assure that the layers of solids are not within the "early warning" levels. The tank also should be checked to see
if the baffles or tees are in good condition. Periodically inspect the leachfield and
downslope areas for odors, wet spots, or surfacing sewage. If your leachfield has
inspection pipes, check them to see if there is a liquid level continually over 6 inches.
This may be an early indication of a problem.
4. Pump out your septic tank when needed. Don't wait until you have a
problem. Routine pumping can prevent failures, such as clogging of the leachfield and
sewage back-up into the home. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids
entering the septic tank and require more frequent pumping.
5. Never flush harmful materials into the septic tank. Grease, cooking
fats, newspaper, paper towels, rags, coffee grounds, sanitary napkins, and cigarettes
cannot easily decompose in the tank. Chemicals such as solvents, oils, paint and
pesticides are harmful to the system's proper operation and may pollute the groundwater.
Septic tank additives do not improve the performance of the septic tank, nor do they
reduce the need for pumping.
6. Keep all runoff away from your system. Water from surfaces such as
roofs, driveways, or patios should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield
area. Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff.
7. Protect your system from damage. Keep traffic such as vehicles, heavy
equipment, or livestock off your leachfield or replacement area. The pressure can compact
the soil or damage pipes. Before you plant a garden, construct a building, or install a
pool, check on the location of your system and replacement area.
8. Landscape your system properly. Don't place impermeable materials over
your leachfield or replacement area. Materials, such as concrete or plastic, reduce
evaporation and the supply of oxygen to the soil for proper effluent treatment. They also
can hinder getting to the system for pumping, inspection, or repair. Grass is the best
cover for your system.
9. Never enter any septic tank. Poisonous gases or the lack of oxygen can
be fatal. Any work to the tank should be done from the outside.
10. Check with your local health agency for help with system problems. Although
some malfunctions may require complete leachfield replacement, many problems can be
corrected with a minimum amount of cost and effort.
For more information on septic-system care, inspection and maintenance, call GullettSanitation
Service Inc. at 513-734-2227 or Email us at:
dangullett@gullettsanitation.com with questions or comments.
Last modified:
April 18, 2008
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