Red Or Brown Soil Indicates What In Septic Tank?

Brown, yellowish, or reddish colors are mainly the result of precipitated iron (essentially rust) that coats soil particles. These colors generally indicate good internal soil drainage. When a soil is frequently saturated (poorly drained), the iron is dissolved and leached away, leaving a gray color that is the base color of the soil particles.

Why is my septic field Brown?

When you notice brown patches or lines over your septic system, it’s likely that the soil under the grass isn’t getting enough water. When it’s hot and sunny, the shallow soil can dry out quickly, keeping your grass from getting the moisture it needs.

What does a healthy septic look like?

Drains that Drain Your toilets and sink should drain quickly. If they do, this is a sign of a healthy septic system. Slow-moving drains in your sink or toilet signal clogs on your pipes or septic system. This means either a plumber or septic professional needs to come to take a look at your pipes and system.

What is the best soil for septic system?

The best soil for a septic system is a soil that lies somewhere in between gravel and clay. It is neither too dense and neither is it too loose. This soil has the perfect conditions for filtering effluent while at the same time allowing it to continue to seep through.

How do you test a soil for a septic system?

Perform the actual test – Fill the hole with water to a level 12 inches above the gravel; then time how long it takes for the water to fall to a level 6 inches above the gravel. Some authorities require you to perform this test three times on each hole, and even if yours doesn’t, it’s a good idea to do it anyway.

How do I know if my drain field is failing?

The following are a few common signs of leach field failure:

Grass over leach field is greener than the rest of the yard.
The surrounding area is wet, mushy, or even has standing water.

Sewage odors around drains, tank, or leach field.
Slow running drains or backed up plumbing.

Can you fertilize over septic field?

The trenches in your leach field are filling with liquid waste because the soil can’t absorb any more water from your house. That wastewater is full of rich nutrients that give the grass over your septic system a good dose of fertilizer and turn it a rich shade of green.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.

Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
You Hear Gurgling Water.
You Have A Sewage Backup.

How often should you empty your septic tank?

How 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 do I check my septic tanks sludge level?

To measure the sludge layer:

Slowly lower the tube into the septic tank until it touches the bottom of the tank.
As the device is slowly pulled out of the water, the check valve closes capturing a liquid/solid profile of the septic tank water. The thickness of the sludge layer can be measured.

Will red clay soil perc?

Clay soils have notoriously slow percolation speeds of 0.1 inch or less per hour. These soils easily become waterlogged, and plant roots can suffocate as a result.

How much soil should be on top of a septic tank?

the depth of soil backfill over the septic tank lid or septic tank riser lid, ranging from 0″ (which means you should see it) to just a few inches (which means grass may be dead in this area) to 6-12″ or even more.

How does soil affect septic tanks?

Soil-based systems discharge the liquid (known as effluent) from the septic tank into a maze of perforated pipes buried in a leach field that has been designed to slowly release the effluent into the soil or surface water. Without these organisms, your septic system might not work properly.

What is soil testing?

Soil testing involves collecting soil samples, preparation for analysis, chemical or physical analysis, interpretation of analysis results, and finally making fertilizer and lime recommendations for the crops.

How do you know if land will perk?

Suitability can be determined through a perc or perk test, formally known as a Percolation Test. This test determines the rate at which water drains through the soil. If the property does not pass the perk test, than a standard septic system cannot by installed. There are alternatives, but they can be very expensive.

Interpreting Your Soil Evaluation for Septic System Suitability – Septic Systems in Illinois

When determining whether a site is suitable for septic systems, many of the terms and abbreviations used by soilclassifiers are unfamiliar to those outside of the field of soil science. However, the use of soil evaluations to determine site suitability for septic systems is becoming more common in Illinois. However, while the content and structure of soil evaluation reports vary depending on the author, there are many similar threads that run through all of these studies. Here, you will learn about the acronyms and subjects that are frequently seen in soil assessment reports and will learn about how different soil qualities effect water flow out of septic systems and into the soil.

Introduction and Background

This section of the report provides the location of the property, its present usage, and the date of the study. Some counties demand a fresh soil evaluation after a certain number of years have passed, therefore it is important to pay close attention to the date of the initial research.

Methods

Although some counties have somewhat varying standards depending on local regulations, many counties rely on the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act and Code (StateCode) published by the Illinois Department of Public Health as their guideline for methods of conducting soil investigations. This leaflet concludes with a section of the State Code that includes the sections cited below. In general, three or four soil borings or backhoe pits are excavated to a depth of at least 60 inches in the region of a planned septic field, with each boring or pit being at least 50 feet apart.

For the most part, the lowest loading rate recorded in the upper 30 to 42 inches of the soils tested is employed in the design and sizing of septic systems.

Results

Each soil mentioned can be subdivided into a number of different series. It is analogous to the classification of plants and animals in that each series reflects a distinct type of soil that may be found throughout a wide geographic area. An important advantage of a soil evaluation over a percolation test (a traditional method of testing septic field areas) is that layers within the soil can be identified that severely restrict the function of septic systems. This is one of the main advantages of a soil evaluation over a percolation test.

According to the State Code, there should be a minimum of two feet of separation between the bottom of the septic field and the limiting layer (three feet incoarser-textured soils).

There are a variety of methods available when limiting layers occur at shallow depths, including the installation of curtain drains, the importation of fillmaterial, and the use of alternate sewage disposal systems.

Soil Descriptions

The descriptions of soil profiles provide a significant amount of information. Following is a detailed discussion of each component of a typical soil description.

Horizon

Horizons are divisions in the soil that distinguish themselves by their color, clay concentration, or other characteristics. Four to seven horizons are often found in the top 60 inches of a soil profile, with four to seven horizons being the most prevalent. The surface, also known as topsoil, is referred to as theA horizon. As well as near the surface of some soils, an E horizon with a light hue can be found, particularly on land that has been or will be forested. The B horizon is a subsoil where clay collects, a blocky and prismatic structure develops, and colors are changeable.

The C horizon is the name given to the substratum, which is composed of comparatively unweathered soil material.

Horizons that are in transition, such as AB or BC, are also acknowledged.

Examples include Bt (clay buildup in the B horizon), Bg (gray hues in the B horizon suggesting inadequate internal drainage), and Ab (abnormally high levels of dissolved oxygen in the B horizon) (anA horizon that has been covered by fill or alluvial sediment).

Depth

This section describes the position of each mentioned horizon in terms of inches below the surface of the earth.

DominantColor, Munsell

The Munsell soil color charts are used to describe the hues of different types of soil. These charts are made up of color chips that have been given names depending on the hue, value, and chroma of the color chips. Colors that are often used, as well as instances of Munsell designations that would define these colors, are included below:

The colors black 10YR 2/1 and N 2/0, brown 10YR 4/3, and 7.5YR4/4, gray 2.5Y 6/2, and 5Y 5/1, and yellow/red 7.5YR 6/6 and 10YR 5/8 are the most prevalent.

Throughout Illinois, iron is a significant coloring agent in the soil. Brown, yellowish, or reddish soil colors are primarily due to the accumulation of precipitated iron (basically rust) on soil particles. In general, these colors indicate that the internal soil drainage is good. Soil that is regularly saturated (poorly drained) loses its iron content, which results in the soil becoming gray in hue, which serves as a baseline for other colors to be produced by the soil particles. Poorly drained soils are frequently gray or gray/red in color, with a uniform gray or mottled gray/red color pattern.

RedoximorphicFeatures (Mottles)

Especially in regions where the water table varies, soil horizonsoften can be seen in a variety of hues. The height of the seasonal high water table (SHWT) in a soil is indicated by the color pattern of the soil, which is varied. This is critical because the SHWT is regarded as a limiting layer in the hydrologic cycle. Traditionally, these contrasted soil hues were referred to as mottles, but more recently, they have been referred to as redoximorphic (redox) characteristics.

Iron and other minerals in the soil are affected by natural chemical and biological processes known as “redox” that are caused by a combination of the terms “red uction” and “ox idation.”

Coatings

Water seeping downhill into theB horizons frequently deposits coatings of clay or organic debris, which are known as B horizon coatings. The color of these coatings is defined by a description or code describing the abundance and contrast of the coatings, which is similar to the code used for redox characteristics. The description or code is preceded by a description or code specifying the abundance and contrast of the coatings.

Structure

It is the description of the forms that soil takes on in different portions of its profile throughout time that is known as the soil structure. The wetting/drying/freezing/thawing cycles, the chemical makeup of the soil, and the aggregating impact of some soil bacteria all contribute to the formation of structure in the soil. Well-structured soils include a significant number of linked pores that allow water and air to travel more quickly through them. Weakly structured soils contain fewer continuous pore spaces, which causes water and air to travel more slowly through them.

The size of the structure is also assessed, and it is classed as fine (f), medium (m), or coarse (c) (c).

Texture

Sand, silt, and clay content in soils are all described by a collection of adjectives known as texture. Sand (s), loamy sand (ls), sandy loam (sl), sandy clay loam (scl), loam (l), clay loam (cl), silt loam (sil), silty clay loam (sicl), silty clay (sic), and clay loam (cl) are all terminology used to describe soils (c). In general, as the amount of silt and clay in a soil rises, the permeability of the soil decreases. Throughout Illinois, you may find textures like siltloam and silty clay loam, which are created from impure parent material.

Consistence

A soil’s consistency is determined by the ease with which it can be crushed between the thumb and forefinger. Very friable (vfr), friable (fr), firm (fi), very firm (vfi), and very firm are the many types of consistence available (xfi). According to general principles, permeability decreases as the hardness of the soil rises, which is due to a reduction in the volume of pore space inside the soil’s structure.

Drainage Class

When describing the relative wetness of a soil prior to alteration by drain tile or other means, drainage class is used. Despite the fact that this categorization is not completely defined, it is divided into seven categories: extremely badly, inadequately, inadequately and somewhat inadequately; moderately well; well; slightly excessively and excessively; and poorly and inadequately. When defining drainage class, the most important aspects to examine are soil color patterns, texture, and the location of the landscape.

Soils that are somewhat overly and excessively drained sometimes combine these characteristics with large concentrations of sand and/or gravel.

These soils have gray colors near the surface and often have thick, black surface layers, although some have thin or light-colored surfaces, which indicates that they were formed under forest vegetation, and some have thin or light-colored surfaces, which indicates that they were formed under forest vegetation.

Extremely poorly drained soils are typically found in enclosed depressions and are prone to forming ponds. Peat and muck soils with a high concentration of organic matter are notoriously poorly drained.

Aspect/Slope

Using a clinometer, you may determine the slope of a soil, which is expressed as a percentage and represents how many feet the ground surface descends over a distance of 100 feet. A two percent slope signifies that the land surface drops two feet in every hundred feet. Slopes frequently alter dramatically in a short amount of time. When looking downwards, the aspect of the measured slope is the direction in which the measured slope is facing.

Soil Group andLoading Rate

The Soil Group is calculated by examining the texture, structure, consistency, and parent material of a soil horizon, and then utilizing that information to apply a sewage loading rate in gallons per square foot per day to the soil. For the most part, the lowest loading rate recorded in the upper 30 to 42 inches of the soils tested is chosen for the design and size of septicsystems in general.

Perc Rate

The approximate percolation rates of each horizon may be connected with the loading rates of the horizons. This information can assist you in making connections between perc rates that you may be more familiar with and soil information. Any member of the Illinois Soil Classifiers Association is available to answer any questions you may have or to provide you with further information regarding soils and their interpretations. A list of the current members, as well as their contact information, may be found at.

The Color of Soil

In our piece from last month, we discussed the need of installers having a basic understanding of soil texture identification. The color of the soil is the second most significant soil characteristic to distinguish and analyze. Color is one of the most useful features for soil identification and evaluation since it may be used to distinguish between different types of soil. It is also a rather simple process to determine. Color can be used as a key indicator of zones of periodic soil saturation as well as the separation distance required to offer sufficient treatment in some cases.

On the surface, it appears to be The color of the soil’s surface layer can be used to determine the amount of organic matter present in the soil.
Depending on the parent rock, some soils will have a hue that is directly inherited from it.

Organic matter and iron are the principal coloring factors in soil, and they are both found in high concentrations.
The many hues of red, yellow, and gray that are present are typically related to the amount and kind of iron present.
Hydration and, in some cases, reduced oxidation are indicated by the color yellow.

A period of saturated soil conditions is indicated by the presence of this indicator.
These hues are obtained from either the natural parent material or the soil-forming process, depending on which is applicable.

When the color of the soil shows that it is saturated, it is important to pay close attention to the soil-forming process.

Many state statutes and regulations demand the identification of these characteristics.

This level is then used to estimate the height of the bottom of the soil treatment system, which is then measured from this level.

Variables that affect color Color is made up of three different variables: Hue: The prevailing hue, such as red, yellow, green, blue, or purple; it is also known as the primary color.

It is the measure of the purity or strength of a color, as well as the distance it takes from a neutral of the same brightness, such as dull red or strong red, that is measured in chroma.

The Munsell color scheme is the chart that is used to assess the soils.

Reddish colours, as well as the blue and greenish hues seen in gleyed soils, are covered by additional color cards available on request.

Equal steps are taken from the bottom of the card to the top of the card in order to lighten the color.

The horizontal scale across the bottom of the chart indicates that the chart is in chroma notation.

Each page of color chips is accompanied with a page of color symbols and their matching English names, allowing color to be stated both in Munsell notation and by color name simultaneously.

10YR 3/3 is the English name for the color, which is followed by hue, then value, and lastly chroma.

Select a ped from the horizon that will be explored further.

If this is the case, make a note of the colors.

Installers must be able to decipher the significance of the colors that have been given to them.

This shows that the soil horizons are well-drained and consistently offer ample oxygen for the treatment of the effluent.

This indicates that the water is not draining naturally and that a system will need to be developed to create appropriate separation above this zone as the abundance and contrast of soil mottles increase. Hues like gray or olive suggest even longer intervals of saturation than the previous colors.

You Say Soil Mottles; I Say Redoximorphic Features

Several problems have been raised as we go into the heart of our “field” season, including how to detect redoximorphic patterns in the soil and how they relate to the presence of seasonal or permanent zones of saturation in soil layers that are regarded to be limiting. Saturated soil zone characteristics are identified, and this serves as the starting point for establishing the separation distance between the bottom of the system’s infiltration surface and the limiting layer. These characteristics were once referred to as soil mottles, which is an abbreviation for soil mottles.

It was necessary to define various types of “mottles” in order to be able to identify saturated situations.

We do not expect or need you to be chemists or microbiologists, but it is beneficial to understand how the characteristics are formed.

PAINTING THE SOIL

Iron oxide minerals in subsoil horizons give the horizons their coloring, which might be red, yellow, brown, or orange. Manganese oxide minerals are responsible for the production of black hues. Individual sand, silt, and clay particles are naturally coated with mineral oxides, which occur as a result of the weathering process. Consider it as a thin layer of paint applied on the surfaces of the particles. The particles would have been gray in color if the paint had not been applied. When iron is in its oxidized form — that is, when it is in the presence of oxygen — it produces the hues red, yellow, brown, and orange.

If the right circumstances are present, these minerals can be chemically reduced in soils.

When a soil is well-aerated (i.e., not saturated), bacteria in the air-filled pores eat and diminish the amount of oxygen available.
Despite the absence of oxygen, the bacteria continue to break down organic matter while also reducing nitrate-nitrogen, manganese, and iron oxide levels.
When the levels of iron and manganese are lowered, a number of things start to happen.

Iron and manganese then migrate with the soil water to other sections of the soil horizon or are leached from the soil surface.
Areas of the soil where the iron and manganese have been evacuated look gray when the soil is resaturated and aerated again because of the natural color of the sand, silt, and clay particles indicated above.
This pattern gives the soil horizon a mottled look and represents the fact that the soil has been soaked for long enough periods of time for the chemical reactions to take place.

EVALUATION

An competent soil scientist or site evaluator will be able to distinguish between three basic types of characteristics in the field. We believe that installers and service providers who are familiar with the soils in their region will be able to recognize these characteristics as well. Therefore, we organize field workshops or activities on a regular basis in order to analyze these characteristics. Redox concentrations, redox depletions, and reduced matrices are the three types of characteristics that can be seen.

These accumulations can take on a variety of shapes and sizes, including nodules or concretions, soft masses, and pore linings, among others.
Soft masses are exactly what they sound like: irregular and soft masses found within the interior (or matrix) of soil structural units or peds.

These are the places that have been deserted by mineral oxides, which may be found either in former root channels or in the matrix of the peds.
This sort of situation generally indicates that the soil is saturated, and that water circulation through the soil is extremely sluggish due to the fact that the iron and manganese have not leached out of the profile of the soil profile.

Why Is There Dead Grass Over My Septic Tank?

iStock/Getty Images image credit: singjai20/iStock

The presence of dead grass above your septic tank is, strangely enough, a favorable indicator. It indicates that your septic system is most likely operating as it should be doing. In dry or warm weather, the grass becomes brown because it is not receiving enough water, which is mainly owing to the shallow layer of soil above the tank. Watering the brown grass, on the other hand, is the worst thing you can do.

Tip

In dry or hot weather, dead grass above the septic tank shows that the septic drain field is absorbing and filtering the wastewater into the surrounding soil. When the temperature cools down and the rainy season approaches, the grass will begin to recover.

Don’t Water the Dead Grass

Even though brown grass over your sewage tank is an unsightly annoyance, your lawn should recover in the fall months. The addition of extra water to the brown grass limits the ability of your leach field to absorb wastewater from your home and may potentially result in the failure of your wastewater treatment system. Even when the grass becomes brown because there isn’t enough soil to maintain its root system, you shouldn’t deposit topsoil over your tank or leach field since it will clog the drains and create flooding.

Increasing the quantity of dirt in your system limits the amount of air available to the microorganisms that break down the wastes in your system, which might result in the system failing altogether.
The solids, also known as sludge, settle in the septic tank, where helpful bacteria break them down and dispose of them properly.

Water from the middle tank drains from the tank to the leach field through a network of drain pipes that are strategically placed across the leach field.
Even after it has been cleaned by bacteria in the soil, the leftover wastewater flows into the groundwater.
Compacted soil, as well as moist, soggy soil, has less oxygen in it, which inhibits the capacity of the microorganisms to perform their functions properly.

You have liquid waste accumulating in the trenches of your leach field because the soil is unable to absorb any further water from your home.
A blocked or broken line connecting the home to the septic tank, as well as a clogged baffle on the tank, can cause wastewater to escape into the soil and pollute the environment.

Toilets that are sluggish to drain, sewage smells, and sewage backing up into the house or appearing on the leach field are all indications that something is wrong. Most septic tanks require pumping out every one to three years in order to operate at peak functionality.

Precautions and Septic Tanks

Make sure not to dig too far into the ground while planting over your septic system. Drain lines can be as near to the surface of the soil as 6 inches. Drain lines are not always visible. When working with soil over a septic system, it is important to use gloves, safety goggles, and a mask in order to limit exposure to potentially hazardous organisms. Make certain that the tank lid and any other covers or hatches are properly secured; accessing a septic tank can be a life-threatening mistake owing to the fumes released by the decaying sludge.

It is recommended to use ornamental grasses and herbaceous plants such as catmint (Nepeta spp.

in zones 3-9), and vervain (Verbena spp.

You should avoid planting any produce over a sewer system since you run the danger of bacterial contamination of your food.

Soil Color and Redox Chemistry

Are soils similar to M MsTM? Yes! The hues of dirt are often red, brown, yellow, or black. These hues are frequently not the color of the minerals in the soil, but rather the color of iron oxide coatings (Fe 2 0 3, FeOOH, and so on) or organic matter on particles that have been exposed to sunlight. The minerals under the surface are frequently quartz or feldspar, both of which are grey in color. Consider the case of red M MsTM to illustrate how the coating influences soil color. By placing many in a sieve, carefully immersing them in water, and gently shaking them, you will see that the water will turn pink as the red dye is removed.

When Fe3+ is reduced to Fe2+ in saturated soil as a result of a redox reaction mediated by microorganisms, a similar process takes place.
4e- + O 2+ 4H + 2H 2 O 4e- + O 2+ 4H + 2H 2 O 4e- + O 2+ 4H + 2H 2 O If all of the oxygen is taken from the soil, the soil becomes anaerobic (saturation occurs).

10e- + 12H+ + 2NO 3 N 2+ 6H 2 oIron oIron (Manganese) Reduction (soil turns gray): 2e- + 6H+ + Fe 2 O 3 2Fe(II) + 3H 2 O 2e- + 6H+ + Fe 2 O 3 2Fe(II) + 3H 2 O What is the significance of this reaction?
Take a look at the M MsTM once again.
Slim to none, in fact.

Once the red (rusty) hues caused by iron oxides have been eliminated from the soil and the soil has become gray, it is unlikely that the particles will get coated (turn red) once more.
As a result, the prevalence of gray hues suggests the existence of water below the surface.

If there are sufficient numbers of microorganisms and a food supply (carbon) present, anaerobic conditions will develop and the process will proceed. To have a better understanding, consider the following action, which involves iron reduction.

Materials

Red, yellow, or brown soil

2 or more pint mason jars with lids
Red, yellow, or brown soil
Water, sugar, an autoclave or a water bath, paper and a pen for taking notes on your observations

Procedure

Fill each jar with dirt until it is approximately halfway full. At least one spoonful of sugar (or another carbon source such as sawdust, corn syrup, or grass clippings) should be added. Fill each jar with water until it is about 1/4 inch below the rim
Combine well by shaking the jars’ lids. 1 jar should be autoclaved according to the directions for autoclaving liquids. If you don’t have access to an autoclave, you can use the USDA’s home canning methods. Keep in mind to adhere to all safety procedures, including washing your hands when you have finished. Allow for cooling of the jar. Allow the jars to rest for a few weeks while you notice the changes. Color changes and bubbles should be noted as well as other observations.

Because the heat has killed the bacteria in the autoclaved sample, you should notice little to no change in the autoclaved sample. Bubbles will begin to develop in the other jars, and the soil will begin to turn gray as time passes. Because of the quantity of iron, food, and microorganisms present in particular soils, this process may take longer in some cases.

Soil Evaluation for Home Septic Systems

The first stage in the construction of a septic system is to analyze and define the soil conditions on the site. The soil in a septic system is the most significant component since it is an excellent substrate for wastewater treatment. The system designer utilizes information about the soil to determine the type and size of the system to be installed.

Role of Soil in Wastewater Renovation

The septic tank is responsible for removing bigger particles and fats from wastewater in a septic system. A variety of pollutants are still present in the wastewater that runs out of the septic tank, and these contaminants must be eliminated before the water may be safely released into surface or groundwater. The wastewater from a septic tank includes bacteria that can cause illness in humans. In addition to producing unpleasant odors, organic matter in effluent and nutrients in wastewater (nitrogen and phosphorus) can have a negative influence on aquatic life.

Soil Depth

The sort of treatment system that may be employed on a property is determined by the depth of the soil. Soil treatment systems are best suited for the deepest soils—those that are more than 3 feet deep to a limiting layer (also called leach field systems). Because the majority of Ohio’s soils (84 percent) are shallower than 3 feet in depth, the designer must take soil depth into consideration while selecting the most effective treatment technique (Figure 1). Generally speaking, a limiting layer is a zone in the soil profile that is ineffective in treating wastewater.

In addition, the depth at which the soil is saturated with water for many weeks each year is considered a limiting layer in soil erosion.

Bedrock that has been fractured

Sand and gravel layers
Bedrock that is hard and solid
Glacial till that is dense and compacted

Pans with a lot of density or layers of cement, such as fragipans Water tables are defined as zones of seasonal, perched, or long-term saturation.

Soil Permeability

Permeability is a term used to describe the ability of soil to transfer water through it. Permeability is calculated based on the texture and structure of the soil. The relative amounts of sand, silt, and clay in a soil’s texture are referred to as its texture. Sandy soils have a gritty feel to them and can allow air and water to circulate quickly through the ground. Clay soils are sticky and extremely thick, making it difficult for air and water to move freely through them. Loamy soils, which are combinations of sand, silt, and clays, are the best soils for wastewater treatment since they are well adapted for this purpose.

The soil particles bind together to create structural units as a result of their adhesion.

The soil’s structure generates routes in the soil profile that allow for the circulation of air and water through the soil profile (Figure 2). The structure of the soil changes as it is dug deeper. Surface layers may be granular, whilst underneath layers may be blocky or enormous in appearance.

Soil Saturation

When the soil is saturated with water, it is unable to take wastewater and remove toxins from the environment. If surface and groundwater are contaminated by bacteria that might cause illness, the water that drains away will carry these contaminants with it. Even if the job is being carried out during a particularly dry time of year, a soil assessor must search for evidence of saturation in the soil. The hue of the soil is used to show that the soil has been moist for a period of several weeks each year.

The minerals that give the soil its brown hue can also breakdown and wash away when exposed to high water pressure, leaving behind gray-colored residues.

Soil and Site Evaluation

Soil scientists are educated in the description and mapping of soils. Hire a soil scientist to collect the information on soil depth, permeability, and saturation that will be needed to select and build a wastewater treatment system for their property. A few hundred dollars may be charged for this service, depending on the amount of time it takes to review the site. The Association of Ohio Pedologists maintains a list of soil scientists who are available for consultation. The list may be found at http://www.ohiopedologist.org/consultant-list.html.

Signs of Septic System Failure

Flooding is occurring in the home as a result of backed up water and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks Bathtubs, showers, and sinks all drain at a snail’s pace
The plumbing system is making gurgling sounds. The presence of standing water or moist patches near the septic tank or drainfield
Noxious smells emanating from the septic tank or drainfield

Even in the midst of a drought, bright green, spongy luxuriant grass should cover the septic tank or drainfield. Algal blooms in the vicinity of ponds or lakes In certain water wells, there are high quantities of nitrates or coliform bacteria.

Septic systems, like the majority of other components of your house, require regular maintenance. As long as it is properly maintained, the septic system should give years of dependable service. If the septic system is not properly maintained, owners face the risk of having a dangerous and expensive failure on their hands. Septic systems, on the other hand, have a limited operating lifespan and will ultimately need to be replaced. Septic systems that have failed or are not working properly pose a threat to human and animal health and can damage the environment.

It is possible that a prompt response will save the property owner money in repair costs, as well as disease and bad influence on the environment in the future.

What happens when a septic system fails?

When a septic system fails, untreated sewage is dumped into the environment and carried to places where it shouldn’t be. This may cause sewage to rise to the surface of the ground around the tank or drainfield, or it may cause sewage to back up in the pipes of the structure. It is also possible that sewage will make its way into groundwater, surface water, or marine water without our knowledge. Pathogens and other potentially harmful substances are carried by the sewage.

People and animals can become ill as a result of exposure to certain diseases and pollutants. Moreover, they have the potential to pollute water sources, making them unsuitable for drinking, swimming, shellfish harvesting, and agricultural applications.

What are some common reasons a septic system doesn’t work properly?

The pipe between the home to the tank is obstructed. When this occurs, drains drain very slowly (perhaps much more slowly on lower floors of the structure) or cease draining entirely, depending on the situation. This is frequently a straightforward issue to resolve. The majority of the time, a service provider can “snake the line” and unclog the problem. Keeping your drains clear by flushing only human waste and toilet paper down the drain and having your system examined on an annual basis will help prevent clogs.

Plant roots might occasionally obstruct the pipe (particularly on older systems).
The inlet baffle to the tank is obstructed.
In case you have access to your intake baffle aperture, you may see if there is a blockage by inspecting it.
It is essential that you avoid damaging any of the septic system’s components.
Avoid clogging your inlet baffle by just flushing human waste and toilet paper, and get your system examined once a year to ensure that it is in good working order.
This may result in sewage backing up into the residence or surfacing near the septic tank as a result of the situation.
If there is an effluent filter, it has to be cleaned or changed as necessary.

Preventing this sort of problem from occurring is as simple as cleaning your effluent filter (if you have one) and getting your system examined once per year.

It is possible for sewage to back up into the residence when the drainfield collapses or becomes saturated with water.

Additionally, smells may be present around the tank or drainfield.

It is possible that the system was run incorrectly, resulting in an excessive amount of solid material making its way to the drainfield and causing it to fail prematurely.

While it is conceivable that a drainfield will get saturated due to excessive quantities of water (either from enormous volumes of water flowing down the drain or flooding the drainfield), it is not always viable to dry out and restore a drainfield.

A connection to the public sewer system should be explored if the drainfield has failed and it is possible to make the connection.

It will be necessary to replace the existing drainfield if this does not take place. It is possible for a septic system to fail or malfunction for various reasons. Septic professionals should be contacted if your system isn’t functioning correctly.

How can I prevent a failure?

The proper operation of your septic system, together with routine maintenance, can help it last a long and trouble-free life. Assuming that your septic system has been correctly planned, located, and installed, the rest is up to you to take care of. Inspect your system once a year and pump as necessary (usually every 3-5 years). Avoid overusing water, and be mindful of what you flush down the toilet and what you flush down the drain. Learn more about how to properly maintain your septic system.

Can my failing septic system contaminate the water?

Yes, a failed septic system has the potential to pollute well water as well as adjacent water sources. Untreated wastewater is a health problem that has the potential to cause a variety of human ailments. Once this untreated wastewater enters the groundwater, it has the potential to poison your well and the wells of your neighbors. It is possible that oyster beds and recreational swimming sites will be affected if the sewage reaches local streams or water bodies.

Is there financial help for failing systems or repairs?

Yes, there are instances where this is true. Here are a few such alternatives.

In addition, Craft3 is a local nonprofit financial organization that provides loans in many counties. Municipal Health Departments- Some local health departments provide low-interest loan and grant programs to qualified applicants. A federal home repair program for people who qualify is offered by the USDA.

More Resources

Septic System 101: The Fundamentals of Septic Systems
Taking Good Care of Your Septic System
A video on how to inspect your septic system yourself
Using the Services of a Septic System Professional
Safety of the Septic Tank Lid

Soil-Based Septic System Decisions in Oklahoma – Oklahoma State University

Submitted bySergio M. Abit Jr. On-site septic systems are used to treat domestic and commercial sewage that cannot be transported to a centralized facility for treatment. These include a diverse spectrum of individual and cluster treatment systems, which are utilized in around 20% of all homes in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every year, it is predicted that 10 to 20 percent of these systems fail, causing contamination to the environment and putting the public’s health at danger (USEPA, 2008).

In Oklahoma, an average of 10,000 new treatment systems per year were allowed during the first part of the previous decade (Figure 1).
Unknown is the proportion of malfunctioning units among the total number of onsite septic systems currently in use in the state.
Total number of sewage system authorizations issued in Oklahoma, as well as total number of alternative systems authorized in Oklahoma, are depicted in Figure 1.
The judgments on the sort of septic system that may be installed in a given area are based on one or both of the following pieces of data: 1) Soil profile qualities that have been observed, and 2) an estimate of the amount of water that has flowed through the soil profile.

Soil Texture and Water Flow

The relative quantities of the inorganic soil separates: sand, silt, and clay, are referred to as soil texture. It is generally regarded as a physical characteristic that shows the relative coarseness or fineness of a soil material in terms of its physical properties. For the purpose of assisting in land use decisions, the USDA-NRCS developed a textural triangle (Figure 2) that categorizes soils into twelve different textural classes. Soils belonging to the same textural class, despite the fact that they may include varying amounts of sand, silt, and clay, are assumed to have comparable qualities and, as a result, to be managed or employed in the same way.

USDA-NRCS is the source of this information.
Fine-textured soils (clay, silty clay, sandy clay) would have a higher fraction of smaller-sized pores, which would be less-connected and more tortuous, resulting in poor water movement and reducing soil productivity.
For the treatment of onsite septic wastewater, soils with fine and coarse textures are both unacceptable as media.
On the other hand, coarse-textured soils allow wastewater to pass through the soil profile relatively rapidly, increasing the likelihood that groundwater will be recharged if no effective treatment is implemented.

Generally, other soils (medium-textured and some coarse-textured soils) that allow effective enough water flow to prevent surfacing but at a rate slow enough to prolong the residence time of wastewater in the soil, allowing for effective treatment, are permitted for the installation of the vast majority of septic systems that are legally permissible in Oklahoma.

(Table 1).

The Vertical Separation refers to the soil that vertically separates the trench bottom of the septic system and a limiting layer (e.g.

Table 1. Soil Groups utilized as foundation in septic system selections in Oklahoma. Source: DEQ, 2012.

	Soil Groups	Corresponding Soil Textural Classes
	1	Coarse sand Loamy coarse sand All soils with rock fragment content of more than 35 percent by volume having continuous voids more than 1 mm
	2	Sand Loamy sand (not including coarse sand or loamy coarse sand)
	2a	Sandy loam
	3	Sandy clay loam Loam Silt loam with less than 20 percent clay Silt
	3a	Sandy clay without slickensides with moderate and strong soil structure Silt loam with more than 20 percent clay
	4	Clay loam Silty clay loam
	5	Sandy clay with slickensides or weak soil structure Clay Silty clay

Soil Red Flags: Restricting Layers and Redoximorphic Features

It is common for certain soil features to dictate the design of septic system components, and the presence and depth of these properties are often taken into consideration. These include the existence of a limiting layer as well as the presence of redoximorphic characteristics. Limiting layers include those that are impermeable to boring with a hand auger and those that may restrict the circulation of water through the earth (Carter, 2008). The most prevalent confining layers in Oklahoma are Lithic or Paralithic materials – rocks and fractured rocks that are not considered soil but are composed of sandstone or shale, for example – which are composed of sandstone or shale (Figure 3A).

Anaerobic conditions that favor iron reduction occur when a certain portion of soil has been saturated for a long period of time (i.e., below the water table), resulting in the development of redoximorphic characteristics.

The rock layer (A) and horizons (B) with redoximorphic characteristics are depicted in Figure 3.

John A.

Alternative Systems

In addition to the parameters listed in Table 2, the design and installation of an on-site septic system are reliant on a variety of other considerations. In addition to soil parameters, site characteristics such as lot size and house size, among other things, are taken into consideration throughout the design process. In some cases, a system such as the one described in Table 2 cannot be created, and an alternate on-site system must be implemented. Alternative systems have accounted for between 1 and 4 percent of all new systems built in Oklahoma each year during the previous decade (Figure 1).

Contact your local DEQ office or call 405-702-6100 for more information about alternative systems, including the many types of systems that are available and how to apply for and get permission for alternative systems in your area.

System with the smallest amount of vertical separation required.

	Septic System Options
Prevalent Soil Group in Vertical Separation Range	Conventional System and Shallow Extended Subsurface Absorption Field	Low Pressure Dosing Field	Evapotrans- piration/ Absorption Field
1	NOT ALLOWED	ALLOWED – with at least 24″ vertical separation	ALLOWED – in Group 5 soil with at least 6″ vertical separation
2	ALLOWED – with at least 24″ vertical separation	ALLOWED – with at least 16″ vertical separation	Requires a lot area of at least 1 acre
2a	ALLOWED – with at least 21″ vertical separation	ALLOWED – with at least 14″ vertical separation	Subject to Oklahoma net evaporation zone restrictions
3	ALLOWED – with at least 18″ vertical separation	ALLOWED – with at least 12″ vertical separation
3a	ALLOWED – with at least 14″ vertical separation	ALLOWED – with at least 10″ vertical separation
4	ALLOWED – with at least 10″ vertical separation	ALLOWED – with at least 6″ vertical separation
5	NOT ALLOWED	NOT ALLOWED

A system with the bare minimal vertical separation requirements is depicted in Table 2B. DEQ published a report in 2012 on this topic.

	Septic System Options
		With Aerobic Treatment Units
Prevalent Soil Group in Vertical Separation Range	Lagoons	Drip Irrigation Field	Spray Irrigation Field
1	ALLOWED – No applicable vertical separation range	ALLOWED – with at least 18″ vertical separation	ALLOWED – No applicable vertical separation range.
2		ALLOWED – with at least 14″ vertical separation
2a	Requires a lot size of at least 2½ acres	ALLOWED – with at least 12″ vertical separation
3		ALLOWED – with at least 10″ vertical separation
3a	Subject to Oklahoma net evaporation zone restrictions.	ALLOWED – with at least 8″ vertical separation
4		ALLOWED – with at least 6″ vertical separation
5		ALLOWED – with at least 6″ vertical separation

References

In Carter, B. (2008), the DEQ/OSU Soil Classification Manual was published. It is located in the Oklahoma Agricultural Research Station (B-819). The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) published a report in 2012 titled sewage treatment systems for individuals and small groups of people on their own property Oklahoma Administrative Code Chapter 641. Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). 2013. Department of Environmental Quality’s Annual Reports. Title 252: Oklahoma Administrative Code Chapter 641.

USDA-NRCS soil texture calculator, 2013.

In May 2013, I was able to access this page.

Environmental Protection Agency.

Septic System Factsheet.

U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2013. The Failures of Septic (Onsite / Decentralized) Systems and the Reasons for Their Failure at:Accessed in May of this year Sergio M. Abit Jr., Extension Specialist for Soils Under Non-Agricultural Uses, is a soil scientist at the University of California, Davis.