- Septic drainfield trench length: The maximum length of a trench is typically about 150 feet but we have found installations that were three times that length. Some writers opine that the maximum septic trench line is 100 feet.
How long should a septic drain field be?
A typical septic drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36″; or per the USDA, 2 feet to 5 feet in depth.
How long should septic lines be?
A standard leach line is considered to be three (3) feet wide and three (3) feet deep with a length as required. A non-standard leach line is wider, narrower, and/or deeper than three (3) feet with a length as required.
How far do field lines extend from septic tank?
Your septic system site plan is typically drawn right on top of your property survey showing the septic tank ‘setbacks’ with tank 5-10 feet from the house, the leach field at least 20 feet from the house, at least 100 feet away from wells and streams, 25 feet away from dry gulches, and 10 feet away from the property
How many feet of leach line do I need?
REQUIRED SEPTIC TANK SIZE IN GAL. * A minimum of 150 square feet of trench bottom area is required. ** # gal X soil type multiplier 100 4.285 Note: Maximum length of any leach line is 100 feet. If more than 100 feet is required, then a distribution box with multiple lines will be needed.
How do I calculate the size of my septic drain field?
Drainfield Size
- The size of the drainfield is based on the number of bedrooms and soil characteristics, and is given as square feet.
- For example, the minimum required for a three bedroom house with a mid range percolation rate of 25 minutes per inch is 750 square feet.
How far apart are leach field lines?
The minimum separation between the bottom of any leaching device and seasonally high groundwater shall be: 5 feet where the leaching device is between 50 and 100 feet from a stream, spring, or other waterbody.
How long are septic lateral lines?
A typical drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36 inches.
What is the slope for septic lines?
A typical septic tank has a 4-inch inlet located at the top. The pipe that connects to it must maintain a 1/4-inch-per-foot slope toward it from the house. This means that for every 10 feet of distance between the tank and the house, the inlet must be 2 1/2 inches below the point at which the pipe exits the house.
Can you drive over lateral lines?
In sum, driving over the leach field in any vehicle larger than a child’s bicycle is a bad idea. Heavy vehicles may actually crush buried leach field lines, or they may compress the soils around the leach field, either of which leads to failure. Driving on or parking on leach fields will destroy them.
How close can you build next to a drain field?
– A full foundation must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 20 feet from the leaching area. – A slab foundation such as a garage must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 10 feet from the leaching area. – Concrete columns for a deck must be 5 feet from the leaching area and not disturb the septic system.
How long will a leach field last?
Under normal conditions and good care, a leach-field will last for 50 years or more. Concrete septic tanks are sturdy and reliable but not indestructible.
Can I plant a garden over my septic field?
Planting over a septic leach field (drain field) is possible if it is done with care. If you have limited space on your property where you can garden, the leach field may be the only spot for landscaping. Vegetable gardening over a leach field is not recommended.
Can you add dirt on top of leach field?
Never add additional soil over the drain field unless it is a minimal amount used to restore an area that may have been eroded or pulled up by removing another plant. Try not to be overly zealous when tilling the soil for planting. Remember that the drain lines may be as close as 6 inches from the soil surface.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
How Often Should A Septic Tank Be Pumped
Septic tanks may be present on the property if you’ve recently purchased an older house. This is true even if your home is currently linked to the municipal water and wastewater system. It’s possible that a prior owner abandoned the ancient septic system and connected to the city sewer system when it became accessible at some time in the past. Despite the fact that there are standards in place now for properly leaving a septic tank, it was formerly normal practice to simply leave the tanks in place and forget about them years ago.
The old tank may either be demolished or filled with water as a solution.
You may be required to get permits and undergo inspections.
They are dangerous because curious children may attempt to pry open the lid and fall within.
- It is possible to die by falling into a septic tank because of the poisonous nature of its contents and because of the possibility that concrete will fall on you.
- Eventually, this approach was phased out due to the fact that the steel would corrode and leave the tank liable to collapse.
- Septic tanks that are more than 20 years old are like miniature caves that might collapse at any time.
- Crushed and buried or removed, depending on the situation, the old tank If you have an outdated septic tank, your contractor will determine the most efficient approach to remove it.
- Alternatively, if the tank is built of concrete, the bottom or sides may be broken apart so that the tank can no longer retain water, and the tank can then be filled with sand, gravel, or some other sort of rubble and buried beneath the ground.
- There are two options for removing tanks: either they are totally removed or destroyed and buried in place.
- Documentation and mapping of the abandonment Because they are underground, septic tanks can be difficult to locate even when they are presently in use.
- Those who purchase the property in the future will be completely unaware of its presence.
- In addition, your city or county will have the permit and inspection records that indicate the job was done in accordance with code requirements.
- Please keep in mind that septic systems are not designed to survive forever, and it is probable that you have more than one abandoned tank on your property.
Upon discovering an old septic tank on your property that is no longer in use, contact Total Enviro Services for propertank abandonment methods that meet with local standards and protect your family, pets, and farm animals safe from harm or death throughout the process.
Septic System Basics
A septic system is comprised of two major components: a septic tank and a drain field. The septic tank is the primary component of the system.
- Tanks are water-tight containers that are placed underground and used to store sediments and scum that have collected from your wastewater
- They are made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. In a drain field, pollutants are removed from the liquid as it is absorbed into the ground by a layer of soil.
Because it is expensive to replace a septic system, it is critical to keep it in good working order. The more proactive you are in keeping your system in good working order, the longer it will endure. Septic tanks, on the other hand, may survive for up to 30 years or more. The primary objectives of a septic tank maintenance program are to avoid the buildup of sediments in the tank as well as any pollution of groundwater. The good news is that septic system maintenance is not difficult, and can be accomplished with only a few simple tasks.
Septic Tank Cleaning
Drain pipes that link the tank to the drain field will gradually fill with solids and other material and become clogged with debris over time. In order to eradicate and clean any debris that might hinder your system from running smoothly, the majority of pros advocate high-pressure water jetting every five years.
Using Your Septic System Wisely
Following the exit of wastewater from your septic tank, it is directed towards the drain field of your septic system. If the drain field becomes flooded, either from within your system or from outside sources, it might flood, resulting in a backup of the system. As a result of this:
- Planting gardens and trees too close to your drain field should be avoided. Never park, drive, or otherwise operate your vehicle over it. Remove it from the vicinity by diverting roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems.
Water Use
The average single-family house uses roughly 70 gallons of water per person, each day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water every day. Furthermore, the less water that enters your septic system, the better off you are.
- Each individual uses around 70 gallons of water per day on average in a single-family household. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaking or running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day. The less water that enters your septic system, the better it is for everyone.
Another important source of worry is the use of washing machines. The right load size for your washing machine should be chosen carefully. If you are unable to pick the load size, only full loads should be used. Additionally, distribute laundry responsibilities throughout the week. Clothes washers that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation consume 35 percent less energy and use 50 percent less water than regular units. For hot tubs, ensure sure the water has cooled before draining it to avoid any unpleasant surprises later.
Proper Disposal
Everything that goes down your drains – whether you flush, pour, or grind it (like in a garbage disposal) – ends up in your septic system. There’s no getting around this basic fact: And the health of your septic system is affected as a result. Toilets are a particular source of temptation for far too many of us. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the only items that should be flushed down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper. There will be no cooking oil, flushable wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, diapers, cigarette butts, medications, coffee grounds, paper towels, or cat litter among other items, to mention a few of the most popular.
Also, while dealing with a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers.
Call and ask for our drain cleaning service if a plunger or a drain snake don’t work for you. Even garbage disposals are a source of contention. The majority of authorities advise that people who live in homes with septic tanks should minimize or avoid using them altogether.
Septic System Maintenance
We recommend that you get your septic system inspected by a service specialist once a year to ensure that it is operating effectively. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, septic systems in homes should be flushed every three to five years. When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Keep complete records of every maintenance performed, including reports on prospective or present leaks, scum levels, and any potential harm to the system.
- When you get your system serviced, it’s also crucial to have the service provider clean or replace your filter.
- In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.
- Despite the fact that Casteel can handle most common domestic plumbing issues, it does not provide septic tank service.
- Contact the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association if you need help locating service specialists in your region (NOWRA).
Septic Tank Treatment
You should utilize living, organic bacteria to break down artificial compounds and sediments that can enter your septic system, such as detergents and soaps. These common home compounds have the potential to harm naturally existing microorganisms that are essential to the correct functioning of your system. Additives that inhibit the growth of bacteria assist to maintain your pipes clean and clear, as well as allowing your system to work correctly and without smells.
Septic Pumping
Pumping a septic system when it is necessary will help to keep it from failing completely.
How Often Should A Septic Tank Be Pumped?
The result is that septic tanks are normally drained every three to five years for the majority of homeowners. The size of the household, the total volume of wastewater created, the amount of particles present, and the size of the tank are the primary parameters that influence the frequency of pumping. If the top of the scum layer is within 12 inches of your tank’s T-shaped exit, the EPA recommends that you get it pumped. This is because sludge and scum are prevented from leaving the tank. Systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components must be examined more frequently, generally once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order.
Establish a routine to avoid solids from collecting in your system later on.
Problem Solving
In certain cases, the presence of bad odors in your septic system indicates that your system is blocked with particles and is therefore more likely to fail. In the event that you fail to properly maintain your septic system and facilities, sewage may back up into your home. If this occurs, avoid coming into touch with the sewage, which may include diseases and bacteria that are dangerous to your health. You’ll want to bring in a professional cleanup crew and report the breakdown of your septic system to your local health agency.
Most importantly, seek the services of specialists. Search the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association’s network of service providers to discover a specialist that is knowledgeable and qualified in their field.
How Long Does It Take for Septic Tanks to Fill Up?
Whatever your situation is, whether you have just completed the installation of a new septic tank or are wondering when it is time to do periodic maintenance on your existing underground septic tank, it is critical that you understand how the tank works and when, if at all, it becomes full. The topic of how often you should pump your septic tank or how long it takes for a septic tank to fill up has been questioned for some years now, and the answer is: it depends. Some allege that they didn’t know or just didn’t care to pump their tanks, while others believe that a policy should be in place defining when and how to do so should be implemented.
It should be noted that this is a highly subjective response.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these criteria to see if your septic tank is approaching capacity.
Understanding How a Septic Tank Fills Up
There is a direct relationship between the amount of food consumed in a home and the amount of garbage created in that household. Adults generate around one liter of garbage every day, which equates to 90 gallons of waste per year on average. Not all of this garbage ‘fills up’ a septic tank, as the expression goes. The waste is reduced to around 60% of its original volume in the tank. It is recommended by both regulatory agencies and the pumping industry that you should not allow the sludge/scum layer at the bottom of your tank to occupy more than 30% of the total capacity of your septic tank.
After the 305-mile threshold, the procedure gets significantly slower, resulting in a significantly faster filling of the tank.
All of these figures are based on a single individual filling a 1,000-gallon septic tank with sewage.
As youngsters get older (and reach school age), the length of this time period will shorten.
Rooms | Minimum Size |
3 | 900 gallons |
4 | 1,250 gallons |
5 | 1,400 gallons |
6 | 1,550 gallons |
6 | 2,000 gallons |
The smallest septic tank size that is suggested for a certain number of rooms. According to these estimates (which are supported by multiple state-wide studies), it is reasonable to conclude that a septic tank should be pumped once every two to three years. There is just one primary duty for every septic tank, and that is to collect sludge that would otherwise be difficult to deal with while distributing cleaned water to the land underneath the tank via drain fields.
The lighter and more floatable particles are ultimately responsible for filling the tank.
What Happens Whenthe Septic Tank Fills Up?
As previously said, many people claim that they have never had to pump their septic tank before, although it appears to be ‘functioning normally.’ In fact, the reason for this is that when an increasing amount of settled and floating organic material is added to the septic tank, certain particles begin to escape. When the tank is full and there is no more space for the tank to absorb and hold solids, particles begin to leak through the tank’s walls and into the water. These are particles that have accumulated at the bottom or near the drain pipes for an extended period of time and have grown soft enough to flow with the water.
- Eventually, these particles reorganize themselves to block the soil absorption region, resulting in backflowing toilets and gutters. Alternatively, small solid particles may escape due to the pressure put on the bottom layer of the soil (because of its weight). Your property will initially have a strong scent that passersby and guests will notice
- But, over time as these particles continue to sink into the soil, your property will develop an unpleasant odor that both passersby and guests will notice.
This is why it is critical to get your septic tank pumped on a regular basis.
Can I Shower If My Septic TankIs Full?
If your septic tank is completely full, you CAN take a shower. Slow drainage is the only issue you’re likely to encounter in this situation. The water in your shower, tub, sink(s), and other fixtures will begin to drain much more slowly as your septic tank continues to fill up with waste. Although this is true in certain cases, it is crucial to remember that shower drains do not run to septic systems, but rather straight into sewage lines, because there is no solid waste contained inside them.
However, because this is only liquid water, you will not be causing as much harm to your septic tank as you might otherwise be if the water were to enter it.
Will My Toilet FlushIftheSeptic TankIs Full?
Your toilet should continue to flush regularly until your septic tank is full to 90 percent capacity. After then, you will notice that the toilet begins to behave in an unusual manner. Either the toilet may flush very slowly or the drain will begin to make strange sounds, depending on the situation (such as passing gas or gurgling). It is fairly unusual for the toilet to begin to bubble. The problem can be solved with a band-aid approach, but keep in mind that this is simply a short-term remedy.
Alternatively, some acid can be used to achieve the same results.
If you flush the toilet, you should be able to pump your tank without experiencing any severe difficulties for a number of days.
Signs ThatItIs Timeto PumpaSeptic Tank
It is always possible to use the “cross that bridge when we get there” approach if you are unable to predict how long it will take for septic tanks to fill up completely. In order to do so, you must be aware of the indicators of a clogged septic tank.
It is possible to just open the tank and have a look inside (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME). Afterwards, you’ll almost certainly become ill and spend the following several days in bed – or even worse, in the hospital. You have two alternatives if you want to be on the safe side:
- Simply have it pumped after a specified amount of time, such as 2 to 3 years
- And Alternatively, you may open the inspection port on the first chamber (as seen in the image below) once a year and insert a pole into the chamber to test it. Make an effort to locate a pole (or stick) that is long enough to reach the bottom of the tank. It is possible that these poles will be included in the purchase price or not. When withdrawing, keep your face away from the sludge and pull out to observe how deep the muck has gotten into your pores. If the water level has risen to more than 70% of the tank’s total depth, it is necessary to pump it out. When doing so, make sure you’re wearing the appropriate safety equipment.
An illustration of a common septic tank configuration You should have your tank pumped every 2 to 3 years, unless you are a professional plumber who knows what they are doing.
Septic Tank Pumping Process
A pipe that runs through a septic tank to allow it to be emptied. Hire septic tank pumping contractors and delegate the task to them; this is the best course of action for everyone, including do-it-yourselfers. Keep in mind that you are not only responsible for pumping the waste, but also for transporting it to the appropriate facility. The procedure begins by removing the scum layer that has formed on top of all of the sludge. The sludge, on the other hand, is unable to be pushed out properly.
- The chemicals eat away at the sludge, causing it to shrink in bulk.
- The fact that there isn’t enough liquid in the container indicates that you have filled it to the recommended level.
- Mixing is accomplished with the assistance of a pump, or by simply pumping liquid into a container, withdrawing it, and pouring it back into the container.
- The septic system must be pumped through the two access ports seen in the picture above to function properly.
- Once the water has been drained out, it is typical for specialists to inspect the area for damage.
How to Care for Your Septic System
Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:
- Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
- Conserve water
- Dispose of waste properly
- And keep your drainfield in good condition.
Inspect and Pump Frequently
Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.
- The size of the household
- The total amount of wastewater produced
- The amount of solids present in wastewater
- The size of the septic tank
Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.
When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.
In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.
If additional repairs are recommended, contact a repair professional as soon as possible. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.
Use Water Efficiently
In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.
- Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
- Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.
Properly Dispose of Waste
Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.
Toilets aren’t trash cans!
Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:
- Cooking grease or oil
- Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
- Photographic solutions
- Feminine hygiene items Condoms
- Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners
Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.
Think at the sink!
Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:
- If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
- Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.
Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?
If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.
- The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.
Maintain Your Drainfield
The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a fact sheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.
- The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, provides information on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.
How Much Water Can My Septic System Handle?
Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service hears two typical queries from customers:How long does a sewage system last? andHow much does a septic system cost. And, what is the capacity of my septic tank? The short and long answers are both: it depends on the situation. The amount of water you and others in your household consume on a daily basis has a significant impact on the answers to these questions.
How A Septic Tank Moves Water
Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service hears two typical queries from customers:How long does a septic system last? andHow much money does a septic system cost. What is the capacity of my septic tank? What is the short and lengthy answer? It is dependent on the circumstance. Answering these questions will be influenced greatly by how much water you and others in your household use each day.
How Many People Can A Septic Tank Handle?
It all boils down to how much water you use on a daily basis. Typical domestic water storage tanks have capacities that range from 750 gallons to 1,250 gallons, with the average individual using between 60 and 70 gallons of water each day.
Specifically, when septic systems and tanks are constructed, contractors typically pick plumbing hardware based on the size of the home. This is a concern because Following an aseptic tank assessment, Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service can establish the suitable volume of your septic tank.
3 Tips For Caring For Your Septic System
Living with an aseptic tank is not difficult or time-consuming, but it does need preparation and patience in order to reap the benefits of the system’s full lifespan. To help you maintain your septic system, Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service has provided three suggestions.
1. Understand How Much Water Your Daily Activities Use
While older fixtures consume more water than modern, high-efficiency fittings, many homes have a blend of the two types of fixtures in place. Assume that old vs new water-appliances and fixtures consume approximately the same amount of water, based on the following calculations.
- 1.5 to 2.2 gallons per minute for bathroom sinks, 4–6 gallons each cycle for dishwashers, and 2–5 gallon per minute for kitchen sinks are recommended.
- For example, showers use 2.1 gallons per minute, or 17.2 gallons per shower
- Toilets use 1.28 gallons to 7 gallons every flush
- Washing machines use 15 gallons to 45 gallons per load
- And sinks use a total of 2.1 gallons per minute.
2. Set Up A Laundry Plan
Scheduling numerous loads over the course of a week is beneficial to the aseptic tank. Washing bedding and clothing in batches allows you to get other home duties done while you wash. Solids have time to settle and water has time to filter out in your septic tank system if you spread your water use over many days.
3. Fix Leaky FaucetsFixtures
Did you know that a running toilet may waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day if left unattended? It is possible that the sheer volume of water will produce too much water in the septic system, resulting in other problems like standing water in the yard.
Schedule Professional Septic System Care
Did you know that a running toilet may waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day on average? As a result of the sheer volume of water, a septic system may get overloaded and produce other problems, such as standing water in the yard.
How a Septic System Works – and Common Problems
This Article Discusses Septic Tanks are a type of septic tank that is used to dispose of waste. Field Sizing and System MaintenanceProblems with the Leach FieldSystem Performance Questions and comments are welcome. See Also: Septic System Frequently Asked Questions Articles on SEPTIC SYSTEM may be found here. In locations where there are no municipal sewage systems, each residence is responsible for treating its own sewage on its own property, which is known as a “on-site sewage disposal system,” or septic system, more popularly.
One of the most commonly seen types of leach field is composed of a series of perforated distribution pipes, each of which is placed in a gravel-filled absorption trench.
SEPTIC TANK
In this article, you will learn how to A septic tank is a type of holding tank that is used to collect waste. Field Sizing and System MaintenancePerformance Issues with the Leach Field Send in your questions and comments See Also: Frequently Asked Questions about Septic Systems. SEPTIC SYSTEM articles are available for viewing here. Unless a municipality has installed a “on-site sewage disposal system,” often known as a septic system, each residence in such an area must treat its sewage on its own property.
One of the most commonly seen types of leach field is composed of a succession of perforated distribution pipes, each of which is situated within a gravel-filled absorption trench.
Small groups of residences may be connected to a larger community septic system that functions in a similar fashion as a single-family system.
Leach Field
When used properly, a leach field (also known as a “drain field”) is a series of perforated pipes that are typically buried in gravel trenches 18 to 36 inches below grade — deep enough to avoid freezing, but close enough to the surface that air can reach the bacteria that further purify the effluent (see illustration below). As little as 6 inches might separate you from the ground surface, depending on your soil type and municipal regulations. It is customary to cover the perforated pipes with approximately two inches of gravel and a layer of topsoil that is 18 to 24 inches in depth.
- Grass is often sown above the ground.
- The leach field is comprised of rows of perforated pipes in gravel trenches that are used to spread wastewater over a vast area in order to further purify it.
- A bacteria-rich slime mat forms where the gravel meets the soil, and it is responsible for the majority of the water purification work.
- Despite the fact that wastewater freezes at a far lower temperature than pure water, freezing is still a hazard in cold areas.
- The leftover pathogens are converted into essential plant nutrients by these organisms, while sand, gravel, and soil filter out any solids that remain.
- If the system is operating effectively, the filtered wastewater will return to the aquifer as naturally clean water that is suitable for human consumption at this stage.
- Alternative systems may be permitted in situations when traditional leach fields are unable to function properly owing to poor soil conditions or a high water table.
- Special systems may also be necessary in regions where there are flood plains, bodies of water, or other ecologically sensitive areas to protect against flooding.
SIZING THE LEACH FIELD
Using perforated pipes put in gravel-filled trenches, the drain field is sized to accommodate the number of beds in the house. In order for the system to function successfully, the leach field must be appropriately sized for the soil type and amount of wastewater, which is normally determined by the number of bedrooms in the house. In order for the liquid to seep into the soil, it must be permeable enough to do so. As a result, the denser the soil, the larger the leach field that is necessary.
- Better to have surplus capacity in your system than to have it cut too close to the bone.
- Septic tank backup into your house, pooling on the surface of the earth, or polluting local groundwater are all possibilities if the ground is incapable of absorbing the liquid.
- Dense clay soils will not absorb the liquid at a sufficient rate, resulting in a backlog.
- If the soil is mostly composed of coarse sand and gravel, it might drain at such a rapid rate that untreated sewage can poison the aquifer or damage surrounding bodies of water.
- Alternative systems may be permitted in situations when traditional leach fields are unable to function properly owing to poor soil conditions or a high water table.
These systems sometimes cost twice or three times as much as a regular system and require significantly more upkeep. Near flood plains, bodies of water, and other ecologically sensitive places, special systems may also be necessary to protect people and property.
SEPTIC SYSTEM CAREMAINTENANCE REQUIRED
It is designed to accommodate the amount of bedrooms by utilizing perforated pipes installed in gravel-filled ditches. A correctly sized leach field for the soil type and amount of wastewater is required for the system to function effectively, and this is often determined by the number of bedrooms in the building. In order for the liquid to seep into the soil, it must be permeable enough to do so. As a result, the denser the soil, the larger the leach field that must be constructed. With average soils, the total leach field size for a three-bedroom house might range from around 500 to 1,500 square feet.
- A growing family or an unusually rainy spring with saturated soils and a higher-than-normal water table might be in store for you this year.
- The system will also not function properly if there is not enough excellent soil under the surface before it reaches rock, impermeable hardpan, or the water table.
- In other cases, though, the earth might be very permeable.
- All of these considerations must be taken into consideration by the system’s designers.
- A standard system might cost two or three times as much as a high-end system, and they require more frequent servicing.
- Distribute your washing loads and other high-water-use activities across the week
- And In the kitchen and bathroom, use low-flow appliances, faucets, and fixtures. Toilets, in general, are the source of the greatest amount of water use. Water should be diverted away from the leach field from the yard, gutters, and basement sump pumps.
In addition, refrain from flushing sediments, strong chemicals, and just about anything else down the toilet or sink other than biological waste and white toilet paper. Avoid using garbage disposals in the kitchen. If you really must have one, keep it for small non-meat bits only. Avoid flushing chemicals or paints down the toilet since many chemicals can destroy beneficial microorganisms or cause water contamination in the surrounding area. Avoid flushing the following down the toilet:
- Grease, fats, and animal scraps
- Paints, thinners, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals
- And a variety of other materials sanitary napkins, tampons, and other supplies Paper towels and disposable diapers are examples of such products. Egg shells, coffee grounds, and nut shells are all good options. Antibacterial soaps and antibiotics are available.
It is preferable to put grass over the leach field and to refrain from driving or parking in the vicinity. Excessive weight placed on top of the drain field might compress the earth, diminishing its efficiency as a drain field. Drain pipes can also become clogged by trees and plants with invasive roots. In order to prevent damage to the leach field, the following measures should be taken:
- Heavy machinery should not be driven, parked, or stored on top of the leach field (or septic tank). Placement of a deck, patio, pool, or any other sort of construction over the leach field is prohibited. Remove any large trees or other plants with deep roots from the leach field. Grass is the most effective groundcover.
Keep heavy machinery off the leach field (or septic tank) and away from it; don’t park or keep it there either. There should be no deck, patio, pool, or other building built over the leach field. Keep trees and vegetation with strong roots away from the leach field to avoid damaging them.
Greenery is the best groundcover; grass is the best groundcover
SEPTIC SYSTEM PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS
Heavy machinery should not be driven, parked, or stored across the leach field (or septic tank). Avoid building a deck, patio, pool, or any other form of structure on top of the leach field. Keep trees and vegetation with deep roots away from the leach field. Grass is the most effective groundcover;
3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES
By Admin on November 12, 2020 Your efforts to live as environmentally conscious as possible, as a responsible homeowner, are likely already underway, with practices such as recycling, composting, and purchasing energy-efficient equipment among your list of accomplishments. As a septic tank owner, you want to be sure that anything you put into your tank and septic field is causing the least amount of ground contamination as is reasonably practicable. Fortunately, there are a number of modest improvements you can do immediately to make your septic system even more ecologically friendly than it already is.
- Have your septic tank inspected and pumped on a regular basis.
- A bigger septic tank with only a couple of people living in your house, for example, will not require pumping as frequently as a smaller septic tank or as a septic tank that must manage the waste products of multiple family members will require.
- When in doubt about how often to pump your septic tank, consult with a professional for advice.
- In addition to locating and repairing any damage, a professional can ensure that the septic field is in good working order and that your septic tank is functional, large enough to handle your family’s waste, and not causing any unwanted pollution in nearby ground water.
- Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet or down the toilet.
- Items that are not biodegradable are unable to properly decompose in the septic tank and might cause the system to get clogged.
- In addition to causing issues in your house, septic system backups can damage ground water in the area surrounding your septic field.
Towels made of paper Products for feminine hygiene Grease or fats are used in cooking.
grinds from a cup of coffee Even if you have a trash disposal, the food scraps that you flush down the drain and bring into your septic system may cause unanticipated harm to your plumbing system.
Food scraps can enhance the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wastewater, which can disturb the natural bacterial balance of the septic tank, among other things.
Water conservation should be practiced.
Exceedingly large amounts of water use will interfere with the normal flow of wastewater from your home into your septic tank.
Limiting the amount of time you spend in the shower and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, as well as purchasing a smaller dishwasher and washing machine that use less water, are all simple strategies to reduce water use in your home.
The following are some basic steps you can take to make your septic system more ecologically friendly: save water, maintain your septic system and tank, and recycle wastewater. To get answers to any of your septic tank-related issues, get in touch with the experts at Upstate Septic Tank, LLC.
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
Written by Admin on November 12th, 2020. Your efforts to live as environmentally conscious as possible, as a responsible homeowner, are likely already underway, with practices such as recycling, composting, and purchasing energy-efficient equipment among your priorities. As a septic tank owner, you want to be sure that anything you put into your tank and septic field is causing the least amount of ground contamination as is reasonably feasible. Fortunately, there are a number of minor adjustments you can do immediately to make your septic system even more ecologically friendly, beginning now.
- Make sure your septic tank is inspected and pumped at least once every three years.
- For example, if you have a larger septic tank and only a couple of people living in your house, your septic tank will not require pumping as frequently as a smaller septic tank or a septic tank that must manage the waste products of multiple family members.
- When in doubt about how often to pump your septic tank, consult with a professional for advice.
- This is true regardless of how old or large your tank is.
- Non-biodegradable items should not be flushed down the toilet.
- Objects that are not biodegradable are unable to properly decompose in the septic tank and may cause the system to clog.
- In addition to causing problems in your house, backups have the potential to damage ground water in the vicinity of your septic field.
Products for female hygiene Ghee, lard, or other oils Litter for cats grinds from a coffee maker If you have a trash disposal, the food scraps you dispose of down the drain and into your septic system may cause unanticipated harm to your septic system as well.
Additional to this, the food scraps enhance the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wastewater, which might disrupt the normal bacteria balance in the septic tank.
It’s more environmentally friendly.
Cutting back on water consumption is one of the most straightforward methods to save money while also protecting the environment and keeping your septic system from being damaged.
Your tank will ultimately fill too rapidly as a result of this, and the layer of waste floating on top of the tank will be pushed into the septic field and, eventually, into the groundwater surrounding your field.
It is possible to make your septic system more ecologically friendly in a variety of ways, ranging from water conservation to regular maintenance of your septic system and tank. To get answers to any of your septic tank-related issues, reach out to the experts at Upstate Septic Tank, LLC.
How does a septic tank work?
Pumping the tank on a regular basis eliminates sludge and scum, which helps to keep a septic system in good working order. It is possible for a well-designed and well built septic system to last for decades, or it might collapse in a matter of years. It is entirely up to you as long as you can answer the question of how do septic tanks function. Healthy septic systems are very inexpensive to maintain, but digging up and replacing a septic system that has completely collapsed may easily cost tens of thousands in labor and material costs.
It’s critical to understand how a septic tank works in order to maintain one.
Let’s take a look below ground and observe what happens in a properly operating septic system, shall we?
Understand that a septic system is a cafeteria for bacteria
Bacteria are responsible for the proper operation of a septic system. They decompose garbage, resulting in water that is clean enough to safely trickle down into the earth’s surface. The entire system is set up to keep bacteria healthy and busy at all times. Some of them reside in the tank, but the majority of them are found in the drain field. 1. The septic tank is the final destination for all waste. 2. The majority of the tank is filled with watery waste, referred to as “effluent.” Anaerobic bacteria begin to break down the organic matter in the effluent as soon as it enters the system.
- A layer of sludge settles to the bottom of the container.
- 4.
- Scum is mostly constituted of fats, greases, and oils, among other substances.
- Grease and oils float to the surface of the water.
- (5) A filter stops the majority of particles from reaching the exit pipe.
- The effluent is discharged into the drain field.
- Effluent is allowed to leak into the surrounding gravel because of holes in the drain septic field pipe.
- The garbage is completely decomposed by aerobic bacteria found in gravel and dirt.
- Potable water seeps into the groundwater and aquifer system from the surface.
Septic Tank Clean Out: Don’t abuse the system
Septic systems that have been correctly planned and constructed require just occasional ‘pumping’ to remove the sludge and scum that has built up inside the tank.
However, if you don’t understand how a septic tank works, you may unintentionally hurt or even destroy the system.
- Septic systems that have been correctly planned and constructed require just occasional ‘pumping’ to eliminate the sludge and scum that has built up within the tank. It is possible, however, to do harm to or even destroy a septic tank if you are not familiar with how the system functions.
Get your tank pumped…
A properly built and maintained septic system requires just occasional ‘pumping’ to remove the sludge and scum from the tank. However, if you don’t understand how a septic tank works, you might end up doing something that would hurt or even destroy the system.
…but don’t hire a pumper until you need it
Inspections and pumping should be performed on a regular basis. However, if you’re not afraid of getting your hands dirty, you may verify the sludge level yourself with a gadget known as The Sludge Judge. It ranges in price from $100 to $125 and is commonly accessible on the internet. Once you’ve verified that your tank is one-third full with sludge, you should contact a professional to come out and pump it out completely.
Install an effluent filter in your septic system
Garbage from your home accumulates into three distinct strata. The septic filter is responsible for preventing blockage of the drain field pipes.
Septic tank filter close-up
The septic tank filter is responsible for capturing suspended particles that may otherwise block the drain field pipes. Obtain an effluent filter for your tank from your contractor and place it on the outflow pipe of your tank. (It will most likely cost between $50 and $100, plus labor.) This device, which helps to prevent sediments from entering the drain field, will need to be cleaned out on a regular basis by a contractor to maintain its effectiveness.
Solution for a clogged septic system
If your septic system becomes clogged and you find yourself having to clean the filter on a regular basis, you might be tempted to simply remove the filter altogether. Hold on to it. Solids, wastewater, and scum are separated into three levels in septic tanks, which allows them to function properly (see illustration above). Solids sink to the bottom of the container, where microbes breakdown them. The scum, which is made up of trash that is lighter than water, rises to the surface. In the drainage field, the middle layer of effluent leaves the tank and goes through an underground network of perforated pipes to the drainage field.
- Keep the effluent filter in place since it is required by your state’s health law.
- Waste particles might flow through the filter and clog the perforated pipes if the filter is not used.
- Your filter, on the other hand, should not require cleaning every six months.
- A good chance is high that you’re flushing filter-clogging things down the toilet, such as grease, fat, or food scraps.
- A garbage disposal will not be able to break down food particles sufficiently to allow them to flow through the septic tank filtration system.
- Plastic items, disposable diapers, paper towels, nonbiodegradable goods, and tobacco products will clog the system if they are flushed through it.
For additional information on what should and should not be flushed down the toilet, contact your local health authority. More information on removing lint from your laundry may be found here.
Get an inspection
Following a comprehensive first check performed by an expert, regular inspections will cost less than $100 each inspection for the next year. Your professional will be able to inform you how often you should get your system inspected as well as how a septic tank functions. As straightforward as a septic system appears, determining its overall condition necessitates the services of a professional. There are a plethora of contractors who would gladly pump the sludge out of your tank, but many, in my experience, are unable to explain how a septic system works or how it should be maintained.
A certification scheme for septic contractors has been established in certain states; check with your state’s Secretary of State’s office to see whether yours is one of them.
Also, a qualified inspector will be able to tell you whether or not your tank is large enough to accommodate your household’s needs, as well as the maximum amount of water that can be passed through it in a single day.
As you learn more about how a septic tank works, your professional should be able to tell you whether or not your system will benefit from this treatment.
Alternatives to a new drain field
If an examination or a sewage backup indicate that your drain field is in need of replacement, the only option is to replace it completely. As a result, it’s important to talk with a contractor about other possibilities before proceeding with the project.
- Pipes should be cleaned. A rotating pressure washer, used by a contractor, may be used to clean out the drain septic field pipes. The cost of “jetting” the pipes is generally around $200. Chemicals should be used to clean the system. A commercial solution (not a home-made one) that enhances the quantity of oxygen in the drain field should be discussed with your contractor before installing your new system. Septic-Scrub is a product that I suggest. A normal treatment will cost between $500 and $1,000. Make the soil more pliable. The practice of “terra-lifting,” which involves pumping high-pressure air into several spots surrounding the drain field, is authorized in some regions. Some contractors use it to shatter compacted dirt around the pipes. Depending on the circumstances, this might cost less than $1,000 or as much as $4,000 or more.
Protect your drain septic field from lint
When this device is in place, it inhibits lint from entering the system, especially synthetic fibers that bacteria are unable to digest. One of these filters, which I’ve designed and termed theSeptic Protector, was invented by me. An additional filter is included in the price of around $150 plus delivery. Learn more about how to filter out laundry lint in this article.
Don’t overload the septic system
This device prevents lint from entering the system, particularly synthetic fibers, which bacteria are unable to digest and hence cause infection. Septic Protector is the name I gave to one of these filters that I designed myself. An additional filter is included in the price of roughly $150 plus delivery. See this article for further information on how to filter out lint from your clothes.
Meet the Expert
Septic systems, according to Jim vonMeier, are the solution to America’s water deficit because they supply cleaned water to depleted aquifers, according to vonMeier. He travels the country lobbying for septic systems, giving lectures, and giving testimony. For septic system inquiries, as well as information on the operation of the septic tank, contact him by email.