How Deep Are Septic Tank Pipes? - THE Greywater Guide

The general rule of thumb is that most septic tanks can be buried anywhere from four inches to four feet underground.

Subsequently, one may also ask, how deep are septic tank pipes? Depth. Place the pipes in the leach field a minimum of 6 inches and most likely between 18 to 36 inches deep according to the Clemson Cooperative Extension. Beside above, how deep is a standard septic tank? Septic Tanks are usually about 4.5 feet wide x 8.0 feet long x 6 feet tall.

How far down are septic pipes?

In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground.

How deep are most septic tanks buried?

Over time, all septic tanks fill up with solids and require pumping to continue working as they should. Often, septic tank lids are at ground level. In most cases, they have buried anywhere from four inches to four feet underground.

How deep is a septic tank inlet?

A typical septic tank has a 4-inch inlet located at the top. The pipe that connects to it must maintain a 1/4-inch-per-foot slope toward it from the house. This means that for every 10 feet of distance between the tank and the house, the inlet must be 2 1/2 inches below the point at which the pipe exits the house.

What is the minimum depth of a sewer line?

Building sewers that connect to private sewage disposal systems shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below finished grade at the point of septic tank connection. Building sewers shall be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below grade.

How deep are drain field pipes?

Septic drainfield trench depth specification: A typical septic drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36″; or per the USDA, 2 feet to 5 feet in depth.

What is the fall on a 4 inch sewer pipe?

For 4-inch PVC piping and a building sewer less than 50 feet long, the minimum slope is 1 inch in 8 feet, or 1/8-inch per foot, and the maximum is 1/4-inch per foot. For sewers longer than 50 feet, the slope should be 1/4-inch per foot.

How long do septic tanks last?

A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

Will metal detector find septic tank?

If it’s Concrete or Steel, Use a Metal Detector. Based on your conclusions in Step 3, if your septic tank is likely made from concrete or steel, a metal detector can make the task of locating it much easier. But not just any metal detector will do.

How deep is the sewer line in my yard?

How Deep Is a Sewer Line? Sewer lines on private property can be as shallow as 18–30 inches deep or as much as 5–6 feet deep. In areas with cold climates, the pipe will be buried deeper to prevent freezing in the winter.

How deep are plumbing pipes under a slab house?

You will find your sewer lines 12 to 24 inches below the concrete slab in a slab house.

How far underground are water pipes?

The general depth of underground water pipes is 12 inches below the frost line in your specific geographical area.

How deep does a water line have to be in the ground?

Water filled pipe should be buried at least 12″ below the maximum expected frost line. It is recommended that thermoplastic piping be run within a metal or concrete casing when it is installed beneath surfaces that are subject to heavyweight or constant traffic such as roadways and railroad tracks.

How deep are septic tank lines buried?

Depth. According to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, the pipes should be placed in the leach field at a depth of at least 6 inches and most likely between 18 and 36 inches deep. Because soil and water tables differ from state to state and even within states, each leach field must be designed specifically for that location. 4 feet and 8 inches What is the depth of a 1000-gallon septic tank, in the same way?

Steel Septic Tank Typical Dimensions
Steel Septic Tank Size (Gallons Capacity)	Tank Length (Inches)	Tank Depth (Height) (Inches)
750	58	73
1000	58	96
1250	58	120

Is it possible for a septic tank to be too deep in this situation? The depth of the septic tank should not be more than is necessary, because effluent is normally transported from the septic tank to the drainfield by gravity as well as by pumping or suction. Plumbers often build sewage lines to slope down from the inlet to the outlet at a rate of 1/8″ per foot to 1/4″ per foot of linear run of the waste pipe, depending on the kind of waste pipe. Should the lids of septic tanks be buried? A typical septic tank will have all of its components including the lid buried between four inches and four feet underground in the vast majority of situations.

How Deep Should a Septic Leach Field Be?

Photograph courtesy of Valerie Loiseleux/E+/Getty Images.

It is critical to appropriately size a septic system’s drain or leach field, as an inadequately sized field might result in serious complications. Waste puddles appearing on your lawn are just one of the issues that might arise, therefore it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of how a drain field works. Although you are not required to become an expert in septic systems, a little information may go a long way toward ensuring that your drain field is in good operating condition.

Tip

The final depth of a septic system’s drain field is determined by a variety of factors. Drain fields, on the other hand, are typically between 2 and 5 feet deep.

How the Drain Field Works

Solid waste is contained in your septic tank until it is pumped out, which is the final step in the process. The bacteria found in that trash, on the other hand, is far more mobile in nature. As part of the septic process, solid waste is removed from your tank and deposited at the bottom of your tank, while wastewater (together with the bacteria it contains) is discharged from your tank and into your drain field. Once there, the water percolates through the soil and eventually joins the local groundwater supply system.

In the long run, bacteria are eaten by microbes in the soil.

This is a significant project that necessitates the establishment of correct soil conditions, including the selection of the appropriate drain fieldsize and depth.
Typically, a completed bed comprises 12 inches of gravel below the pipe and additional 2 inches of gravel on top of the pipe.
The end product is a drain field that is approximately 3 to 4 feet deep.

This type of circumstance might be caused by underground impediments.
High groundwater tables have the potential to accomplish the same thing, necessitating the installation of a drain field capable of filtering germs at a deeper depth in order to avoid pollution.

Occasionally, this is accomplished by making the drain field shallower, but wider or longer in length. In other cases, a mounded or elevated drain field will be required to prevent flooding.

Drain Field Width and Length

Solid waste is held in your septic tank until it is drained out, which takes around one hour. It’s important to note that bacteria in garbage is far more mobile than normal bacteria. As part of the septic process, solid waste is removed from your tank and deposited at the bottom of your tank, while wastewater (and the bacteria contained within it) is discharged from your tank and into the drain field. Once there, the water percolates through the soil and into the nearby groundwater system. It is believed that the bacteria present in the water become trapped inside the soil particles as water percolates through the ground surface.

In the meantime, the soil traps potentially hazardous bacteria in place, preventing them from accessing groundwater or harming wells, streams, and other drinking water sources.
In order to create drain fields, perforated pipes are laid into a gravel substrate in a series of interconnected loops.
In order to complete the bed and bring it level with the surrounding ground, 18 to 30 inches of earth is backfilled into the field.

A shallower drain field may be required in some cases, resulting in drain pipes that are as near to the surface as 6 inches in some circumstances.
For example, a slab of bedrock beneath the soil might form an impervious surface, necessitating the construction of a shallower drain field.
Ideally, the bottom of the drain field should be 12 to 24 inches above the surface of the subsurface obstruction in these cases.

Occasionally, a mounded or elevated drain field is required for drainage purposes.

How to Run a Septic Tank Line From Your House

A septic system is made up of two lengths of pipe that are connected together. Initially, it runs from the house, where the system services are located, to a tank, where the waste is separated and solids settle out. The second section runs from the tank to the drainage field, where fluids from the tank are dispersed into the earth underneath the tank. The process of installing the first run of pipe is quite similar to that of installing a traditional sewage line. It is necessary to maintain a downhill slope to the storage tank.

Locating the Septic Tank

The tank serves as the nerve center of the septic system. It is required to be situated between the residence and the drainage field. Each and every septic installation must begin with a soil test, and depending on the results, soil conditions may necessitate the placement of the tank in a less-than-ideal site for digging sewer lines. Also required are minimum setback distances from property borders, functioning wells, surface water and other obstructions to provide a safe working environment.

Due to the fact that the tank intake pipe slopes toward the tank, the more away the tank is from the house, the deeper you must dig in the ground to reach it.

Tank Depth

A standard septic tank has a 4-inch intake at the top, which is positioned towards the bottom. Ideally, a 1/4-inch-per-foot slope toward the pipe from the house should be maintained by the pipe connecting to it. To put it another way, for every 10 feet of distance between a tank and a home, the inlet must be 2 1/2 inches lower than where the pipe departs the house at its lowest point. The pipe usually exits at ground level, although it may need to pass beneath a foundation footing or concrete pad in rare cases.

Digging the Trench

The trench for the septic pipe should be dug before the hole for the tank since you will need a backhoe to complete the work and the tank will get in your way if it is already in the ground. To allow rainfall to drain properly, the pipe should be placed on a 2- or 3-inch bed of drain rock, so remember to account for this extra depth when digging. It is normal to use a four-inch pipe, and it should be installed far enough down to link with the main soil stack, which is a three-inch pipe that runs vertically past the main bathroom and through the roof of the home.

Precautions

Local building and health agencies will demand permits for a septic tank installation. You will also be required to submit a design plan before the permits will be provided, so prepare ahead of time. This layout should be developed in collaboration with a local builder who is familiar with the unique characteristics of the topography in your neighborhood. Stay away from planting trees or plants near the tank, drainage field, or any of the pipe systems. They will be drawn to the pipes in their hunt for nutrition, and their roots will be able to successfully block them.

Removal may be both expensive and time-consuming.

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.

Prior to discharging wastewater into the environment, several alternative systems are designed to evaporate or disinfect the effluent.

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?

Check out the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority’s animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system operates to learn more.

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

How Much Slope for Septic Line?

This page contains information on sitework, including how much slop for a septic line to have. Peter inquires: My builder has recently completed the installation of our septic system, and I’m afraid that he did something incorrectly. The drain field looks to be at a greater height than the tank’s exit, which is consistent with this. My brain doesn’t comprehend how the tank may empty upwards. Is there something I’m overlooking? Answer: Except if you have a mound system, or another pumping system with a dosing chamber and lift pump, you are accurate in assuming that you will require a downhill slope in your sewage pipes, which is not the case.

The leach lines themselves, on the other hand, should be leveled out.
Sewage lines should be sloped downhill to the septic tank and drain field at a rate of at least 1/4 inch per foot of length.
To avoid clogging, steer clear of sags and sudden curves.

The fear is that the water would flow too quickly and leave sediments behind, causing the pipe to clog.
In situations when it is important to carry wastewater uphill, there are several different pumping system types that may be employed.
I would consider getting in touch with the person who created your system to discuss the problem and, if feasible, have them come out and assess the location.

It’s ideal if you can put your complaints in writing and send them to the contractor.
An upward line such as the one you describe will never function effectively.
Also read this article.

When Is the Best Time to Take a Perc Test? How much does a perc test cost? Who Should Be Hired for the Perc Test? After a failed perc test, should you retest? Should I use a Sand Filter with my existing septic system? Examining the condition of the wellSEPTIC SYSTEMView all articles Q and A Index

Reader Interactions

This page contains information on sitework, including how much slop for a septic line to allow for. Peter enquires, “Can you tell me something?” However, I’m afraid that my contractor constructed our septic system incorrectly. The drain field looks to be at a greater elevation than the tank’s exit, which is consistent with this observation. The tank draining upwards is beyond my comprehension. Is there something I’m overlooking here? Answer: As far as sewage lines go, you’re accurate that you’ll need a downhill slope unless you’re using a mound system or another pumping system with a dosing chamber and a lift pump.

In contrast, it is necessary to keep the leach lines themselves at a constant level.
Wastewater lines shall slope downhill at a rate of at least 1/4 inch per foot from the treatment plant to the septic tank and drainage field.

In order to avoid obstruction, avoid sags or sudden twists.
Although a slight increase in slope is preferable, there have been some worries that a slope in any plumbing drain of greater than 3 inches per foot (but less than 45 degrees) might cause clogging, and this has been incorporated in certain municipal standards to reflect these concerns.
The fear is that the water may flow too quickly and leave the particles behind to block the pipe.

Engineers or professional septic system designers commonly build pump-based systems, which incorporate an alarm system to inform the owner if the pump fails.
Getting in touch with the person who created your system to explain the problem and, if feasible, check the site is something I would propose.
When communicating with the contractor, it is better if your issues are expressed in writing.

You will never be able to run a decent uphill line as you describe.
Also read: System Inspections for Septic System For a septic system, the minimum lot size is Time of Year to Take a Perc Test?

What is the cost of a perc examination? Who Should You Hire For Your Perc Test? When Should You Retest Following a Failed Perc Test? Existing Septic System: Can a Sand Filter Help? A well is being tested.View allSEPTIC SYSTEM articles Index of Q A

Septic Tank

The septic tank is the first phase in the wastewater treatment process. Every plumbing fixture in your home will discharge into the septic tank, where it will begin to decompose. Solid matter will settle to the bottom of the container, creating an environment that is favourable to microbial growth. These bacteria will begin to decompose the solid waste, releasing water known as effluent as well as an oil that rises to the surface of the water. Baffling connects the two halves of the septic tank, which are joined by L-shaped pipes called baffles.

It is necessary to repeat this procedure twice more before the wastewater is ready to be discharged back into the environment.

Drain Field

Water that has been treated in a septic tank is called effluent or wastewater. Everything from your home’s plumbing will drain into the septic tank, where it will begin to decay. Solid debris will settle to the bottom of the container, creating an environment that is favourable to bacterial growth. These bacteria will begin to decompose the solid waste, releasing water known as effluent as well as an oil that rises to the surface of the water column. The septic tank is comprised of two sections that are joined by L-shaped pipes known as baffles to allow for proper drainage.

It is necessary to repeat this procedure twice more before the wastewater is ready to be discharged back into the ground.

How to Care for your Septic System

Being aware of the operation and maintenance of your septic system will help it survive longer and continue to perform properly for a long period of time. When it comes to septic system maintenance, there are numerous factors to keep in mind. In order to function properly, septic systems require a delicate balance of bacteria and waste products. If you flush a large amount of sediments or items that cannot be broken down by these bacteria, the system may become clogged and ineffective. Waste goods such as disposable wipes, coffee grounds, feminine products, and many more can cause difficulties in your septic system.

To avoid this potential problem, make sure that you are aware of the location of your drain field.

However, although they may provide a temporary solution, they eliminate the natural bacteria that are necessary for a well functioning septic system.

The tank must be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that your system continues to perform properly.

Every two to three years, it is advised that you pump the tank out. The septic tank will also be visually inspected by an expert to ensure that there are no new problems forming.

Signs of Failure

Maintaining the tank’s cleanliness is critical to the system’s continuous operation. Every two to three years, it is advised that you pump the tank. In addition, a professional will visually check the septic tank to ensure that no other problems are forming.

Can My Septic System Freeze? – Miller Septic Services

Despite the fact that the majority of sewage systems are buried deep enough underground to avoid freezing, there are several components of a septic system that can freeze, such as:

The septic tank
The pipes that connect your home to the septic tank

The pipes that connect your septic tank to the drainfield
It is the drainfield.

What Causes A Septic System to Freeze?

When the septic line isn’t buried deep enough in the earth to avoid freezing, or when compacted dirt is covering the septic line, your system is at risk of bursting and freezing. Those pipes that run from your home to your septic tank are the most prone to become clogged. The source of the problem might be a leak in one of your water fixtures in your house, such as faucets or toilets. The leak allows for a sluggish, continuous flow of water through pipes, which causes the pipes to freeze and get clogged.

When the weather is exceptionally cold, make sure to run your system many times a day, especially if the water temperature is warmer, to keep the water flowing (do not OVERUSE and place unnecessary stress on the system though).

How Do I Know If My Septic System is Frozen?

If you experience any of the following difficulties with your day-to-day plumbing, your system may be frozen:

Toilet is not flushing properly
There is a blockage in the drains of the sinks, showers, and baths.

How Do I Avoid a Frozen Septic System?

Try any of these suggestions to keep your system from being frozen:

Before winter sets in, cover the space above your pipes, tank, and soil treatment system with mulch or other materials such as hay or leaves to keep the cold air out. Plan to run a hot water laundry load or take a warm shower every day to stagger your hot water consumption. Allowing anything or anybody to walk or drive over your system might cause compacted snow and dirt to force frost deeper into the ground at a quicker pace, causing it to fail sooner. Pipes should be insulated. In the event that you have an outfall or discharge, try to keep it free of obstructions in order to ensure that any effluent water generated has the best opportunity of getting away efficiently.

What Should I Do If I Think My Septic System is Frozen?

We do not advocate that you attempt to unfreeze your septic system on your own. A professional septic service such as Miller Septic can inspect your system and determine the source of the problem. The use of specialized cameras allows us to check lines and identify the source of the problem. To securely clear frozen pipes, we employ professional-grade equipment such as hydro jetters.

About Miller Septic

Miller Septic is a locally owned firm that provides septic cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties. We have more than 30 years of expertise in serving the requirements of residents and companies in Northeast Ohio and surrounding areas. Pumping septic tanks, identifying septic tanks, offering point of sale inspections, cleaning grease traps and catch basins, transporting municipal sludge, providing leach line rejuvenation, hydro excavation, and many more services are available.

Make contact with us right away if you need your septic tank pumped.

Can Your Drive a Truck Over a Septic Tank?

Is it possible for you to drive a truck over a septic tank? Is it possible to drive over a septic tank?

Can you drive a truck or vehicle over a septic tank? The answer is you technically can, but you shouldn’t, and you should familiarize yourself with the risks in doing so.

Is it possible to drive over a septic drainage field? There is no official numerical value that specifies the maximum amount of weight that an underground septic tank can withstand. You should be aware, however, that it is strongly advised that you avoid driving or parking vehicles or heavy machinery on or near a septic system system area. Subjecting your septic tank to significant weight from trucks, automobiles, or tractors, among other things, and doing so for an extended length of time, increases the risk of damage to the system.

It brings with it a full slew of pricey septic system issues to deal with.
As a result of the weight of some golf carts, especially those that are filled with people, your septic tank may experience excessive stress.
The act of driving over your septic tank, septic pipe, or drain field can do significant damage to your septic system, not to mention the fact that it is dangerous.

Should You Park Your Car on Top of a Septic Tank?
Under no circumstances should sewage disposal tanks be constructed beneath garages or driveways.
If at all feasible, delineate the region beneath which your septic tank will be installed.

Indeed, parking or driving over a septic tank must be avoided at all costs, and this is especially true during periods of heavy rainfall. It is at this time that your septic tank system is most susceptible to disruption and damage.

What If You Built Structures or Have Existing Structures Built On Your Septic Tank?

access to a septic tank for the purpose of pumping The construction of any form of building over any section of your septic tank is never a wise decision. Due to the restricted access to the septic tank, the most common difficulty this causes is that septic maintenance (such as regular pumping) and repair become more difficult or time-consuming to do. A significant number of homeowners and business owners have their sewage-disposal tanks concealed beneath wood decks, pool patios, driveways, or other construction annexes.

Building over your septic tank may be remedied by installing removable boards or trap doors, which allow for practical access to the septic tank while yet maintaining aesthetic appeal.

While your drain field takes use of the soil surrounding it to purify the flow from the septic tank, your septic tank does not.
The fact that you would be constructing over a large area that includes sewage water, which is exceedingly unsanitary, has not yet been brought up in conversation.
Ensure that you have easy access to the tank since it is required for periodic inspections and upkeep, as well as for emergency repairs.

It is not only impractical, but it is also prohibitively expensive.
It is exceedingly detrimental to the health of humans and animals if harmful gases leak out of the sewage treatment system and into the environment.
Building on top of your drain field condenses the soils and can cause damage to the below-ground system, which can result in a septic tank failure.

No, driving across your septic drain field is also not suggested under any circumstances.

When necessary, you should drive over your septic leach field to ensure that no long-term harm is done.

If you were to drive over it on a regular basis, the fill level in the system would certainly decrease, and the air movement in the system would be compromised.

As a general safety precaution, keep in mind that driving or parking an automobile on a drain field can impair the performance of the drain field due to compaction of the soil and the lack of proper air movement due to the increased surface area.

South End is a neighborhood in the heart of the city.

So keep in mind that we are only a click away.

We also specialize in leak detection; please contact us for more information. South End Plumbing is one of the few organizations that will provide you with a no-obligation quote. To book a visit, please call us at 704-919-1722 or complete the online form.

Septic Tank: Soil Treatment System

Homes that are not connected to a municipal sewer system must treat and distribute wastewater on their own property. The use of onsite systems such as septic tanks with soil treatment systems (also known as leach fields) is rather widespread. The septic tank eliminates the majority of the settable and floatable particles from wastewater, preventing the soil from becoming clogged. The earth beneath the pipes, which are buried in the yard, filters out pollutants and pathogens, allowing the wastewater to be treated before it is discharged into groundwater and surface water.

Bedrock, sand, and gravel, hard and compacted layers, and water levels are all examples of limiting layers.

Therefore, a soil remediation system is not appropriate for every rural property.

A typical soil treatment system is seen in Figure 2.

The wastewater soaks into the soil at the trench’s bottom, where the soil and soil microorganisms remove the toxins and disease-causing organisms that have accumulated.

Based on soil and site circumstances, the length of a system for a three-bedroom house can reach 138 feet in some cases.

Systems are also separated into two equal portions, each of which has a diversion mechanism that alternates the flow of waste.

In the event that the system is destroyed or the soil is excessively compacted after construction, a replacement area is also necessary to allow for the installation of a new system.

To create a gap in the trench bottom for wastewater to exit through a perforated pipe, a layer of gravel or a chamber is put on top of the natural soil at the bottom of the trench.

The vertical separation distance refers to the depth of soil beneath the trench that separates the two sides of the trench.

Installers of soil treatment systems will take care not to compress the soil during the construction of the system.

For detailed instructions on how to design and build a system, see Ohio State University Extension Bulletin 939 (available in PDF format).

setll.osu.edu. As with any other domestic sewage system, the homeowner is responsible for keeping the system in good working order to ensure trouble-free operation. The homeowner should do the following:

The septic tank should be pumped every one to five years
Water should be used sparingly and water-saving measures should be installed in the residence
Soil should never be compacted by paving, building, or parking automobiles

By avoiding growing trees or bushes near the treatment system, you may avoid blocking pipes with root growth.