What is a Septic Tank System?

A septic tank system consists of two components:

1. The septic tank is an underground watertight container, almost always constructed of concrete and is built to receive sewage and retain the liquid portion for approximately 24 hours. The tank has three functions: First, it acts as a settling chamber to allow solids to settle to the tank bottom; second, the tank serves as a digestion chamber to allow some biological treatment; and third, the tank becomes a storage vault for solids until removed.
2. The tile absorption field (nitrification field) is the second and probably the most critical part of the septic tank system. It consists of a trench, or system of trenches, with gravel or crushed stone and jointed tile or perforated pie to receive the liquid sewage after treatment in the septic tank and to distribute this liquid to the soil for absorption and final biological treatment.
   

Care of Your Septic Tank System

A septic tank system requires prudent usage and maintenance to insure its best performance. With proper use and maintenance, your system will serve your family for years to come. Here are some tips:

1. Only household waste and toilet tissue should be disposed of in a septic tank system. Keep all kitchen greases out of the system.
2. Any leaks that develop in the plumbing fixtures should be immediately corrected. A leaking faucet or toilet tank, no matter how small the leak, will eventually result in complete saturation and failure of the absorption field.
3. A septic tank needs periodic cleaning or pumping out of the accumulated solids. If the solids are allowed to build up in the tank to a point that they begin to pass out of the tank into the soil absorption network, the soil will soon become clogged with the solids, resulting in failure of the system.\
4. Practice water conservation to avoid overloading. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets. Run dishwashers when they are full. Swap out old fixtures for ones with water saving features. Space out the washing machine use over the entire week instead of doing it all in one day.
5. Do not direct water from gutters, sump pumps or other drains into the septic tank. Excess water directed into the septic tank will cause a hydraulic failure.
6. Use commercial bathroom cleaners and anti-bacterial soaps in moderation. Treatment in the septic tank depends on natural bacteria.
7. Do not plant trees or bushes on top of the absorption line. Root intrusion may damage and block the absorption line.
8. Landscape the site to allow surface water to drain off of the absorption field area. Divert roof drains from the absorption field area. Standing water over the absorption field will cause soil saturation and potential system failure.
9. Do not park or drive over the septic tank or absorption field. This can damage the septic tank and absorption field. Soil compaction can occur reducing the ability of the soil to absorb the wastewater from the system.
10. Do not pour grease, oil, paint or other chemical products down the drain. Do not put non-biodegradable items such as cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, condoms, disposable diapers or other similar solid waste into the septic tank.

Frequency of Tank Cleaning

The frequency of tank cleaning or pumping is hard to determine as it depends on many factors and varies with different families. The only sure way to determine the need for service is to open the tank periodically and inspect it to determine the accumulation of solids, but most homeowners will not do this when it is needed. A good rule of thumb would be to have the septic tank pumped out every 3-5 years. This should provide a margin of safety, but remember the most accurate way to determine the need for service is to inspect the tank contents on a yearly basis.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Septic Tank System

Remember, any repair work on your system requires a permit from the county health department. The county environmental health specialist can help homeowners with an evaluation to determine what repair option exist.

Slow drains or sewage backing up into the house

• The cause could be a blockage in the plumbing line to the septic tank, blockage to inlet and outlet tees within the septic tank or a clogged filter if present.
• If the problem only occurs during rainy weather, the problem could be related to surface water drainage or water standing on top of the absorption field area.
• If the septic tank system is old, the absorption line may be clogged.
• If the system has a pump, pump failure could be the cause.

Surfacing of septic tank effluent on the ground surface

• The cause may be related to a poor soil absorption rate, soil clogging in the absorption line, or water usage.
• If the problem is noticeable only after rainy weather, the problem could be related to surface water drainage or a high seasonal groundwater table.

Smell of sewage odor

• The cause of sewage odors may be natural gases that occur in the septic tank that are vented from the plumbing system through the roof of the house. Odors may be noticeable in the area of the vent pipe.
• Odors near the septic tank could indicate a cracked inlet or outlet plumbing pipe.
• Odors in the absorption field area could indicate a surfacing of wastewater effluent.

Common Questions

“I had my tank pumped out last week. Is it possible that it is full already?”

Not only is it possible, it is necessary. Septic tanks are designed to operate full for proper water/solids separation.

“Is there anything I can put in my tank to avoid pumping?

No. Some of the material in the tank is not biodegradable. This material must be pumped out.

“My system backed up recently for the first time in many years. Why should I start maintaining now?”

Even though the backup may have been caused by broken pipes, tree roots intruding into your lines or some other obstruction, it is also possible that this backup is the first sign of system failure. Call your contractor to discuss your system.

“The drainage in my house seems to be sluggish and sometimes temporarily backs up. I also sometimes have a foul odor and mushy ground in my backyard. Are these signs of septic system failure?"

Theses may or may not be signs of a deteriorating septic system. Contact your contractor to discuss these problems.

“How do I know where my tank and lines are?”

Your local Environmental Health Department should be able to provide you with a drawing

 

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