Hydrogen Peroxide. This used to be a common recommendation to help break down the solids in your septic tank. It takes some time to be sure it’s properly diluted to use. You don’t often see this suggested anymore because it can be very harmful to the soil and cause issues with your drain field.Hydrogen Peroxide. This used to be a common recommendation to help break down the solids in your septic tank. It takes some time to be sure it’s properly diluted to use. You don’t often see this suggested anymore because it can be very harmful to the soil and cause issues with your
Septic drain field – Wikipedia
.
- Organic Solvents: Organic solvents like methylene chloride, chlorinated hydrocarbons, trichloroethylene, etc are used to degrade grease and oils. You can use these solvents in your septic tank treatment to break down the grease, fats, oils, and other materials present at the bottom.
What breaks down sewage in a septic tank?
The septic tank has microbes, especially bacteria, which break down and liquefy the organic waste. In phase one, the wastewater is introduced into the septic system where solids settle down to form the sludge and scum layers as the anaerobic bacteria digest the organic waste.
What helps break down sewage?
A septic tank works by the simple process of biological decomposition and distribution drainage. Bacterial microorganisms break down the waste inside a septic tank which can then be safely redistributed or disposed off.
What is the best thing to put in your septic system?
Biological Additives. Biological additives, like bacteria and extracellular enzymes, are the only acceptable septic tank treatment for promoting a healthy, natural bacterial ecosystem, maintaining an effective drain field, and protecting the health of the local groundwater.
How do you dissolve sludge in a septic tank?
How to Reduce Sludge in a Septic Tank Without Pumping
- Install an aeration system with diffused air in your septic tank.
- Break up any compacted sludge.
- Add a bio-activator or microbe blend.
- Maintain the aeration system.
- Add additional Microbes as required.
Should I put enzymes in my septic tank?
Absolutely. No product on the market will remove solid waste from your tank. Enzyme and bacteria based products help to eliminate grease, odors and keep the tank working well. Nothing will stop the need to pump a septic tank regularly.
Do I need to add chemicals to my septic tank?
Chemicals and other additives promoted to keep a septic system “healthy” or “free-flowing” or “nourished” are generally not required nor recommended by any known expert sources.
Is Borax safe for septic tanks?
Borax can be a good alternative for cleaning products for homeowners that have a septic system, but again, all things in moderation. Borax has been shown to be non-toxic to people, and significantly safer for the beneficial bacteria that live in your septic tank.
How much baking soda do I put in my septic tank?
How much baking soda do I put in my septic tank? You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains.
How do I add bacteria to my septic tank?
Flush a packet of brewer’s dry yeast down one toilet on the bottom floor of your house once a month. The yeast will help add “good” bacteria to your septic tank and break down waste.
What is the best bacteria to put in septic tank?
Much like your stomach, septic tanks need good bacteria and enzymes to break down the solids that pass through it. These beneficial bacteria and enzymes can come from several sources, but our favorite is actually rotten tomatoes. These naturally occurring enzymes are proteins called Pectinase or Pectinolytic enzymes.
What are the signs that your septic tank is full?
Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:
- Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
- Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
- Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
- You Hear Gurgling Water.
- You Have A Sewage Backup.
- How often should you empty your septic tank?
How often does a 1000 gallon septic tank need to be pumped?
For example, a 1,000 gallon septic tank, which is used by two people, should be pumped every 5.9 years. If there are eight people using a 1,000-gallon septic tank, it should be pumped every year.
What eats sludge in septic tank?
One example of a homemade remedy is to flush ¼-½ a cup of instant yeast down your toilet. The yeast eats away at the sludge and helps loosen it, breaking it down so that wastewater can get through.
Can you pour bleach in a septic tank?
You might consider bleach to be a great cleaner to use for your septic system. Unfortunately, that mindset is a dangerous one to have because it’s usually recommended to avoid using bleach in your septic system. The chemicals within bleach can kill the bacteria that your septic tank relies on.
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:
- It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on septic system maintenance because it is not difficult. There are four main components to upkeep:
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.
- Inspection of the average residential septic system by a licensed septic service specialist should be performed at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how much usage they receive. 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 good working order. As an alternate system with automated components, a service contract is critical. The frequency of septic pumping is influenced by four primary factors:
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.
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
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 the years. Document any maintenance work done on your septic system in written form for future reference. Your septic tank is equipped with a T-shaped outlet that prevents sludge and scum from exiting the tank and flowing to the drainfield. 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 outlet.
When you receive your system’s service report, the technician should record the repairs that have been made and the tank’s condition.
You should engage a repair person immediately if more work is recommended. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to locate service specialists in your region.
- 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
It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:
- Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.
How Your Septic System Works
Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield, often known as a soil absorption field. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.
Alternate treatment systems rely on pumps or gravity to assist septic tank effluent in trickling through a variety of media such as sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants such as pathogens that cause disease, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.
Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works:
- All of the water that leaves your home drains down a single main drainage pipe and into a septic tank. An underground, water-tight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the tank and moving into the drainfield region by compartments and a T-shaped outlet. After that, the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank and flows into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered hole dug in unsaturated soil that serves as a drainage system. Porous surfaces are used to release pretreated wastewater because they allow the wastewater to pass through the soil and into the groundwater. In the process of percolating through the soil, wastewater is accepted, treated, and dispersed by the soil, finally discharging into groundwater. Finally, if the drainfield becomes overburdened with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or resulting in toilet backups and sink backups. Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Coliform bacteria are a kind of bacteria that may be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, with humans being the most common host. As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of this.
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has built an animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system works, which you can view here.
Do you have a septic system?
It’s possible that you’re already aware that you have a septic system. If you are not sure, here are some tell-tale symptoms that you most likely are:
- You make use of well water. In your home, the water pipe that brings water into the house does not have a meter. In the case of a water bill or a property tax bill, you will see “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” It is possible that your neighbors have a septic system
How to find your septic system
You can locate your septic system once you have confirmed that you have one by following these steps:
- Taking a look at the “as constructed” drawing of your house
- Making a visual inspection of your yard for lids and manhole covers
- Getting in touch with a septic system service provider for assistance in locating it
Failure symptoms: Mind the signs!
A bad odor is not necessarily the first indicator of a septic system that is failing to work properly. Any of the following signs should prompt you to seek expert assistance:
- Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses
- It is especially noticeable in dry weather that the drainfield grass is bright green and spongy. The presence of standing water or muddy soil near your septic system or in your basement
- A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield
Aeration Septic – The Top Five Items to Keep Out of Your Septic System
Despite the fact that there are several alternative ways to dispose of trash within the home, some people just opt to use their toilet or garbage disposal for materials that do not belong in these pieces of equipment – which may put their septic system at risk. There are certain things that a toilet is supposed to handle and rid of, such as body waste, particular paper products, and the occasional spider that gets tangled in toilet paper, but there are other items that people flush that can cause far more harm than good.
You might believe that “if it flushes, it’s alright,” but this isn’t always the case, even when it comes to goods that are advertised as safe to flush as a form of disposal.
What is a septic system?
As previously stated, a septic system installed within a home serves as a waste disposal system, processing and eliminating wastewater generated within the residence. For those who have an anaerobic or aerobic septic system in their house, this implies that they are not reliant on the city or town’s sewage system to transport and treat their waste water. As with all other systems and components of the home, a septic tank system is composed of several moving parts and features, all of which must be properly maintained in order to perform at peak performance.
The most reliable approach to determine whether or not your septic system is completely operational is to hire the services of a septic tank inspector, who can (and will) supply you with a thorough septic tank inspection report following each visit to your property.
The more you understand about your system and how it should operate, the less likely it is that you will suffer difficulties such as braking, clogging, or backups into your house.
While there are a variety of items that might create problems when they are flushed down the toilet or placed through the trash disposal, some of the most prevalent are items that people do not think twice about flushing or putting through the garbage disposal.
Here’s a list of the top five things you should avoid introducing into your home’s septic system:
- Coffee grounds: While coffee grounds are not flushed, they frequently make their way into a garbage disposal and, ultimately, into the septic tank. Because of their texture, bacteria have a tough time breaking them down, which can put your septic system in risk over time as they accumulate. One excellent comparison is to think of these grounds as if they were gravel, despite the fact that they are far smaller. In the long run, the number of coffee grounds that do not decompose will contribute to an increase in the amount of solids (or sludge) present in the system, which might cause it to malfunction. Strong disinfectants, such as bleach: Because a properly functioning septic system relies on beneficial bacteria to break down waste, introducing these sorts of chemicals into the system in excessive quantities can be detrimental to the system. The weekly cleanings and the introduction of these chemicals into the toilet bowl insert in tiny amounts per flush are both perfectly acceptable practices
- Nevertheless, the use of excessive amounts is not encouraged. A decrease in the quantity of bacteria present in the holding and treatment tanks, which is a “living system,” might lead to an increase in the amount of solid waste accumulating in the system, which may necessitate more regular visits from a septic services specialist. Contrary to popular belief, condoms, disposable diapers, flushable wipes, and tampons are not as safe to flush as you may assume. Due to the fact that rubber does not degrade within the system, flushing condoms may put a septic system at risk of failure. Although the materials that are used to manufacture disposable diapers and tampons are termed biodegradable, this does not imply that they are beneficial to the general health of the system. However, while they will ultimately fail within the system, it may take a long time for them to do so, resulting in these objects remaining in the system for extended periods of time and causing further problems. Is it one of these other problems? These huge things have the potential to block pipes or become caught around the motor of a septic system, leading it to fail. A septic motor is a high-priced device that will normally cost upwards of $600 to repair or replace. Is taking this chance worth it? Grease and oil derived from the cooking process: Despite the fact that it may appear simple to simply drop these items down the drain while cleaning pots and pans, they may cause more harm than good. Although some oil and grease can unavoidably enter a septic system, an excessive amount of this will undoubtedly cause difficulties over time, especially in older homes with older septic systems. What is the explanation behind this? Over time, these materials have a tendency to harden and solidify, making it more difficult to break them down. The particles may also become attached to the sides of the pipes and walls of the septic tank, as well as to the moving mechanisms within it, causing backups, blockages, and overflow – or even a breakdown of the aerator or any other affected sections. Medications: Additionally, drugs have the potential to kill the bacteria that must be present in a septic system when they are flushed, and in some cases, they do so. This does not just apply to unused tablets
- Liquid drugs should never be flushed down the toilet too. Many of these prescriptions contain high amounts of antibiotics, and when these pills are flushed down the toilet, the chemicals in these medications will disrupt the delicate balance that must exist in the tank. Another item to take into consideration? If there is a problem with your septic tank – such as an undiscovered leak – these chemicals will be released into the environment as well, and this is harmful.
There are methods for disposing of all of these things that are not limited to the sink or toilet, and homeowners should consider taking advantage of these possibilities. Even if it means that garbage bags will fill up fast or that an empty jar will be required to collect grease, making these decisions will save you time, concern, and most likely a significant amount of money in the long run. Septic system maintenance is neither difficult nor prohibitively costly as long as you follow the instructions of septic service specialists.
For those who have not complied with suggestions and may have introduced items such as these into their system?
Don’t be scared to ask about the many septic system treatment alternatives accessible to folks who need to reintroduce healthy bacteria into their systems while also eliminating some of the known concerns.
How Does My Septic System Work?
Septic systems are marvels of contemporary science, allowing us to take use of the comfort of indoor plumbing without having to worry about how to dispose of our home waste in an effective and safe manner, which is a major benefit. Is it true that you are completely unaware of how your septic system functions? Understanding the operation of your septic system is essential to ensure that it is appropriately utilized and maintained in the future. Continue reading to find out more about what your septic system is and how it works:
Common Parts of a Septic System
A septic system is not necessary a complicated system, and each of its components works together to ensure that the waste generated by your family is properly kept and disposed of as soon as possible.
Septic Tank
Located beneath the earth on your property, a septic tank is a huge rectangular or cylindrical container composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene that collects and treats waste. They are used for homes that do not have access to a sewer system, which is most frequent in rural regions.
Drainfield
Septic tank sewage is channeled into your yard by a network of pipework known as the drainfield. Wastewater is normally held in the septic tank for two days before being discharged to the drainfield in the yard. This section of your septic system consists of lengthy lengths of pipe, referred to as “drainpipes,” that are punctured with small holes to allow for the release of waste. In the event that sediments accumulate in drainfields and are not adequately pushed away, the drainfield may get clogged.
If you find any of the following, your drainfield may be clogged:
- The presence of greener grass over the drainfield
- Unusual scents in your yard
- And plumbing backups a squishy or muddy surface
If your drainfield becomes clogged, your complete septic system will be unable to work correctly.
It is preferable to hire skilled underground service specialists to take care of the problem.
Pump Tanks
Even though pump tanks are not a required component of your septic system, they are highly suggested in order to guarantee that the system operates and maintains itself properly. Pump tanks are made up of the following components:
- Pumping of effluents It catches sediments before they leave the tank, preventing them from being discharged into the drainfield, which helps to keep the drainfield from being clogged. Control floats in mid-air. It is connected to a control panel and sends signals to tell the panel when to turn the pump on and off. A high-water alarm has been activated. When the pump fails to function properly, this feature is activated to signal an excessive volume of waste in the septic tank. In most cases, it is found under the kitchen sink or in the garage.
The best course of action for homeowners who have a high-water alarm activated is to conserve water and have a professional septic system specialist assess the water levels.
Distribution Box
The distribution box, which is positioned between the septic tank and the drainfield, is meant to transport wastewater evenly across the drainfield lines, which are connected to the septic tank.
Leach Drain Field
Often referred to as the septic field, the leach field is a component of your septic system that accepts wastewater from the septic tank. It refers to the network of drainpipes, stones, and a layer of unsaturated soil that make up the drainage system. It moves trash into the soil, where it is eventually re-circulated back into the groundwater supply.
How a Septic System Works
All of these components work together to securely remove wastewater from your house and disperse it into the surrounding environment. Specifically, it accomplishes this by relying on naturally occurring bacteria to break down the materials that are dumped into the septic tank. All of the things that you flush down the toilet or rinse down the drain fall into one of three categories:
- Sludge is a term that refers to heavy things (such as solid food waste, excrement, and toilet paper) that collect at the bottom of a tank and accumulate there. Natural bacteria break down the particles in the tank over time, allowing them to be drained out of the tank as scum. These are lighter items (soaps, oils, and grease) that float to the surface of the septic tank
- Liquid (Effluent) wastewater
- And solid (Sludge) wastewater. Water that remains in the tank is pumped to the drainfield, which is located in the centre of the tank.
In the end, everything that goes into your septic tank will decompose and produce effluent wastewater, which will then be discharged into your drainfield. This wastewater has been processed (thanks to the bacteria) and is released down the drain pipes before being filtered by the soil. The wastewater is subsequently absorbed, treated, and dispersed by the soil until it finally seeps into the groundwater table. As a natural filter, the soil eliminates dangerous germs and viruses while also absorbing nutrients.
Septic System Issues
As previously stated, septic systems are susceptible to high water levels as well as clogged drainfields and leach fields. There are, however, several other septic-related considerations to bear in mind:
- Clogs. The system between your house and the tank might get clogged for a variety of reasons, including clogs in the drainage pipes themselves. During this time, you’ll observe sluggish drainage and sewage backups in your home. The roots of a tree. Tree roots will naturally grow in the direction of water and moisture, and they will tend to wrap around or bore through any obstructions that stand in their way. There may be harm to your septic system if there are trees growing on or around it
- This includes damage to the tank and pipes. Detergents are products that remove dirt and grime. Certain detergent solutions that contain high amounts of phosphate can foster the growth of algae in your tank, which can subsequently cause the perforations in the drain pipes to get clogged with algae.
In order to avoid problems with your septic system, it is important to be aware of the substances and products that you are releasing into your home’s plumbing system at all times. It is preferable to use phosphate-free detergents and cleaning products that are specifically intended for septic systems. These products degrade more quickly and will help to keep your system from being blocked in the future. Also, be mindful of what you are flushing down the toilet. Everything plastic and non-biodegradable, such as paper towels and sanitary tampons, is not intended to break down in a septic tank and should be avoided.
A regular pumping and maintenance schedule is a certain method to keep your septic system operating at full efficiency.
If you need your septic system maintained or repaired by professionals, please call Peak SewerUnderground Services. We are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your inquiries and handle your issues! Get in Touch With Us
Perspective
Do you have any questions about how septic systems work? During the whole time I lived in Cincinnati, I never gave it a second thought. All of the residences I resided in were linked to a municipal sewer system. I attached a sewage connection to nearly every house I constructed throughout my construction career. Only a few of the houses I constructed required their own septic systems. One particular house, on the other hand, stands out in my memory. The property was insufficiently large to accommodate a standard leach field setup.
- This was an important consideration.
- It was connected to a motor that was sheltered from the elements.
- When the propeller rotated, fresh air from the outside was sucked into the whirling mass of water and waste inside the septic tank, allowing it to function properly.
- The wastewater is aerated at the treatment facility before it is discharged into the nearest river.
- A brief overview of septic systems is provided here for those who are unfamiliar with its operation.
- The tank’s volume can range anywhere from 500 to 1,000 gallons or even more.
- Typically, the designer bases his or her decisions on the number of bedrooms in the home.
They have a tiny wall about a foot from where the home drain line enters the tank, which is what I see the most commonly in New Hampshire septic tanks.
Trouble is, most tanks have inlets that allow the plumber to attach the drain pipe parallel to this wall, which isn’t always the case.
Bacteria may be found in a variety of sources, including waste from your body, meals, and skin oils.
An exit pipe is located at the other end of the tank, on the other side of the tank from the entrance pipe.
There are several minute bacteria and pathogens present in the partially treated water that exits the tank after it has been treated.
It makes its way through a network of pipes with holes in them.
A number of pipelines carry the wastewater to the beach, where it is progressively released into the environment.
These two processes work together to filter the wastewater that drops out of the leach field pipelines and into the surrounding environment.
If you are careful about what you put in your septic tank, it will operate really well.
I made the mistake of believing that as long as it made it out to the sewage line, it was not my responsibility.
I used to clean my paint brushes in a sink, completely oblivious to the consequences.
You should never, ever put any of these items, or chlorine bleach, or any other chemicals, into a septic tank, for any reason.
The lower the price of toilet paper, the better.
(Why?
To put it another way, do not connect the sink to the septic system.
Use this sink to wash all of the undesirable items, not the other sinks in your home.
The need to pump your sewage tank at least once every three years cannot be overstated.
The expense of replacing a leach field might run into the hundreds of dollars.
I just have to spend $285 in 2021 dollars to have my septic tank pumped out with 1,000 gallons of water. You can understand why it is beneficial to do so. The average cost per year is less than $100. Visit AsktheBuilder.com to sign up for my email and listen to my podcasts.
Perspective
Do you have any questions about how septic systems work? During the whole time I lived in Cincinnati, I never gave it a second thought. All of the residences I resided in were linked to a municipal sewer system. I attached a sewage connection to nearly every house I constructed throughout my construction career. Only a few of the houses I constructed required their own septic systems. One particular house, on the other hand, stands out in my memory. The land was insufficiently large to sustain a standard leach field setup.
- An engine with a propeller mounted on a shaft that extended down into the septic tank was there.
- This engine would spin for 10 minutes per hour, similar to how a kitchen blender would function.
- Visiting a medium- or large-scale sewage treatment plant will reveal exactly what I’m talking about.
- A excellent method of getting rid of all of the potentially dangerous substances that may be found in wastewater is to introduce oxygen into it.
- Wastewater travels via a 4-inch pipe that links to a big precast concrete tank when you flush your toilet or when water drains from a tub, shower, vanity, or kitchen sink, among other things.
- Septic designers calculate the size of the system depending on the amount of waste that is expected to be generated in the home on a daily basis.
- Within the tank, some tanks have different walls and baffles than others.
As they make their way inside the tank, these creatures are meant to crash into this wall.
Make certain that your tank is fitted properly so that the drain line enters the tank with the drain pipe pointing exactly at this little wall.
The bacteria in the tank begins to work immediately to break down the waste.
For every gallon of water that enters the septic tank, a gallon of water exits the tank in the same manner.
It flows from the tank to the leach field, or it is pushed up a slope to get there.
The pipes are often put on a thick layer of washed sand to provide a stable foundation.
Plenty of oxygen may be found in the sand, which also contains a large number of microorganisms.
It’s a straightforward method that has stood the test of time.
Several years ago, when living in Cincinnati, I used to flush everything and everything down my drainpipes.
That was a poor attitude, and local sewer plant workers wished that more people shared their concern for the environment.
grease from kitchen pots and pans had been emulsified by me, and it had most likely solidified farther down the sewage line.
The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are waste from your body and toilet tissue.
Never flush flushable wipes down the toilet or into a septic tank or public sewer system.
Visit theAsktheBuilder.com website and view my flushable wipes demonstration video!) If you plan to construct in a rural region where a septic tank will be required, consider installing a utility sink in the laundry room or garage that drains straight outside of the building.
As a result, many inspectors allow this gray water to flow onto the ground away from your property since they don’t want you to put paint, grease, or other unidentified substances into your septic tank.
The need to pump your sewage tank at least once every three years cannot be overstated.
The expense of replacing a leach field might run into the hundreds of dollars.
You can understand why doing so is quite beneficial. It costs less than $100 on average each year, on average. Subscribe to Tim’s free newsletter and tune in to his latest podcasts to stay up to date. Visit the website: AsktheBuilder.com.
How Often Are Septic Tanks Emptied, and Where Do the Contents Go?
It’s safe to assume that wherever there are many individuals who run their houses’ waste systems through septic tanks, there will be a slew of local firms that specialize in eliminating the scum and sludge that collect in the tank over a long period of time. This is a crucial service because, if too much sludge accumulates over time, it can cause overflow, which is harmful to everyone involved. Septic pumping for commercial purposes typically consists of a pump truck emptying the sludge, effluent, and scum from the tank and leaving the tank empty and ready to be refilled with fresh sludge and water.
- Prior to the passage of federal legislation prohibiting the disposal of sewage sludge, waste management businesses could simply bury it in landfills.
- These locations still exist, however many of them are in the process of being cleaned up (clean-up).
- In certain situations, the septic contents are transported to waste treatment plants where they are combined with the stew that has been pumped in from a municipal sewer system, or they are supplied to for-profit organizations that specialize in the treatment of septage.
- Septage may also be placed at landfills that have been allowed.
- Because of the difficulties associated with properly disposing of your septic tank’s contents, septage is sometimes employed in a different way: to grow food.
- This application of septage has the potential to be contentious.
- It is expected that, when properly applied to farmland with good soil and a low water table, the soil will work as a filter in the same way as a drain field in the rear of a home with a septic tank will act as a filter.
- Historically, it has been recognized that methane, which is created as a waste product during the breakdown of sewage, may be utilized to generate energy.
- In addition, because the power produced does not burn, there is little or no pollutants emitted.
- One system, constructed south of Seattle, Washington, in 2004, has the capacity to generate enough electricity to power 1,000 houses.
Who would have thought that your feces could be so beneficial? More information about waste treatment may be found on the next page. The original publication date was July 29, 2008.
Septic Tank Cleaning Fort Collins: Never Put These Items Down the Drain If You Have a Septic Tank
A septic tank is something that most people are familiar with, and they are generally aware that they should get it cleaned every three to five years at the absolute least. But did you know that even if you get your tank serviced on a regular basis, there are things you might be doing that could be causing significant damage to your system and shortening the life of your tank? At Lion Home Service, we understand a thing or two about septic systems, and we also understand that it is sometimes what you don’t flush down the drain that may help to extend the life of your system and prevent a potentially hazardous sewage backup in your home or business.
Follow the instructions below, and if you have any questions or need help, please contact Lion Home Service in Fort Collins.
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
In your house, if you perform an action that requires the flushing of a toilet or the washing of the garage floor, the water that is generated must be disposed of in some manner. Depending on whether you have a septic system or not, the water will either travel into pipes that will transport it away from your house and over to a central water treatment facility, or it will go directly to your septic tank. This container retains your wastewater and allows any particles to sink to the bottom of the container.
Caring For Your Septic Tank
After all, everything you flush down the toilet goes into a holding tank that is ultimately emptied, so you might ask why it matters so much what you flush down the toilet. There are two important considerations to bear in mind. First and foremost, whatever you flush down the toilet must be biodegradable, which means it must easily decompose in your tank. Items such as flushable wipes, cotton swabs, and even paper towels can not entirely decompose in a septic system, which might result in a major backup.
For the second time, you should never flush or wash anything down the drain that might potentially harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic system or contaminate groundwater.
Also, keep in mind that once the wastewater in your septic tank reaches a particular level, it will begin to run into your drainage system. If your wastewater contains harmful chemicals, there is a strong possibility that it will leak into the groundwater and contaminate it.
List of Items To Never Put Down the Drain
With the two most essential kinds of goods that might affect your septic system now defined, let us offer two lists of common home products that should never be flushed down the toilet or down the sink. Read them carefully and then distribute them to the rest of your family so that everyone is aware of what is and is not acceptable to flush down the toilet.
Hazardous Materials
- Paint, gasoline, motor oil, weedkiller, solvents such as paint thinner, bleach, insecticide, herbicide, drain cleaner, and medications (particularly antibiotics) are all prohibited.
Non-Biodegradable Items
- Toilet paper
- Disinfectant wipes, paper towels, tissues, dental floss, cigarettes butts, coffee grinds, cat litter, condoms, feminine hygiene items, cotton swabs, and so on.
Despite the fact that this is not an exhaustive list, it should provide you with a general notion of the kind of items you should avoid flushing down the toilet. Cleansing products and even toilet paper that has been classified as safe for septic systems should be substituted instead. However, while knowing how to correctly care for your septic system may appear to be a burden, it will save you and the environment from any pollution concerns, and it will no doubt keep your septic system functioning smoothly for many years to come.
Signs Your Septic Tank Is Full
In the event that it has been several years since you last had your septic tank cleaned, or if you aren’t sure whether or not it has ever been done, it is critical that you arrange an appointment as soon as possible. There are times when tanks will fill up; nevertheless, you’ll want to get it emptied out before it becomes an issue. But what if you already have a nagging feeling that something is wrong? The following are some clear symptoms that your septic tank may be overflowing with waste:
Pooling Water
In the event that you discover significant pools of water near your septic system’s drain field, it might be a sign that your tank is overflowing and that the wastewater isn’t being allowed to naturally evaporate.
Odors Coming From Drains
In the event that you notice an irritating odor every time you take a shower or turn on a faucet, it is possible that your tank is full and sewage is beginning to back up in the pipes, resulting in the odor being produced.
Slow Drains
If you notice an irritating odor every time you take a shower or turn on a faucet, it’s possible that your tank is nearly full and sewage is beginning to back up in the pipes, causing the odor to occur.
Sewage Backup
When a tank is completely filled, sewage will begin to overflow or back up into the pipes. If the situation is severe enough, sewage can even back up into your home’s drains, which is not only distasteful, but it also poses a substantial health danger to you and your family members.
Particularly Green Grass Around Your Drainfield
Sometimes you may detect pools of water around your drain field, but other times you may only notice that the grass around it is exceptionally lush and green. This is frequently another indication that your septic system is about to overflow.
Contact Lion Home Service For Septic Tank Cleaning
Do not allow your septic system to reach the point where it is overflowing with waste. Septic tank cleaning should be performed on a regular basis by Lion Home Service in Fort Collins.
We are a family-owned and run business that serves the whole Northern Colorado region, including Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Windsor, and Fort Collins, among other cities. Call today to receive your no-obligation quote. We look forward to being of service to you!
How Does a Septic System Work?
7th of July, 2020
Did you know?Your septic system is likely the most expensive appliance in your house!
Simple steps taken today will both save you headaches in the future and ensure that your system continues to function properly, allowing trash to be kept out of our waterways.
For Our Water
Septic systems that are not adequately maintained can discharge untreated or partially treated sewage into neighboring streams and rivers, as well as into groundwater. Waste that has not been handled poses a threat to human health and degrades the quality of water. Overabundance of fertilizers and fecal bacteria in Howard County’s streams has caused significant impairment. However, while the majority of Howard County’s Poor and Very Poor grade streams are concentrated in the densely urbanized districts of Ellicott City, Elkridge, and Columbia, there are a few others in Western Howard County that are classified as Very Poor, Poor, or Fair.
For Your Home
Septic systems that are not adequately maintained might experience early failure, resulting in sewage backups in the residence and sluggish drainfields. By taking care of your septic system today, you may reduce the likelihood of having to make a costly repair in the future, saving you money. Depending on the scope of the work required and whether or not there is a suitable place for a second drainfield, system repairs can cost upwards of $50,000. Maintaining the utility of an existing drainfield allows it to last for a longer period of time.
How does a Septic System Work?
Septic systems that are not properly maintained might collapse prematurely, resulting in sewage backups in the home as well as sluggish drainfields in the surrounding area, among other problems. When you take good care of your septic system now, you reduce the likelihood of having to pay for a costly repair later on. Repaired drainage systems can cost upwards of $50,000, depending on the scope of the work required and whether or not there is a suitable place for a second drain field. It is possible to extend the life of an existing drainfield by preserving its functionality.
- Pipes that are dripping or leaking should be repaired to avoid extra water from entering the sewage system. Water-saving fixtures should be installed in place of older models. Showers, loads of laundry, and dishwashing, for example, should be spaced out across time. Caution should be exercised while using water softeners, since they discharge enormous quantities of backwash into the septic tank. If you use a water softener, be sure your tank and drain field are both large enough.
Toilet paper and garbage decomposes within the tank’s interior. However, many objects that are labeled “flushable” are not, and will remain in the tank until they are removed manually. It is possible for your tank to become clogged if a large number of them accumulate. Precautions that you can take include:
- Items such as diapers, baby wipes, paper products other than toilet paper, cat litter, cigaretts, coffee grounds, feminine products, and kitchen garbage should not be flushed Do not use a garbage disposal because an excessive amount of organic waste produces an excessive amount of solids, which do not decompose in the septic tank. Using a garbage disposal will increase the frequency with which your tank will need to be pumped. Instead, consider creating a compost pile. Observe a regular maintenance plan and empty your tank as necessary. Solids that will not break down are removed from the tank by pumping it.
Inside the tank, there is naturally-occurring specialist bacteria that lives there and processes the waste, which is beneficial to the environment. These live microorganisms are required by the septic system. Precautions that you can take include:
- There is naturally-occurring specialized bacteria that lives inside the tank, and it is this bacteria that is responsible for the treatment of waste. These live bacteria are essential for the septic system. The Following Are Some Precautions to Consider:
Keep in mind that anything you flush will ultimately end up in your yard.
2. The wastewater leaves the tank and enters the drainfield.
Wastewater is channeled through perforated pipes that are embedded in the ground. Drainfields can take on a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the soil conditions; in general, they are planted under grass and put into gravelly pits.
It’s in this location that wastewater is gently leached out into a yard, where soil continues to filter and clean the effluent. Drainfields rely on a precise balance between soil drainage capability and surface water runoff. Precautions that you can take include:
- Planting trees near a drainfield is not recommended since their roots are problematic. No vehicles should be driven over or parked on the drainfield (or septic system).
- The weight of your car might cause pipes to collapse and dirt to compress, resulting in decreased drainage.
- The formation of biomats surrounding the perforated pipes occurs when a drainfield matures, if an excessive amount of particles is pushed out into the field, or if the drainfield remains too moist. As wastewater is discharged from the septic tank, these biomats form patches of slime that inhibit the drainfield from adequately absorbing the effluent.
A regular schedule of maintenance and treating your septic system well will prolong its life for the betterment of your home and surrounding waterways!
Join us for a future webinar to learn more about the critical function that your septic system plays in making your house habitable while also conserving our waterways. Register today.
Septic System Basics
Join us for a future webinar to learn more about the critical function that your septic system plays in making your house habitable while also conserving our waterways. Register today!
- This is known as the Septic Tank. In order to remove particles from wastewater, store and partially decompose as much solid material as possible, while allowing the liquid (or effluent) to flow to the drainfield, a septic tank must be installed. more
- The Drainage System After the particles have settled in the septic tank, the liquid wastewater (also known as effluent) is released to the drainfield, which is also known as an absorption or leach field, or both. more
- The Soil is a very important factor. The soil under the drainfield is responsible for the ultimate treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent once it has been treated. Following the passage of wastewater into the soil, organisms in the soil remediate the effluent before it percolates downward and outward, eventually entering ground or surface water sources. A drainfield’s efficacy is also affected by the kind of soil
- For example, clay soils may be too tight to allow much wastewater to run through, while gravelly soil may be too coarse to give much treatment.
- Septic System Inspection Done at Home In order to aid you in examining your system, a VideoField Guide and Checklist may be available at the bottom of the homepage.
Homeowners and residents have a significant impact on the functioning of their septic systems. Overloading the system with more water than it is capable of handling might result in system failure. A septic system can also be damaged by the improper disposal of chemicals or excess organic waste, such as that produced by a trash disposal. The following maintenance suggestions might assist you in ensuring that your system provides long-term, effective treatment of domestic waste.
Inspect and Pump Frequently
The most critical step in keeping your septic tank in good working order is to eliminate sludge and scum build-up before it may flow into the drainfield. The frequency with which your tank has to be pumped is determined by the size of the tank, the number of people in your family, the quantity of water utilized, and the amount of solids (from humans, garbage disposal, and any other waste) that enter the tank’s drainage system. Tanks should be pumped out on average every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage.
- Septic Inspection and Pumping Guide
- Inspecting Your Septic Tank
- Septic Inspection and Pumping Guide
Use Water Efficiently
System failure is frequently caused by an excessive amount of water. The soil beneath the septic system must be able to absorb all of the water that is used in the residence. Too much water from the washing machine, dishwasher, toilets, bathtubs, and showers may not provide enough time for sludge and scum to separate properly in the drain. The less water that is consumed, the less water that enters the septic system, reducing the likelihood of system failure. For further information on water conservation, visit:
- Indoor Water Conservation
- Every gallon of water conserved equates to a savings of $1.00.
Minimize Solid Waste Disposal
What you flush down the toilet can have a significant influence on the performance of your septic system. Many things do not breakdown properly, and as a result, they accumulate in your septic tank. If you have the option of disposing of it in another manner, do so rather than introducing it into your system.
Keep Chemicals Out of Your System
Protect your septic system against home chemicals such as caustic drain openers, paint and pesticides. Also avoid flushing down the toilet with chemicals such as brake fluid, gasoline, and motor oil. The improper dumping of dangerous substances down the drain is damaging to the environment, as well as the bacteria that are necessary for the breakdown of wastes in a septic system, and should be avoided.
Septic System Additives
It is not essential to add a stimulant or an enhancer to a septic tank in order to assist it in functioning or “to restore bacterial equilibrium.” The naturally occurring bacteria required for the proper operation of the septic system are already present in human excrement. Septic systems, like automobiles, are designed to offer long-term, effective treatment of residential waste if they are properly run and maintained on a regular basis. The majority of systems that fail prematurely, on the other hand, are the result of poor maintenance.
If you see any of the indicators listed below, or if you have reason to believe your septic system is experiencing issues, call a trained septic technician immediately. In the event that your septic system fails, call Thurston County Environmental Health at 360-867-2673 for assistance.
- In order to aid in the function of a septic tank or “restore bacterial equilibrium,” it is not essential to add a stimulant or an enhancer to it. The naturally existing bacteria required for the proper operation of the septic system may be found in human feces already. When properly run and maintained, septic systems, like automobiles, are meant to offer long-term, efficient treatment of residential waste. While some systems collapse early, the vast majority of them are caused by poor maintenance. Please call a competent septic specialist if you see any of the following indicators or believe that your septic system is experiencing issues. Contact Thurston County Environmental Health at 360-867-2673 if your septic system malfunctions.