Wastewater from bathrooms, kitchen appliances and washing machines flows into the tank through pipes. Then, remaining wastewater moves through a pump or pipe into the drainfield, a series of filters and gravel that further treat the water before it enters the soil.
What type of septic systems are used in Florida?
Septic System Types in Florida
- Conventional Septic System. Picture Courtesy of USA EPA.
- Chamber Septic System. For the past 30 years a gravelless drainfield has been widely used with the chamber septic system.
- Drip Distribution Septic System.
- Aerobic Treatment Unit.
- Mound Septic Systems.
Why are septic tanks problematic in FL?
He said, compared with septic tanks in other states, Florida’s are problematic for three reasons: the state’s high groundwater level, relatively low levels of organic matter (i.e. bacteria) in the soil and the fact that the soil is so porous and sandy.
How does a septic tank actually work?
Septic tanks work by allowing waste to separate into three layers: solids, effluent and scum (see illustration above). The solids settle to the bottom, where microorganisms decompose them. The middle layer of effluent exits the tank and travels through underground perforated pipes into the drainage field.
How often should a septic tank be pumped in Florida?
The Florida Department of Health recommends that septic tanks be pumped out every four to five years to reduce accumulations of sludge in the tank. Do check your plumbing for leaks on a regular basis.
What size septic tank do I need in Florida?
Size of Tanks A septic tank in Florida must have a minimum 900 gallon capacity for up to 300 gallons of sewage flow per day. This gallon capacity increases on a sliding scale by household size and whether or not the building is intended for commercial use.
How do you tell if your septic tank is full?
How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptying
- Pooling water.
- Slow drains.
- Odours.
- An overly healthy lawn.
- Sewer backup.
- Gurgling Pipes.
- Trouble Flushing.
Do all septic tanks have a filter?
First, not all septic tanks have a filter, especially the older septic tanks. Now many government agencies require or recommend a filter when a septic tank is installed. Cleaning a septic tank filter is different than pumping out a septic tank and cleaning it.
Are septic tanks common in Florida?
More than 10 percent of those tanks are in Florida, where they drain into some of the most porous soil in the nation. Two-thirds of the state’s septic tanks — 1.8 million of the 2.7 million — have been added since 1970.
How is your septic tank pumped?
How Are Septic Tanks Pumped? When you hire a company to pump your septic tank, they will likely come with a large truck with a giant tank. Attached to this truck is a giant suction hose that literally sucks up the waste from your septic tank once it is opened.
Does shower water go into septic tank?
From your house to the tank: Most, but not all, septic systems operate via gravity to the septic tank. Each time a toilet is flushed, water is turned on or you take a shower, the water and waste flows via gravity through the plumbing system in your house and ends up in the septic tank.
How often do you pump a septic tank?
Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year.
Do you need to pump both sides of a septic tank?
Septic tanks installed after the late 1980s have two compartments, and it is important to pump out both compartments each time. Most homeowners are unaware when their septic tank has two compartments; some companies use that to their advantage, charging to pump both sides of the tank but only actually pumping out one.
How do I clean my septic tank naturally?
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. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!
How many loads of laundry a day are safe to do with a septic tank?
Spread Out Laundry Loads These use less water which puts less stress on your septic system. Regardless of the type of appliance you have, you should still spread out your loads. Instead of doing several loads in one day, consider doing 1 load per day or space out 2 loads if you must do more in a single day.
How much does it cost to pump a septic tank in Florida?
If your Central Florida home or business has a septic system, you probably know how important it is to regularly have your septic tank pumped and routine maintenance performed. Having your septic tank pumped out on average costs $379 according to Home Advisors, going all the way up to $885.
Your Septic System – Water Programs – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
The tank and the drain field are the two most important components of a septic system (sometimes called a leach field). In Florida, approximately one out of every three families is reliant on a septic system for sanitation. It is estimated that well over 2.5 million systems are in operation across the state, according to UF/IFAS researchers. The tank is a watertight container that is buried beneath the surface of the earth. Solids and other materials are distinguished in this section. Solids sink to the bottom of the tank and become sludge, while oils and grease float to the top of the tank and become oil.
The middle layer is made up of liquid wastewater.
Solids can accumulate in your septic tank despite the fact that bacteria are continually breaking down the organic materials in your tank.
Otherwise, solid material from the tank may flow into the drain field pipes and clog them, preventing them from draining properly.
Lifespan of Your Septic System
Septic tanks may endure for up to 30 years if they are properly maintained. Tanks should be pumped every three to five years to ensure that they are in perfect functioning condition and that difficulties do not arise from their use. This time frame might vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the tank, the number of people living in your home, and the amount of wastewater produced by your residence.
Septic System Concerns
The graphic shows a section-view of an advanced septic system beneath a residential home | UF/IFAS Photo Water from the home, also known as sewage, contains pollutants such as pathogens (bacteria and other microbes), nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), and trace organic substances such as medications, common household chemicals, and pesticides, among others. These have the potential to be hazardous to human health and the environment. The proper treatment of wastewater is essential, and septic systems may be an efficient method of on-site wastewater treatment when installed properly.
Because of their widespread usage since the 1940s, conventional septic systems are still in use today.
They also have a positive impact on the environment by eliminating pathogens and safeguarding human health.
Only around 30% of the nitrogen that comes into a normal septic tank is removed by the tank’s bacteria.
Therefore, even a well-kept system will become a source of excess nitrogen (especially nitrate-nitrogen) to the surrounding soil in the drainfield, which can seep into groundwater if not properly managed.
- Find out more about the fate of nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria and protozoa, viruses, and trace organic chemicals in septic systems by reading this article.
Excess nutrients and hazardous organisms such as E. coli are released into the environment by failed septic systems, resulting in an unpleasant odor and contamination of groundwater, private and public supply wells, and regional water bodies. System failure can be avoided if proper maintenance is performed on them.
Signs of a Failing Septic System
If you detect bad odors emanating from drains within your home or near the septic tank and drain field, it is possible that your septic system is deteriorating. Other problems that you can encounter include poor draining from the tub or shower and from the kitchen or bathroom sinks. Additionally, you may see standing water or overly-saturated soil in the vicinity of your septic tank, which should be addressed immediately. If this is the case, you should contact a licensed septic tank contractor to examine your septic tank system.
Septic System Maintenance
Pumping out your septic system should only be done by a trained and certified expert. However, there are steps you can do to guarantee that the system continues to function well throughout the year. Specifically, only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet in this situation. Items such as napkins, face tissues, cotton swabs, “flushable” wipes, and cigarette butts should never be flushed down the toilet. Additionally, it is advisable not to spill oil or fat down the kitchen sink drain.
- Excess organic matter will not be able to accumulate within your septic tank if you follow these instructions.
- You should also consider water conservation measures.
- Repairing leaks, installing low-flow showerheads and toilets, and running washing machines and dishwashers at full capacity are all examples of water saving strategies.
- In the event that septic systems get inundated, as might occur in Florida following severe rain and storms, certain precautions must be taken.
- This is the most effective action you can take.
Septic System Types in Florida
When it comes to reading material, septic system kinds, how they work, and which ones are the best definitely aren’t on your list of top choices at the moment. Our team understands that when you are seeking for information on your septic system, you want information that is clear, concise, and easy to grasp.
This article will discuss some of the many types of septic systems that are currently in use. Then you’ll be able to figure out what kind you have or need at your place of business.
What is a Septic System?
Bringing water into the house as well as eliminating wastewater are two important aspects of modern plumbing. In the majority of circumstances, there are two different types of wastewater treatment methods. First and foremost, you may be fortunate enough to live in an area that provides municipal garbage collection and treatment. This is referred to as the municipal or county sewage system in many situations. Typically, wastewater is pumped to a facility where it is collected in bulk and treated before being disposed of.
Solids are collected in a tank in this manner.
This process takes many hours.
Septic System Types in Florida
There are a variety of distinct systems in use here, each serving a particular purpose. The amount of water present, the kind of soil present, and the location of a drainfield are all factors that influence this decision. Following that, we’ll look at the different options.
Conventional Septic System
Picture Courtesy of USA EPA The conventional septic system is composed of three major components. After that is done, the solids are collected in a tank that is separated from the liquid. Then the water flows through a distribution box in order to be delivered equally to the drainfield. In the normal septic system the wastewater, sometimes called effluent, passes through gravel. cons:This system is rather large, and may not work in smaller lots and neighborhoods.
Chamber Septic System
Using a gravelless drainfield in conjunction with a chamber septic system has been popular for the past 30 years. The discovery and use of these polystyrene materials has enabled the creation of systems that are effective in locations with high water tables. Additionally, these systems are ideal for houses where the volume changes significantly during the year, such as a vacation home. The water runs through the chambers or tubes and eventually comes into touch with the soil below the surface of the ground.
Drip Distribution Septic System
In principle, this unit is identical to the chamber system, with the exception of the volume. The most significant distinction is the presence of a holding tank or dosage tank, which is required to govern the flow of water. There is no need for a mound, and this technology is capable of working in a very small space. The biggest downside is the growth in the number of new components, as well as the need for more power and maintenance.
Aerobic Treatment Unit
Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are tiny treatment plants that are put on your property and treat the waste generated there. The biological breakdown begins in the tank utilizing the oxygen that has been provided to it by baffles, an air pump, and a filter.
These units are ideal for tiny lots with high water tables, as well as for properties with sensitive water adjacent to them. Prior to being introduced to the drainfield, this water is treated by these devices.
Mound Septic Systems
We’ve written about these mound septic systems previously, and they do exactly what they say on the tin. This technique may be required in situations when the ground is shallow or the water table is high. In order for the water to be filtered, you must first build a mound and then pump the water all the way to the top of the mound. You may think of it as a vertical drainfield, if that makes sense. The disadvantages of mound systems are that they demand additional land and money, and they are thus rarely the first option in systems.
Types of Septic Systems
Septic system design and size can differ significantly from one neighborhood to the next, as well as throughout the country, due to a variety of variables. Household size, soil type, slope of the site, lot size, closeness to sensitive water bodies, weather conditions, and even municipal ordinances are all considerations to take into consideration. The following are 10 of the most often encountered septic system configurations. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list; there are several additional types of septic systems.
- Septic Tank, Conventional System, Chamber System, Drip Distribution System, Aerobic Treatment Unit, Mound Systems, Recirculating Sand Filter System, Evapotranspiration System, Constructed Wetland System, Cluster / Community System, etc.
Septic Tank
This tank is underground and waterproof, and it was designed and built specifically for receiving and partially treating raw home sanitary wastewater. Generally speaking, heavy materials settle at or near the bottom of the tank, whereas greases and lighter solids float to the surface. The sediments are retained in the tank, while the wastewater is sent to the drainfield for further treatment and dispersion once it has been treated.
Conventional System
Septic tanks and trench or bed subsurface wastewater infiltration systems are two types of decentralized wastewater treatment systems (drainfield). When it comes to single-family homes and small businesses, a traditional septic system is the most common type of system. For decades, people have used a gravel/stone drainfield as a method of water drainage. The term is derived from the process of constructing the drainfield. A short underground trench made of stone or gravel collects wastewater from the septic tank in this configuration, which is commonly used.
Effluent filters through the stone and is further cleaned by microorganisms once it reaches the soil below the gravel/stone trench, which is located below the trench.
Chamber System
Gravelless drainfields have been regularly utilized in various states for more than 30 years and have evolved into a standard technology that has mostly replaced gravel systems. Various configurations are possible, including open-bottom chambers, pipe that has been clothed, and synthetic materials such as expanded polystyrene media. Gravelless systems can be constructed entirely of recycled materials, resulting in considerable reductions in carbon dioxide emissions during their lifetime. The chamber system is a type of gravelless system that can be used as an example.
The key advantage of the chamber system is the enhanced simplicity with which it can be delivered and built.
This sort of system is made up of a number of chambers that are connected to one another.
Wastewater is transported from the septic tank to the chambers through pipes. The wastewater comes into touch with the earth when it is contained within the chambers. The wastewater is treated by microbes that live on or near the soil.
Drip Distribution System
An effluent dispersal system such as the drip distribution system may be employed in a variety of drainfield configurations and is very versatile. In comparison to other distribution systems, the drip distribution system does not require a vast mound of dirt because the drip laterals are only placed into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. In addition to requiring a big dosage tank after the sewage treatment plant to handle scheduled dose delivery of wastewater to drip absorption areas, the drip distribution system has one major disadvantage: it is more expensive.
Aerobic Treatment Unit
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) are small-scale wastewater treatment facilities that employ many of the same procedures as a municipal sewage plant. An aerobic system adds oxygen to the treatment tank using a pump. When there is an increase in oxygen in the system, there is an increase in natural bacterial activity, which then offers extra treatment for nutrients in the effluent. It is possible that certain aerobic systems may additionally include a pretreatment tank as well as a final treatment tank that will include disinfection in order to further lower pathogen levels.
ATUs should be maintained on a regular basis during their service life.
Mound Systems
Using mound systems in regions with short soil depth, high groundwater levels, or shallow bedrock might be a good alternative. A drainfield trench has been dug through the sand mound that was erected. The effluent from the septic tank runs into a pump chamber, where it is pumped to the mound in the amounts recommended. During its release to the trench, the effluent filters through the sand and is dispersed into the native soil, where it continues to be treated. However, while mound systems can be an effective solution for some soil conditions, they demand a significant amount of land and require regular care.
Recirculating Sand Filter System
Sand filter systems can be built either above or below ground, depending on the use. The effluent is discharged from the septic tank into a pump compartment. Afterwards, it is pushed into the sand filter. The sand filter is often made of PVC or a concrete box that is filled with a sand-like substance. The effluent is pushed through the pipes at the top of the filter under low pressure to the drain. As the effluent exits the pipelines, it is treated as it passes through the sand filtering system.
However, sand filters are more costly than a standard septic system because they provide a higher level of nutrient treatment and are thus better suited for areas with high water tables or that are adjacent to bodies of water.
Evapotranspiration System
Evaporative cooling systems feature drainfields that are one-of-a-kind. It is necessary to line the drainfield at the base of the evapotranspiration system with a waterproof material. Following the entry of the effluent into the drainfield, it evaporates into the atmosphere. At the same time, the sewage never filters into the soil and never enters groundwater, unlike other septic system designs. It is only in particular climatic circumstances that evapotranspiration systems are effective. The environment must be desert, with plenty of heat and sunshine, and no precipitation.
Constructed Wetland System
Construction of a manufactured wetland is intended to simulate the treatment processes that occur in natural wetland areas. Wastewater goes from the septic tank and into the wetland cell, where it is treated. Afterwards, the wastewater goes into the media, where it is cleaned by microorganisms, plants, and other media that eliminate pathogens and nutrients. Typically, a wetland cell is constructed with an impermeable liner, gravel and sand fill, and the necessary wetland plants, all of which must be capable of withstanding the constant saturation of the surrounding environment.
As wastewater travels through the wetland, it may escape the wetland and flow onto a drainfield, where it will undergo more wastewater treatment before being absorbed into the soil by bacteria.
Cluster / Community System
In certain cases, a decentralized wastewater treatment system is owned by a group of people and is responsible for collecting wastewater from two or more residences or buildings and transporting it to a treatment and dispersal system placed on a suitable location near the dwellings or buildings. Cluster systems are widespread in settings like rural subdivisions, where they may be found in large numbers.
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?
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
How Septic Tanks Work
Out of sight, out of memory, so to speak. Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment facilities that are typically employed in rural and remote places where there are no centralized sewage networks. Water quality, hydrogeological conditions, population density, and proximity to ecologically sensitive regions are all factors to consider when deciding the most acceptable wastewater disposal choice to preserve human and environmental health. Septic systems handle wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with established technological solutions.
There hasn’t been much of a shift since then.
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.
Soil-based traditional systems are the most common type of septic system.
All wastewater runs out of your house from one main drainage pipe into a septic tank.
Historically, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has been responsible for issuing septic system permits in the state since the department’s primary concern has always been the protection of human health. As of today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state environmental agencies have recognized that, while septic systems that are properly planned and designed as well as sited, installed, operated, and maintained can provide excellent wastewater treatment, systems that are sited in densities that exceed the treatment capacity of regional soils, as well as systems that are improperly planned, installed, operated, or maintained, can cause problems.
This is the difficulty that the City of North Port is now dealing with.
Efforts are being made by the City to ensure that measures are in place to handle this issue as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) acquires jurisdiction for the state’s Onsite Sewage Program, putting a greater emphasis on environmental concerns surrounding septic systems.
County Septic to Sewer Projects
The use of septic systems has been found to be detrimental to our delicate Florida ecosystem since 2005, according to research. The failure of septic systems in Leon County, Florida, has been demonstrated to be a significant factor to the degradation of water quality in Wakulla Springs. Septic tanks in the Primary Springs Protection Zone have been upgraded or eliminated as a result of aggressive state grant applications by Leon County, which has sought funding to convert septic tanks to sewage systems.
- Wastewater from a residence goes into a septic tank, where heavy materials sink to the bottom and are disposed of.
- The liquid waste is then channeled through a distribution system, which is often a drainfield, where it is disseminated into the soil for final treatment and disposal before being recycled.
- Septic tanks that are not properly maintained can do significant damage to the ecosystems around them, since wastewater that is not adequately handled can contaminate surface and groundwater, as well as affect the cleanliness of lakes, rivers, and streams.
- The following are examples of signs of a faulty septic system:
- Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield
- And Although it is dry outside, bright green, spongy grass can be seen growing on the drainfield.
To understand more about how nutrients contaminate and flow into Wakulla Springs, have a look at this video produced by the City of Tallahassee. What Leon County is Doing to Make a Difference We have taken measures to lower groundwater nitrogen levels as part of our commitment to protecting our natural resources. This has been accomplished through the implementation of wastewater projects. Leon County has actively and successfully pursued state grant monies to remove septic tanks from the Primary Springs Protection Zone as part of the implementation of our Fiscal Year 2017-2021 Strategic Plan.
- Increase nitrogen impacts in the Primary Springs Protection Zone by identifying cost-effective and financially feasible solutions, such as developing a septic tank replacement program and evaluating a requirement for new construction to use advanced wastewater treatment systems
- And, implement the adopted Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) for Wakulla Springs, which includes bringing central sewer to Woodville and putting in place requirements for improved water quality.
Up till now, Leon County has surpassed its objective of improving or removing 500 septic tanks, having completed 610 renovations or eliminations of sewage treatment plants thus far. Currently, construction is approaching completion in the Woodside Heights community, and septic to sewer design is proceeding in the Belair, Annawood, Yon’s Lakeside, and Idlewild developments, in addition to in the Woodville Rural Community and the Woodville Rural Community. It is planned to update the septic systems in the Wilkinson Woods neighborhood, which will also lower the nutrient loads from the existing dwellings in the region.
Grants for Educational Purposes With 2019, Leon County was awarded a Small Community Wastewater Treatment Grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to assist in the creation of a Wastewater Treatment Feasibility Analysis for the Upper Wakulla River Basin Management Action Plan Focus Area.
In order to receive the grant, Leon County must conduct a septic system inventory, assess existing wastewater treatment capacity and infrastructure, including potential infrastructure upgrade and expansion options, as well as evaluate cost-effective project solutions, financing alternatives, as well as potential ratepayer and homeowner consequences.
As a result of this project, we will be able to provide suggestions and give guidance on which sort of wastewater technology should be employed to enhance current buildings and future projects in order to improve water quality throughout the unincorporated region.
Timeline for the project: Contractor selection will take place in December 2018.
Presentation to the County Commission is scheduled for April 2020.
To find out if your address qualifies for a grant-funded septic-to-sewer conversion project, visit this page. Please keep in mind that only specific homes situated inside the Primary Springs Protection Zone are eligible for this program.
Septic System Basics
When a household isn’t connected to a public sewage system, it normally relies on septic systems to treat and dispose of wastewater. Sewage treatment systems require a substantial financial commitment. The proper maintenance and upkeep of a well-designed, installed, and maintained system will ensure years of dependable and low-cost service. The failure of a system can become a source of pollution and public health concern, resulting in property damage, ground and surfacewater pollution (such as contamination of well water used by you and your neighbors), and the spread of disease.
Aside from that, if you are planning to sell your property, your septic system has to be in good functioning order.
Septic systems are available in a variety of configurations to accommodate a wide range of soil and site conditions.
A conventional septic tank system is composed of three major components:
- 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 beneath the drainfield is responsible for the final treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent after 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 provide long-term, effective treatment of household waste if they are properly operated and maintained on a regular basis. The majority of systems that fail prematurely, on the other hand, are the result of poor maintenance.
In the event that your septic system fails, call Thurston County Environmental Health at 360-867-2673 for assistance.
- Odors, surface sewage, moist areas, or a dense growth of plants in the drainfield region are all possible problems. Backups from the plumbing or septic tank (which are often a dark liquid with a foul odor)
- Fixtures that take a long time to drain
- The plumbing system is making gurgling sounds. Your drainfield may be failing if you have a well and tests reveal the presence of coliform (bacteria) or nitrates in the water from it. Even in the midst of a drought, the drainfield is covered with lush green grass.
What Is an Alternative Septic System? 7 Alternatives to Conventional Septic Tanks
Finally, the opportunity has arisen for you to put in place a septic system on your property. You had initially intended on installing a normal septic tank and leach field, but what about the forest preserve near your home? What do you do about that? Will a standard septic tank harm the watershed in question? When you’re researching a septic tank, you’ll recall that when you were developing your property, you came into problems with bedrock beneath the top of the soil. What if your property’s soil is too shallow to allow you to dig down far enough to install a conventional septic tank?
What are Alternative Septic Systems?
In the context of alternative septic systems, any type of building wastewater (also known as “effluent”) drainage system that differs from the standard septic tank is considered to be such. Diverting and cleaning water waste from your house is not limited to the use of a typical septic system; there are many more options available to safely reintroduce it back into the environment! You will learn the following things from this blog post:
- Identifying the reasons why some properties require alternate septic systems
- Alternative septic systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The operation of each sort of system
Why Do People Want Alternatives to Septic Tanks?
Just though traditional septic systems are commonplace does not imply that they are appropriate for every property or situation. There are a variety of reasons why the conventional model for wastewater sanitation does not always meet the needs of the community. For example, some parcels of property contain bedrock that is too close to the surface of the soil, making it difficult to build a septic tank deep enough to be effective. A large number of inhabitants in the United States also live near bodies of water that are particularly vulnerable to water contamination, which means that the normal technique of sanitation in septic tanks is insufficient to preserve the ecology of the region in question.
- The term “perking” refers to the soil’s capacity to absorb and hold onto water.
- Repairing a sewer pipe Fortunately, you may have your septic system or sewage line repaired before you break ground on your new system.
- Never fear if your perc test does not go as planned, or if you have any additional worries about installing a traditional septic system on your land.
- Each of the alternative septic systems that you will come across in this blog article has a distinct amount of upkeep that is necessary.
Additionally, the cost of alternative septic systems varies depending on the equipment and upkeep that is required. Discover alternative septic solutions that may be a better fit for your property than a standard system by continuing reading.
Types of alternative septic systems
In situations when the soil surrounding your house or structure is too dense or too shallow, or when the water table is too high, mound systems are a good option to septic tanks to consider. Mound systems are a popular alternative to traditional systems, despite the fact that they are more expensive and require more care. They are above-ground systems that are covered with topsoil and incorporate an additional component known as a pump chamber, which separates effluent from the scum and sludge in the first septic tank before it is discharged into the environment.
Pressurized Dosing
When using a pressurized dosing system, you may deliver effluent onto the leach field in more uniform, calibrated dosages (just as the system’s name implies!). Because of the measured technique of dispersing wastewater, this strategy can be particularly beneficial for repairing a leach field following a septic system failure. Given that this approach is simply concerned with the dissemination of effluent into the soil, pressure dosing can be used in conjunction with any of the water treatment systems listed below.
Plastic Chamber Leach Field
Plasti-chamber leach fields are an excellent alternative to traditional septic systems for small lots and sites with high or fluctuating groundwater tables. Plastic chambers in the shape of half pipes are installed in the leach field to replace the gravel and create a gap for wastewater to flow through. Designed in the shape of a half moon, the plastic chambers are placed in the soil with the open side facing down, allowing effluent to come into touch with the soil underneath them, purifying the water and allowing it to flow back into the ground.
Sand Filter
Sand filter septic systems, as the name implies, cleanse and eliminate pollutants from wastewater through the use of sand filters. The sand filter system, which is similar to the aerobic treatment method described above, includes oxygen into its system in order to filter out germs. This cleansing takes place in an enclosed chamber that may either be erected above or below ground level depending on the situation. This is an example of an alternative septic system that does not require the use of a leach field, making it suitable for use in ecologically sensitive locations.
Aerobic Treatment System
Through the use of an air pump, which draws fresh air from the surrounding environment into the treatment tank, an aerobic treatment system introduces oxygen into the septic tank. It is believed that the increased oxygen aids in the cleaning of the effluent by increasing natural bacterial activity. As explained by the Environmental Protection Agency, aerobic treatment systems use the same technology as large-scale sewage treatment facilities, but on a smaller scale.
This is yet another excellent alternative septic system for tiny lots, lots with inadequate soil conditions, and lots located near bodies of water that are sensitive to pollutant runoff.
Drip Distribution/Irrigation
The drip distribution method disperses treated septic water over a larger area of land than the conventional method. To “irrigate” the leach field, instead of using a single PVC pipe to disseminate treated water into the leach field, the drip distribution technique makes use of a length of flexible tubing that is wound around itself and releases tiny increments of water all the way along its length. With this procedure, newer technology also enables for the discharge of water to be timed and regulated.
It is possible that power interruptions will make these alternative septic solutions more difficult to maintain than traditional systems.
Constructed Wetland System
The designed wetland system makes use of wetland plants to help your septic system filter waste by performing some of the filtration job. While the water waste from your home or building still passes through a single septic tank, the cleaned water is then sent to a plot of wetland that has a variety of various types of pebbles and grasses. Following that first stage of filtration, the water is channeled into a drain field, where it is discharged back into the soil, exactly as it would be with a traditional system.
- Take into consideration the land on your property as well as the surrounding surroundings while deciding which system is best for your needs.
- Finally, the opportunity has arisen for you to put in place a septic system on your property.
- What do you do about that?
- When you’re researching a septic tank, you’ll recall that when you were developing your property, you came into problems with bedrock beneath the top of the soil.
- Fortunately, there are numerous different types of alternative septic systems that are designed specifically for situations like the ones described above.
What are Alternative Septic Systems?
In the context of alternative septic systems, any sort of building wastewater (also known as “effluent”) drainage system that differs from the traditional septic tank is considered to be such. Diverting and cleaning water waste from your house is not limited to the use of a typical septic system; there are many more options available to safely reintroduce it back into the environment! You will learn the following things from this blog post:
- Identifying the reasons why some properties require alternate septic systems
- Alternative septic systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The operation of each sort of system
Why Do People Want Alternatives to Septic Tanks?
Just though traditional septic systems are commonplace does not imply that they are appropriate for every property or situation. There are a variety of reasons why the conventional model for wastewater sanitation does not always meet the needs of the community. For example, some parcels of property contain bedrock that is too close to the surface of the soil, making it difficult to build a septic tank deep enough to be effective. A large number of inhabitants in the United States also live near bodies of water that are particularly vulnerable to water contamination, which means that the normal technique of sanitation in septic tanks is insufficient to preserve the ecology of the region in question.
- The term “perking” refers to the soil’s capacity to absorb and hold onto water.
- Repairing a sewer pipe Fortunately, you may have your septic system or sewage line repaired before you break ground on your new system.
- Never fear if your perc test does not go as planned, or if you have any additional worries about installing a traditional septic system on your land.
- Each of the alternative septic systems that you will come across in this blog article has a distinct amount of upkeep that is necessary.
Additionally, the cost of alternative septic systems varies depending on the equipment and upkeep that is required. Discover alternative septic solutions that may be a better fit for your property than a standard system by continuing reading.
Types of alternative septic systems
In situations when the soil surrounding your house or structure is too dense or too shallow, or when the water table is too high, mound systems are a good option to septic tanks to consider. Mound systems are a popular alternative to traditional systems, despite the fact that they are more expensive and require more care. They are above-ground systems that are covered with topsoil and incorporate an additional component known as a pump chamber, which separates effluent from the scum and sludge in the first septic tank before it is discharged into the environment.
Pressurized Dosing
When using a pressurized dosing system, you may deliver effluent onto the leach field in more uniform, calibrated dosages (just as the system’s name implies!). Because of the measured technique of dispersing wastewater, this strategy can be particularly beneficial for repairing a leach field following a septic system failure. Given that this approach is simply concerned with the dissemination of effluent into the soil, pressure dosing can be used in conjunction with any of the water treatment systems listed below.
Plastic Chamber Leach Field
Plasti-chamber leach fields are an excellent alternative to traditional septic systems for small lots and sites with high or fluctuating groundwater tables. Plastic chambers in the shape of half pipes are installed in the leach field to replace the gravel and create a gap for wastewater to flow through. Designed in the shape of a half moon, the plastic chambers are placed in the soil with the open side facing down, allowing effluent to come into touch with the soil underneath them, purifying the water and allowing it to flow back into the ground.
Sand Filter
Sand filter septic systems, as the name implies, cleanse and eliminate pollutants from wastewater through the use of sand filters. The sand filter system, which is similar to the aerobic treatment method described above, includes oxygen into its system in order to filter out germs. This cleansing takes place in an enclosed chamber that may either be erected above or below ground level depending on the situation. This is an example of an alternative septic system that does not require the use of a leach field, making it suitable for use in ecologically sensitive locations.
Aerobic Treatment System
Through the use of an air pump, which draws fresh air from the surrounding environment into the treatment tank, an aerobic treatment system introduces oxygen into the septic tank. It is believed that the increased oxygen aids in the cleaning of the effluent by increasing natural bacterial activity. As explained by the Environmental Protection Agency, aerobic treatment systems use the same technology as large-scale sewage treatment facilities, but on a smaller scale.
This is yet another excellent alternative septic system for tiny lots, lots with inadequate soil conditions, and lots located near bodies of water that are sensitive to pollutant runoff.
Drip Distribution/Irrigation
The drip distribution method disperses treated septic water over a larger area of land than the conventional method. To “irrigate” the leach field, instead of using a single PVC pipe to disseminate treated water into the leach field, the drip distribution technique makes use of a length of flexible tubing that is wound around itself and releases tiny increments of water all the way along its length. With this procedure, newer technology also enables for the discharge of water to be timed and regulated.
It is possible that power interruptions will make these alternative septic solutions more difficult to maintain than traditional systems.
Constructed Wetland System
The designed wetland system makes use of wetland plants to help your septic system filter waste by performing some of the filtration job. While the water waste from your home or building still passes through a single septic tank, the cleaned water is then sent to a plot of wetland that has a variety of various types of pebbles and grasses. Following that first stage of filtration, the water is channeled into a drain field, where it is discharged back into the soil, exactly as it would be with a traditional system.
Take into consideration the land on your property as well as the surrounding surroundings while deciding which system is best for your needs.
