You should have a typical septic system inspected at least every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector (generally every 3 to 5 years). Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components need to be inspected more often, generally once a year.
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- Regular maintenance will boost the longevity of your septic tank. A typical septic tank needs to be pumped at least every 3 to 4 years. Additionally, a regular tank inspection will reveal any need for repair or additional maintenance.
What to do after you pump your septic tank?
After you have had your septic tank pumped by a trusted septic company, there are some things you can and should do as the septic system owner.
- 1) Get on a Schedule.
- 2) Take Care of the System.
- 3) Know the Parts of Your System.
- 4) Check Other Possible Issues.
Should you fill septic tank with water after pumping?
What your septic pumper told you: ( it’s not necessary to “re-fill ” a septic tank after pumping) is absolutely correct. Dead right. Spot-on. In normal use, wastewater from your home will re-fill the septic tank in a few days – depending on the size of the tank and the amount of water you use in your home.
How long does it take for a septic tank to fill up after pumping?
It takes years between having the tank pumped for the septic tank to fill to its capacity. The average usage for a family of four will fill a septic tank to its working capacity of 1000 – 1500 gallons in approximately one week.
Why is my septic tank backing up after being pumped?
If you have a septic tank cleaning service clear the lines and pump the tank and it’s still not working properly, then the drain field is having a problem. In addition, if the ground is saturated because of high water table or heavy rainfall, then the septic tank will not drain and it will back up into the house.
How do you know 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 should you pump out a 1000 gallon septic tank?
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.
Can you flush the toilet when the septic is being pumped?
You can save time and money by taking a few daily precautions that reduce the frequency of pump-outs your system will need: To flush or not to flush — Aside from wastewater, toilet paper is the only other thing that should be flushed.
Can you pump your septic tank too often?
If your septic tank is pumped too often, that bacteria will have no place to go but out into the drain field, which can lead to clogs and failures. So unless your septic tank’s sludge and scum levels reach certain thresholds, it’s actually beneficial to leave the septic tank alone.
Should I stir my septic tank?
Septic Stirring This solution typically works best for minor buildups. If done regularly, it can prevent your septic sludge from settling in too comfortably, but you have to be devoted.
How long does it take for a 1000 gallon septic tank to fill up?
A family of four will fill the 300-gallon storage volume of a 1,000-gallon septic tank in about 1.5 years. By making adjustments in this analysis for adults working outside of the home a third of the time and children going to school, it is easy to conclude that a septic tank should be pumped every two to three years.
Can I take a shower if my septic tank is full?
Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.
How long does poop take to decompose in septic tank?
The bacteria take 2-4 hours to germinate and then begin to break down solid waste. If the temperature and conditions are favorable, then the bacteria will multiply to the maximum level that the environment will allow in about 2-4 days.
How often do I need to clean out my septic tank?
How often do I have to clean my septic tank? Ideally, once every two to three years. Though your septic tank has an extremely large capacity, it’s still important that you empty it on a regular basis.
How do you know if a septic tank needs emptying?
Here are some of the signs for which you should look.
- Water puddling above the septic tank. So you noticed a small pool of water but it didn’t rain?
- Drains moving slowly. If the drain is moving slowly when you flush the toilet, it could be due to a clog.
- Bad smells coming from the septic tank.
- The sewer has backed up.
Why does my septic keep clogging?
A clogged septic tank or drain is caused by a number of things: An obstruction in the line caused by a buildup of pressure between the object and the inner circumference of the pipe. An example is a diaper stuck in the sewer drain line. There is simply too much diaper to fit through the line at once!
How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?
It’s a subject that comes up time and time again: how frequently should a septic tank be pumped? In my role as co-owner of Western SepticExcavation, a firm that pumps sewage tanks, I and my partners get asked this question on a weekly basis. The short answer is that no one is sure. I’m curious how we, as professionals tasked with the important responsibility of safely disposing of wastewater from rural houses and businesses, came to learn about this intriguing piece of information. Please bear with me as I explain.
Starting with a simple question that many individuals are unable to answer, let’s go on.
Why do I need to pump my septic tank?
Old-school thinkers frequently assert that a septic tank does not require pumping if it is operating properly. Ever. Providing that we also infer that very few, if any, septic tanks function “properly,” we may make the assumption that this is valid. While theoretically conceivable, achieving this degree of septic nirvana in real life is very hard to achieve. To avoid the hassle of going around in circles, it is much simpler to accept the overwhelming facts and come to the conclusion that septic tanks must be pumped on a regular basis in order to extend the life of the system.
- As a result, it must be preserved.
- Second, it serves to store substances that have not been digested in order to be removed later by pumping.
- This is due to the fact that solids degrade at different rates in different environments.
- Fats, oils, and greases float on top of the liquid in the tank, forming a layer of solids known as scum, which is lighter than water and hence floats on top of the liquid.
- Without a doubt, when you utter the word “septic sludge,” everyone’s mind immediately goes to the ickiest of the ickies, but trust me when I say there’s a lot more to it than that.
- How does this play out in the event that I fail to pump out my septic tank?
- As a result, the tank’s practical holding capacity is reduced by a factor of several hundred percent.
In a two-pronged attack on your drain field, this reduces the amount of time the bacteria have to digest particles while simultaneously decreasing the amount of time the undigested solids have to divide into their respective layers.
Once at the wastewater treatment plant, these sediments settle out of the wastewater, blocking pipes and forming a thick layer of sludge, known as a biomat, which decreases the capacity of the water to seep into the ground.
Yet another typical problem that arises as a result of inadequate septic pumping is that the floating scum layer becomes too thick and actually obstructs the line that leads to the septic tank, creating an obstruction that results in sewer backup into the residence.
Is it clear enough?
Usually, within a week of pumping, the tank will be completely filled with liquid waste.
Our concern is with the solids that have settled to the bottom and have risen to the surface of the water column.
If a pumper ever states that the tank is “full,” he is most likely referring to a solids accumulation that necessitates the need to pump the tank as soon as possible. Now that we’ve covered the reasons for why I need to pump my septic tank, let’s move on to the next step.
How often do you recommend I pump my septic tank?
The guidelines of the Health District are always the first thing I point people to when they ask me a question like this. Their recommendations, which are supported by the Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency, are to use one of two ways to decide when and how often to pump a septic tank. According to the first technique, the thickness of the scum and sludge layers must be measured, and a pump must be placed in the tank when the volume of solids in the tank surpasses around 25 percent to 35 percent of the total volume of the tank.
- If a sample tool is not available, there are other options for measuring scum and sludge, including the use of a handmade instrument.
- However, even when done with adequate equipment, septic tank sampling is an imprecise science that can lead to incorrect conclusions.
- However, in practice, this is not the case.
- There is a broad range of precision in the sample used to determine the volume of solids, depending on where it is collected (for example, at the inlet, center, or outflow end of the tank), and this accuracy will vary depending on where it is taken.
- Many of these older tanks, as well as some current tanks, have the primary access lid located in the center of the tank or even at the outlet end of the tank, which is a common practice.
- The scum layer will occasionally be quite thick at the input end of the tank and nearly non-existent at the output end, depending on the conditions.
- The collection of scum around the entrance will become a problem long before the amount of settled solids exceeds the acceptable volume of 25 percent to 35 percent, which would necessitate the pumping of the tank under those circumstances.
In order to identify when to pump my septic tank, the second way that has been advocated is to set up a regular plan for pumping that is based on calendar years.
Even this advice, on the other hand, is highly subjective.
People’s behaviors differ significantly from one household to the next.
Cooking oils enter the septic system through dishwashing and bodily wastes, and they contaminate the water supply.
Septic tank bacterial populations have been shown to be negatively affected by the fragrances and colors contained inside these items.
A gourmand who adores baking frequently mistakenly flushes a large amount of oil down the toilet.
Every batch of chocolate chip cookies was baked in a pan that had been greased with shortening before being placed in the oven.
Germs and viruses are a source of great anxiety for some individuals.
Chemicals such as antibacterial agents and disinfectants are toxic to the bacteria in the septic system.
Residents who use recreational drugs have been known to cause damage to septic systems in rare instances.
As a result, some homes will produce solid waste at a significantly higher pace than others, while having the same number of people and living in an apparently identical environment.
Then there’s the issue of water use. In contrast, a struggling family of six may be sharing a small home that should only handle three or four people, but a moderately rich elderly grandma may live alone in a huge home with a septic system that is meant to accommodate six people. It is unlikely that a family of the same size with very young children will consume nearly as much water as a family of the same size whose children are teens in high school, involved in sports, and who wash two or three times each day.
- Because of the numerous variables that might effect a septic system, it is practically hard to get a definitive conclusion on how frequently I should pump my septic tank, as seen above.
- I’ll use myself as an illustration.
- Even though I had finally made up my mind to pump it, I had no idea what the solids buildup would look like until I actually opened the top.
- We’ve encountered septic tanks that had accumulated a significant amount of particles only a few months after being pumped, and on another occasion, I pumped a tank for an old gentleman who hadn’t had his tank pumped in more than 15 years.
- There were almost no solids in it at all, which was surprising.
- In order to identify when to pump my septic tank, the second way that has been advocated is to set up a regular plan for pumping that is based on calendar years.
- Even this advice, on the other hand, is highly subjective.
People’s behaviors differ significantly from one household to the next.
Cooking oils enter the septic system through dishwashing and bodily wastes, and they contaminate the water supply.
Septic tank bacterial populations have been shown to be negatively affected by the fragrances and colors contained inside these items.
A gourmand who adores baking frequently mistakenly flushes a large amount of oil down the toilet.
Every batch of chocolate chip cookies was baked in a pan that had been greased with shortening before being placed in the oven.
Germs and viruses are a source of great anxiety for some individuals.
Chemicals such as antibacterial agents and disinfectants are toxic to the bacteria in the septic system.
Residents who use recreational drugs have been known to cause damage to septic systems in rare instances.
As a result, some homes will produce solid waste at a significantly higher pace than others, while having the same number of people and living in an apparently identical environment.
Is there a way to find out how often I should pump my septic tank?
Yes. Fortunately, there is a method for staying on top of septic system maintenance. I recommend that you get the tank pumped for the first three to five years after it is installed. A vital insight into the state of the septic tank and the buildup of solids will be gained from this initial treatment. When the thickness of the solids has been determined, the pumper can prescribe a timetable that takes into consideration other criteria, such as the amount of time that has passed since the tank was installed or last serviced, and the number of people who live in the house It’s important to remember that no one, and I repeat, NO ONE, can anticipate the future or the changes that will occur in life.
It is important to understand that when a pumper makes a recommendation about how often I should pump my septic system, he is simply considering what he sees today.
Moreover, because septic systems are not designed to survive eternally, following the advice of a septic specialist cannot guarantee how long the system will last or that it will be trouble-free.
Besides removing solids, is there any other reason to pump my septic tank?
Yes, pumping your septic tank gives you the opportunity to check the various components of the tank that would otherwise be difficult to view without the pump. Baffles at the inlet and outflow of the drainfield, which are critical components in protecting the drainfield, can occasionally fail. Lids occasionally deteriorate as a result of the gases created by the system. A deteriorated lid may crumble and fall into the tank, which might be fatal if a kid or pet happened to be wandering through the location at the time of the collapse and fall.
- This enables for tiny repairs to be performed that might avert a catastrophe later on.
- I like to use the analogy of changing the oil in my automobile to explain things.
- Additionally, if I pump my septic tank on a regular basis, my drainfield will endure for many years, provided that I don’t develop behaviors that overload the system or cause it to malfunction biochemically.
- Similarly, if I ignore septic maintenance until sewage begins to back up into my home, I have very certainly ruined my drainfield and significantly reduced the life of the system.
- Western SepticExcavation may be reached at (208) 539-4207 or via email to make a septic tank pumping appointment.
With permission, this post was prepared by Kendall Unruh, Owner of Western Septic and Excavation, and is being shared with you. To view the original article, please visit this link. Western Septic’s official website may be seen by clicking here.
How Often Should You Get Your Septic Tank Pumped? The Answer, Explained
Image courtesy of depositphoto.com
Q: I recently bought a new house, and it has a septic system. I don’t have any experience with septic tanks, and I’m not sure how often it needs to be emptied and cleaned. How often should you get your septic tank pumped?
The usual rule of thumb is that an aseptic tank should be pumped and flushed every 3 to 5 years. Homes located outside of a city may rely on septic tanks for waste disposal because they do not have access to local sewage systems. A septic system is an ecologically beneficial, safe, and natural method of disposing of waste generated by a household. The lifespan of a septic tank system can be extended by several decades with adequate care and maintenance, as well as regular septic tank pumping.
- As a result, because the solids (or sludge) are heavier than water, they will sink to the bottom of the tank, where bacteria and microorganisms will devour and dissolve them.
- The middle layer of watery effluent will depart the tank by way of perforated subterranean pipes and will eventually end up in a drainage or leach field.
- In the long run, an excessive amount of sludge will impair the bacteria’s capacity to break down waste and will cause it to overflow into the drainage field.
- As a result, how frequently should your septic tank be pumped?
- Link up with reputable professionals in your region and obtain free, no-obligation quotations for your project.+
First, keep in mind the size of your septic tank.
The majority of septic tanks have a capacity of between 1,000 and 2,000 gallons. If you’re not sure how large your septic tank is, an expert from a septic tank cleaning business may come out and check it for you to discover its precise dimensions. The size of the tank has a role in deciding how frequently it should be pumped, among other things. The duration between pumping for a 1,000-gallon tank and another 1,500-gallon tank is 2.6 years; however, the time between pumps can be extended to 4.2 years and up to 5 years for a 2,000-gallon tank, depending on the tank size.
Your house size and number of household members will affect how often the septic tank needs to be pumped.
The size of the septic tank will be determined by the size of the house itself. If you have a 3-bedroom home, you will require a larger-sized tank than if you have a 2-bedroom home. Your neighbors might be a great source of information about the area. Consider speaking with them and inquiring about the size of their septic tank in relation to the number of people that reside in their homes. With this information, you will be able to determine how frequently you should have your septic tank pumped for your particular system.
The sorts of soaps, cleansers, and chemicals that you use in your house, as well as how frequently they are flushed down the toilet, all have an impact on when your septic tank has to be pumped. Image courtesy of depositphoto.com
Consider the total wastewater generated, including laundry, dishwashing, and showers.
Individuals use an average of 70 gallons of water each day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Septic systems will last longer if they are used efficiently, and they will be less likely to clog, backup, or leak if they are used efficiently. Septic systems are well-understood by professionals. Connect with reputable professionals in your area and obtain free, no-obligation estimates for your job. + It is possible to control how much water goes down the drain by selecting the appropriate load size in the washing machine and only doing laundry when you have a full load.
Excessive use of the washing machine in a single day can cause harm to a septic system by denying the waste adequate time to be processed and increasing the likelihood of overflowing the drainage field.
A trash disposal should never be used in the kitchen sink if your home is equipped with an onsite septic tank, according to experts.
You will increase the quantity of solids by up to 50% if you use a disposal, and you will increase the likelihood of clogging the system and causing it to back up.
Generally, a septic tank should be pumped every 3 to 5 years.
Maintaining a septic tank system isn’t that expensive, but digging up and repairing or replacing a system that has failed as a result of carelessness is far more expensive. Some septic systems may require pumping more than once a year, depending on the size of the tank, the number of people living in the home, and the volume of wastewater generated. It is possible that other systems will be able to go 5 years between septic pumpings. In order to prolong the life of your septic system, it is advised that you consult with a professional every 3 to 5 years on an average basis.
Find a professional to help you maintain and prolong the life of your septic system by searching online for “septic tank pumping near me.” Pros know septic systemsConnect with trustworthy specialists in your area and obtain free, no-obligation bids for your project.+
Pump Your Septic Tank Regularly
The solid wastes in septic tanks settle out and do not reach the leaching region since the tanks are located underground and filled with liquid. Septic tanks are made of concrete (or sometimes plastic) and contain liquid. The sediments in the tank will reach the leaching region and will clog up the soil pores that allow the liquid to filter down into the ground if their concentration in the tank rises to a dangerous level. If this occurs, the water will either back up into the home or burst through the ground into the yard.
- The cost of installing leaching fields is significantly higher than the cost of pumping septic tanks.
- Additional precautions are provided in the next section.
- Septic tanks should be cleaned (pumped) at least once every three to five years, depending on their size and how frequently they are used.
- Septic tanks are required to be examined every five years and pumped if necessary, according to Town Ordinance, which is enforced by the Town Council.
- Every year, we send out reminders to the addresses that have not been pumped in the previous five years to remind them to do so.
If you receive a warning and your tank has been pumped within the previous five years, you should contact the business that performed the job and request that they provide us a copy of the record of the operation. Do’s and Don’ts for Septic Systems
- If you have a waste disposal, use it sparingly and pump your tank once a year
- Otherwise, It is not recommended to flush fats and oils down the toilet, especially while they are heated. Make use of powerful cleansers and disinfectants as little as possible, since this will lower the amount of biological activity in the tank. Avoid flushing diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, and other solids down the toilet or down the drain. Instead of dumping toxic materials like caustic chemicals and pesticides into your septic system, use the town’s hazardous waste disposal service to get rid of them safely. For further information, see the Regional Water Authority’s website. Do not allow heavy equipment such as construction, landscaping, or other heavy equipment to be used on your septic system. Roof and other storm water runoff should be directed away from your septic system. Large trees should not be planted directly over your septic system. Reduce your water consumption to a bare minimum.
How to Reduce Sludge in A Septic Tank System
Make use of your waste disposal sparingly and pump your tank once a year if you have one. Fats and oils should not be poured down the drain, especially when the drain is running hot. Reduce the use of harsh cleansers and disinfectants that might deplete the tank’s biological activity. Avoid flushing diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grinds, and other solids down the toilet. Instead of dumping toxic materials like caustic chemicals and pesticides in your septic system, use the town’s hazardous waste disposal program to dispose of them.
It is not permissible to use your septic system for construction, landscaping, or any other heavy equipment; Roof and other storm water runoff should be diverted away from your septic tank.
Reduce your water consumption to a bare minimum,
Method 2: Aeration and Bio-Enzymes, Microbes and Bio-Activators
Anaerobic environments, such as septic tanks, are prevalent (without oxygen). Bacteria that devour sludge are only able to survive in an aerobic atmosphere (with oxygen). Septic tank enzymes work best when combined with an air supply and a population of bacteria that devour the sludge produced by the tank’s microorganisms. Despite the fact that it may take many weeks, this procedure can eat up to 95 percent of the sludge in your septic tank! The most significant additional benefit is that, if you follow the schedule to the letter, you should never have to pump your septic tank again!
Septic System Installation & Inspection
The purpose of this program is to reduce potential health dangers while also protecting surface and ground water by ensuring that septic systems in Cayuga County are in proper working order. The services provided by this program are in the following areas:
- Cayuga County Sanitary Code mandates that all septic systems be examined on an annual basis and at the time of any property transfer
- Enforces this code. Septic system proposals for new, modified, and repaired septic systems are reviewed. Investigates concerns involving septic tanks and systems
- Provides technical help to installers and designers of septic systems
- Contains directories of licensed septic system installers and septic tank pumpers
- And Answers queries from the public on the operation and maintenance of septic systems
Instructions for a Routine Inspection
- Cayuga County Sanitary Code mandates that all septic systems be examined on an annual basis and at the time of any property transfer
- Enforces this code
- And Septic system proposals, both new and modified/repaired, are reviewed. It is responsible for investigating complaints involving septic systems. Septic system installers and designers might benefit from technical support. Contains directories of licensed septic system installers and septic tank pumpers. Answers queries from the public on the operation and maintenance of septic systems.
Instructions for a Property Transfer Inspection
A septic system inspection and septic tank pumping are required prior to the transfer of any property in Cayuga County, as mandated by the county’s Sanitary Code. Prior to draining out the tank, it is recommended that the septic system be examined. Following pumping of the tank, it will be essential to wait 30 days before the septic system may be examined for proper operation and maintenance. It is important to note that if you are due for a standard sanitary code inspection but are planning to sell your house soon, you may want to consider having the property transfer examination performed instead of the usual inspection.
- Engage the services of a Cayuga County certified inspector to do a septic system inspection. A list of certified installers may be found on the right-hand side of this page, under the heading List. If the property is presently occupied, the inspector will color some of your fittings, such as your toilet, and run 55 gallons of water for each bedroom as part of the inspection process. If the house is not occupied for three days, an additional 110 gallons of water per bedroom will be supplied. Upon completion of the inspection, the inspector will give the documents over to the Health Department. As part of the property transfer process, it is also required that the septic tank be pumped and that a “Waste Transporter Certification” form be submitted to the Health Department for approval. A list of registered septic tank pumpers may be found on the right-hand side of this page, under the heading List. If the septic system fails the inspection, the system owner will be obliged to make repairs or modifications to the septic system. If the septic system passes the inspection and the Health Department receives documentation that the tank has been pumped, a discharge permission will be given
- However, the permit must be renewed every three years.
Maintaining Your Pressure Distribution System
Many years have passed since septic tanks with gravity flow drainfields were first installed in places that were not served by municipal sewers. Not all soil and site conditions, however, are well suited for the use of these basic methods. Non-standard sewage treatment systems are frequently employed to preserve human health and water quality in regions where regular sewage treatment systems are unable to provide safe sewage treatment.
The pressure distribution system is an example of an out-of-the-ordinary system. It includes the following features:
- Periodic dosing and resting
- Uniform dispersion of effluent
- Shallow placement of the drainfield
- And
The following information will assist you in better understanding your pressure distribution system and ensuring that it continues to operate safely and at the lowest cost feasible. A typical pressure distribution system is composed of three functional components:
- The sewage treatment plant
- The pump chamber as well as the pump
- The drainfield and replacement area, respectively
The Septic Tank
Most septic tanks are constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene and are buried beneath the ground surface. All of the waste water from your home is channeled into the tank. Heavy materials sink to the bottom of the tank, where they are partially decomposed by bacterial activity. Fats and oil, among other lighter particles, float to the surface and form a scum layer on the surface of the water. Effluent is the term used to describe the wastewater that exits the septic tank. Despite the fact that it has been partially treated, it still includes disease-causing germs as well as several other contaminants.
Proper Care Includes:
- Septic tank maintenance should include an inspection once a year and pumping it as necessary. Unless the septic tank is regularly emptied, sediments escaping from the tank will clog the pump and drainfield, causing them to fail prematurely. Because it increases the quantity of solids entering the tank and necessitates more frequent pumping, the use of a waste disposal is strongly advised. Making sure that no harmful materials are flushed down the toilet or into the septic tank.Do not flush down the toilet or into the septic tank materials such as grease, cooking oils, newspapers or paper towels
- Cigarettes
- Coffee grounds
- Sanitary napkins
- Solvents
- Oils
- Paint
- Or pesticides.For information on the proper disposal of hazardous household waste, contact the Humboldt Waste Management Authority. Excluding any and all chemical or biological septic tank additives from your system. These items are not required for the proper operation of your system, and they do not minimize the requirement for routine tank pumping.
The Pump Chamber
The pump chamber is a container made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene that collects the effluent from the septic tank. A pump, pump control floats, and a high water warning float are all included within the chamber. Pump activity can be regulated either via the use of control floats or through the use of timed controls. A series of control floats is used to switch the pump “on” and “off” at different levels in order to pump a certain volume of effluent per dose of medication. Using the timer settings, you may create dosages that are both long and short in duration, as well as intervals or rest periods between doses.
If you employ pump timer controls, the alarm will also sound to alert you if you are using too much water in your house.
The alarm should be equipped with a buzzer and a bright light that can be seen clearly.
The pump discharge line should be equipped with a union and a valve to facilitate the removal of the pump.
Proper Care Includes:
- Performing an annual inspection of the pump chamber, pump, and floats, and replacing or repairing any worn or broken parts. Pump maintenance should be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Inspection of electrical components and conduits should be performed for corrosion. If the alarm panel is equipped with a “push-to-test” button, it should be used on a regular basis. If your system does not already have one, you should consider installing a septic tank effluent filter or pump screen. It is possible to prevent particles from clogging the pump and drainfield pipes by screening or filtering the effluent from the septic tank. Inspection and cleaning of the filter, when necessary, are quick and simple tasks that help to avoid costly damage caused by particles entering the system. After a protracted power outage or a pump failure, taking steps to prevent the drainfield from over-loading is necessary.
After the pump is turned on, effluent will continue to gather in the pump chamber until the pump starts working. When there is more effluent in the chamber, the pump may be forced to dose a volume that is more than the drainfield’s capacity. If you use up all of the reserve storage in the chamber, the plumbing in your home may get backed up as a result. Reduce your water use to a bare minimum when the pump is regulated by float controls and has been off for more than 6 hours.
The Drainfield
It is comprised of a network of pipes laid in 18″ wide gravel-filled ditches in the ground to drain the water. In order to ensure uniform dispersion over the drainfield, effluent is pushed via the pipes in regulated dosages. It trickles downhill through the gravel until it reaches the earth under low pressure as it exits the pipes through small-diameter pores. In order to prevent bacteria and other contaminants from reaching groundwater, the effluent must first pass through the soil and be treated by it.
Every new drainfield must have a designated replacement area, which is mandated by law. It must be safeguarded in the event that an addition or repair to the current system is required.
Proper Care Includes:
Knowing where your system and replacement area are, and making sure they are protected, are essential. Before you plant a garden, erect a structure, or install a pool, double-check the position of your system and the area designated for replacement.
- It is important to practice water conservation and to balance your water consumption throughout the week in order to avoid overburdening the system. The more wastewater you create, the more wastewater the soil must process and dispose of
- Water should be diverted away from the drainfield and replacement area from surfaces such as roofs, driveways, and patios. The soil above your system should be gently mounded to aid in surface water drainage. The removal of heavy traffic from the drainfield and replacement area, such as automobiles, heavy equipment, or cattle. The force of the traffic can compress the soil and damage pipes. It is important to appropriately landscape your system. Do not lay impermeable materials over your drainfield or replacement area. Construction materials, such as concrete or plastic, decrease evaporation and the delivery of air to the soil, both of which are necessary for effective effluent treatment. Grass provides the most effective cover for the complete system. Routinely inspecting the drainfield and downslope regions for smells, wet spots, or the presence of surface sewage should be done on a regular basis. Whether your drainfield includes inspection pipes, check these to determine if the liquid level is consistently more than 6 inches. This might be a warning sign of a potential issue. For help, contact the Division of Environmental Health (DEH) of the County of Humboldt.
What If The Alarm Goes On?
If the effluent level within the pump chamber reaches the alarm float for any reason (faulty pump, floats, circuit, excessive water usage, or another problem), the alarm light and buzzer will illuminate. The reserve storage in the pump chamber should provide you with enough time to have the problem resolved if you use water sparingly (avoid baths, showers, and clothes washing). To turn off the alarm, press the reset button on the alarm panel’s front panel. Before contacting a service or repair company, determine whether the problem might be caused by:
- Whenever the effluent level within the pump chamber exceeds the alarm float for whatever reason (faulty pump, floats, circuit, excessive water usage, or another problem), the alarm light and buzzer will sound to alert the user. The reserve storage in the pump chamber should provide you with enough time to have the problem resolved if you use water sparingly (avoid baths, showers, and clothes washing, for example). To turn off the alarm, use the reset button on the alarm panel’s control panel. In order to determine if the problem is one of the following before contacting for service or repair:
CAUTION: Before touching the pump or floats, always switch off the power at the circuit breaker and unhook any power cables from the system. Entering the pump room is strictly prohibited. The gases that build up inside pump chambers are toxic, and a shortage of oxygen can be deadly. After completing the measures outlined above, contact your pump service person or on-site system contractor for assistance in locating the source of the problem. Pumps and other electrical equipment should only be serviced or repaired by someone who has previous experience.
Septic Systems
For those contemplating the construction of a home in an area where public sewer service is not accessible, it will be necessary to establish a septic system for the purpose of disposing of sewage on the property’s premises. It is essential that you contact us before beginning any design work on your home in order to verify whether or not the property has a soils testing report. If it does not, soil testing will be necessary to determine whether or not the lot can be developed. Soil testing is carried out by a sewage disposal specialist in conjunction with a representative from the Department of Environmental Health.
Other elements to consider while determining the location of a septic system are as follows:
- A designated repair area for the leach field
- The well locations of neighboring properties
- Property setbacks (PDF) – the distances allowed between certain structures and your septic system
- The location of the well
When you’re ready to begin construction, you’ll need to call a Septic Installer to complete the installation of the system that your consultant developed.
Planning an Addition
Always check with the Placer County Construction Department to see whether your project requires a building permit before moving forward with it. If your property is located in one of the following cities: Auburn, Rocklin, Roseville, Lincoln, or Loomis, please contact the local building department for more information.
Adding a Bedroom, Guest House, or Second Dwelling
Please get in touch with us and chat with the District Specialist before proceeding. To accommodate the expansion, it is possible that your septic system will need to be adjusted or that a new system will be constructed.
We ask that you have the package number ready when you phone us. If you do not know your parcel number, please provide the physical address where the package is being delivered instead.
Adding a Swimming Pool, Pond, 2nd Driveway or Addition
Contact us and ask to talk with a member of our District Specialist team. To accommodate the extension, it is possible that your septic system will need to be upgraded or that a new system would be required. Please have the package number available when you call. You should offer the physical address of the package if you do not know your package’s number.
Already Own a Home with a Septic System
If you own a house with a septic system, please refer to our Operation Maintenance and Monitoring program for information on the requirements and suggestions for keeping your system in good condition.
