A septic tank should always be “filled” to its normal liquid level, or the bottom of the outlet pipe which carries effluent to the absorption area. This normal liquid level is usually between 8” to 12” from the top of the tank on average (see picture at right).
- Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.
How deep is the top of a septic tank?
Dig Up The Lids In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. You can use a metal probe to locate its edges and mark the perimeter. If you do not find the lid by probing, shallow excavation with a shovel along the tank’s perimeter should reveal the lid.
Why is there standing water above my septic tank?
If you see standing water above the drainfield or tank, your septic system is likely flooded. When you don’t see obvious standing water over the area, check the water level with a probe, or use an auger to dig down into the soil.
Can you walk on top of a septic tank?
Play. Children and pets can run and play safely on the grass above the drain field. Your family can walk on a well-maintained drain field without fear of encountering puddles of affluent and dangerous bacteria. Bicycles and tricycles are also acceptable because they are not heavy enough to compress or disturb the soil.
Can you put too much water in a septic tank?
Excessive water is a major cause of system failure. Too much water from laundry, dishwasher, toilets, baths, and showers may not allow enough time for sludge and scum to separate. The less water used, the less water entering the septic system, resulting in less risk of system failure.
How far apart are septic tank lids?
The distance between lids will be different for each sized tank: 1000 gallon tank = 6-6.5 ft.; 1250 gallon = 7-7.5 ft.; 1500 gallon = 8.5-9 ft.. Dig up the outlet chamber access lid. If you are extraordinarily lucky, the as-built drawing is accurate and you have hit the lids spot on.
How do I find my septic tank lid?
You can locate the lid of your septic tank by poking the ground every few feet with a metal probe. Lids can be buried up to a foot deep on average, so be sure to investigate any bumps that may indicate something is buried underneath.
Can I take a shower if my septic tank is full?
Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.
How do you fix a septic tank that backs up when it rains?
After a major rain event, the only way to relieve pressure on the system is by using it less. If possible, reduce or eliminate water going down the drains until the drainfield dries out. An emergency septic service cleaning can provide temporary relief, but this is often a futile exercise in battling mother nature.
Why is my septic full of water?
The water flow backs up when your drain field floods, causing the water level in your septic tank to rise. Other common issues are plumbing and excess water use. The septic system functions as a step-by-step process which takes time to complete.
Does hair break down in a septic tank?
Why Hair is a Such a Problem It’s composed of tough strands of proteins similar to those in your fingernails, and it’s not easily broken down by bacteria. Even if it doesn’t for years in your septic tank, it’ll almost certainly last for longer than the 24-48 hours that it sits in your septic tank.
How close can you build next to a drain field?
– A full foundation must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 20 feet from the leaching area. – A slab foundation such as a garage must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 10 feet from the leaching area. – Concrete columns for a deck must be 5 feet from the leaching area and not disturb the septic system.
Can I build a deck over my septic tank?
You should never build a deck over a septic field; doing so will prevent the natural draining and dissipation of the effluent. This can ruin the septic system, not to mention releasing foul smells into the air all around your deck. The dissipating effluent can also rot the deck from underneath.
Does shower water go to a 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 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 do I lower the water level in my septic tank?
You can reduce the amount of water pumped into your septic tank by reducing the amount you and your family use. Water conservation practices include repairing leaky faucets, toilets and pipes, installing low cost, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, and only running the washing machine and dishwasher when full.
4 Things to Do When Your Septic Tank Is Flooded
If your neighborhood has recently been flooded or has been subjected to strong rains, you may discover that your toilet isn’t flushing properly and that your drains are draining more slowly than usual. It is possible that raw sewage will back up into your tub and sink drains. Drains that are slow or clogged may signal that the water table has risen over the level of your septic field and septic tank. If you believe that your septic system has been flooded, there are four things you should do immediately.
Check the level of groundwater in your area.
Septic tanks are typically located a few feet below the surface of the earth.
If you are aware of the location of your septic tank and drainfield, you should check the water level in the area to ensure that flooding is not a concern.
- When there isn’t any evident standing water in the area, use a probe to check the water level or an auger to dig deep into the earth to find out how much water is there.
- If your tests reveal that the water level is higher than the top of the septic tank, you should immediately cease utilizing the tank.
- 2.
- Until the Ground Becomes Dry When you believe that your septic system has been flooded, contact a septic pumping specialist immediately; however, you must wait until the earth has become less soggy before having your tank drained.
- If a septic tank is pumped out when the earth is saturated, it may potentially float out of its location.
- Following a decrease in the water table level, it is necessary to pump your system as quickly as feasible.
- 3.
- Approximately 70 gallons of water are flushed down the toilet per person every day in the average home.
The first step is to check for leaks in all of your fixtures. An inoperable toilet flapper or fill mechanism can leak up to 200 gallons per day, creating a backup of water that your flooded septic system doesn’t have room for. Other suggestions for keeping water out of the drains are as follows:
- It’s possible that your toilet isn’t flushing properly or that your drains aren’t emptying quickly if your neighborhood has recently been flooded or has been subjected to strong rainfall. Your tub and sink drains may even become clogged with raw sewage. It is possible that the water table has risen over your septic field and septic tank bottom, resulting in slow or backed-up drainage. Four things should be done immediately if you detect flooding in your septic system. 1. Determine the level of groundwater Drainfields for septic tanks are typically located between 2 and 4 feet below the surface of the soil’s water table. Septic tanks are typically located a few feet below the surface of the ground. Your septic system may be unable to manage wastewater from your home if the ground level rises over certain levels. Verify that flooding is not a concern in the area where your septic tank and drainfield are located if you know where they are located. You may have a flooded septic system if you notice standing water over the drainfield or tank. When there isn’t any evident standing water in the area, use a probe to check the water level or an auger to dig deeper into the earth to find out how much water is there. Select a location that is within 10 feet of the tank and 20 feet of the drainfield. The use of your septic tank should be discontinued if your tests reveal that the water level has risen over its maximum capacity. It is OK to utilize your septic system sparingly until the water table drops at least 3 feet below the level of your tank. 2. Refrain from pumping till later. For as long as the ground remains moist When you believe that your septic system has been flooded, contact a septic pumping specialist immediately. However, you must wait until the earth has become less soggy before having your tank pumped. Waiting too long might result in the infiltration of water into the tank and drainfield, exacerbating the situation. Additionally, if the septic tank is drained out when the earth is inundated, the tank may float away from its location. Pipes in the inlet and outflow areas may be damaged as a result. As soon as the water table has been decreased, it is necessary to have your system pumped as quickly as feasible. In order to minimize compaction of the soil, avoid driving any heavy gear near the septic region prior to this happening. 3 – Minimize the amount of water that is flushed down the toilet Approximately 70 gallons of water are flushed down the toilet per person every day in the average household. It is necessary to restrict the quantity of water you use until the groundwater level falls below your septic tank in order to lessen the amount of water that enters the already failing system. The first step is to check for leaks in all of your fixture. An inoperable toilet flapper or fill mechanism can leak up to 200 gallons per day, creating a backup of water that your flooded septic system cannot handle. The following are other suggestions for keeping water out of drains:
If your clothes washing machine drains into your main sewage line, it can cause a significant amount of water to be discharged into your septic system. Wash your garments at the laundry until the water table begins to fall below the surface. In the event that you must use the washing machine, wash only modest loads and wait a few hours between each load of laundry. 4. Make modifications to your septic system to make it more efficient. After your septic tank has been drained and your house drainage system has been restored to working order, you should make certain modifications to your system in order to minimize flooding problems in the future.
During a septic emergency, the backflow preventer prevents waste water from entering your home or building.
Also, check to be that your yard’s storm drainage does not overflow into your septic field and storage tank area.
When your septic system is inundated, call Eckmayer Inc right away.
Why Your Septic Tank Looks Full After Pumping – Septic Maxx
Septic tanks must be pumped on a regular basis in order to maintain an effective and healthy system. You’ve probably peered inside your tank after it’s been pumped and wondered why the water level is still so high. When you see a high water level, it might be alarming, especially if you are not familiar with what happens throughout the pumping process. What you need to know about your septic tank is outlined here.
Water is Necessary
Pumping a septic tank removes the solid waste or sludge from the tank’s bottom, allowing it to function properly. Excessive sludge in a septic tank can find its way through the outlet and into the drain field pipes, causing severe flooding in the surrounding area. Not everyone is aware that there is a specified operating level for all septic tanks, which may be found here. 8 to 12 inches from the top of the septic tank’s lid should indicate that the tank is “full.” This might vary based on the size and kind of septic tank used.
When the water level in your tank exceeds the capacity of the pipe, your tank is considered to be overfilled.
You should get your septic system examined and water usage should be restricted until an expert can determine the source of the problem.
What Can Cause Your Septic Tank to Overfill
There might be a variety of factors contributing to your septic tank being overfilled. The presence of an overfilled septic tank is frequently a symptom that your drain field is not operating properly. The drain field is the final fixture in the septic system, and it is responsible for returning treated wastewater to the surrounding soil. When your drain field floods, the water flow becomes obstructed, causing the water level in your septic tank to increase significantly. Plumbing problems and excessive water use are two more prevalent problems.
Excessive water use might cause the septic tank to fill with more contents than it is capable of handling, resulting in a high water level.
Septic Maxx provides high-quality solutions that effectively tackle the problems that afflict septic tanks.
Our environmentally friendly premium products are biodegradable and may be used to clean your septic tank of unwanted build-up by simply flushing them down the toilet that is the furthest away from your septic tank. Get in touch with us to talk with a septic specialist right now.
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.
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 to Care for Your Septic System
Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:
- Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
- Conserve water
- Dispose of waste properly
- And keep your drainfield in good condition.
Inspect and Pump Frequently
Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.
- The size of the household
- The total amount of wastewater produced
- The amount of solids present in wastewater
- The size of the septic tank
Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.
When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.
In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.
If additional repairs are recommended, contact a repair professional as soon as possible. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.
Use Water Efficiently
In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.
- Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
- Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.
Properly Dispose of Waste
Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.
Toilets aren’t trash cans!
Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:
- Septic systems are not meant to be used as garbage disposal systems. A simple rule of thumb is that you should not flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet if you can help it
Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.
Think at the sink!
Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:
- If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
- Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.
Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?
If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.
- The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.
Maintain Your Drainfield
It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:
- Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.
What is the recommended distance between a private water well and a septic tank?
| What should not be flushed through a septic system? |
- Grease, oils, or fats from cooking
- Pesticides
- Paints and paint thinners
- Solvents
- Disinfectants and other household chemicals
Signs of Septic System Problems
Oils and fats from the kitchen; pesticides; paints and paint thinners; solvents; disinfectants and other home chemicals; and
1. Sewage Backup
There are a variety of reasons why you may detect water or an odorous black liquid draining from your home’s drains at different times of the day. Your septic tank or drain field is overflowing, or there is a clog in the system. If your septic tank is functioning properly, waste from your house will separate into three different kinds of materials: sludge (heavier items that sink to the bottom), scum (lighter materials that float to the top), and wastewater (which is released into the drainfield).
Alternatively, if your tank gets a big volume of water in a short period of time, the tank may become overwhelmed and cause a backup within your house.
It is possible to avoid these problems by lowering your water consumption.
Shower for shorter periods of time, wash laundry in smaller loads throughout the week, and use low-flow toilets to conserve water. Be aware of the contents that you flush as well; for example, do not flush paper towels, diapers, feminine products, grease, or leftover meals down the toilet.
2. Slow Drainage
Slow drainage in your home might also be an indication of a blockage, which is most often seen in the line that leads to the septic tank. Keep in mind that strong chemicals might degrade your pipes and harm the healthy bacteria in your tank that helps to break down waste before you go for the Draino to solve your problem! Make an effort to stick with natural products that make use of microorganisms and enzymes. As a bonus, not only will this clear your pipes, but it will also assist in breaking down waste in your septic tank.
3. Pooling Water in Yard
A significant rainstorm or a high water table might cause the septic tank to get clogged and prevent it from emptying correctly. As a result, your yard may become flooded in certain parts. This problem, on the other hand, might be caused by a leak in your septic line. If you feel the problem is the result of heavy rainfall, reduce your use of your septic system to give it a chance to catch up with drainage. Any pooling water in your yard, on the other hand, should be investigated by a septic system professional.
4. Greener Grass Around the Septic Tank
While you may believe that the lush and green grass around your septic tank is a harbinger of good things to come, it is really a symptom that sewage may be leaking into your yard from the surrounding area. Because the dirt on top of your septic tank is not as deep as the soil on the rest of your lawn, it is usual for the grass on top of your sewage tank to get dry. As a result, if the grass appears to be flourishing in that region, it might indicate that effluent (liquid wastewater) is leaking from the tank before it has a chance to reach the drainfield.
5. Trees or Shrubs Near Septic System
While many homeowners place a strong focus on their landscaping, you must exercise caution when deciding where trees and bushes should be planted on your property. Tree roots are naturally attracted to water and moisture sources, and this behavior is normal. Nothing will stand in their way of getting there. In order to reach a water supply, roots will wrap around or dig through any impediments in their path. These individuals may cause harm to your septic tank as well as other components of your sewage system as a result of their actions.
Whether you notice any of these signs, look around to see if there are any trees or bushes growing close to the irrigation system.
Knowing how tall they will grow to be when they reach maturity allows you to put them as far away from your septic system as possible.
6. Pungent Smells
It is possible that the stench of septic gas is caused by a variety of conditions, including a dried-out wax seal on your toilet or a dry trap in your floor drain. The first step to taking care of persistent odors in your house is to thoroughly inspect all of your fixtures to rule out any potential internal problems.
If all other possibilities have been checked out, it is possible that there is a leak in your septic line. By ensuring that surface drainage, as well as roof runoff, is diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield, you may minimize the likelihood of your septic system leaking.
Be Proactive
By paying close attention to the operation of your septic system, you will be able to detect issues as soon as they arise. One of the most effective ways to avoid significant problems with your septic system is to have it checked once each year, and then pumped out every 3-5 years. This will aid in the detection of issues such as leaks, corrosion, and overflows before they need costly repairs or perhaps the replacement of the entire system. Peak SewerUnderground Services’ highly skilled septic tank specialists are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all of your septic system needs.
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Can Septic Tank Fill With Rainwater, Causing Flooding?
Q. Is it OK for rainwater to be discharged into my septic tank? Is it necessary for my downspouts or gutters to be channeled into my septic tank? A. No.Q. Q. Should the sump pump in my basement be routed into my septic tank? A. No. No. Q. Should the sump pump in my basement be routed into my septic tank? A. No. No. No.Q. Can a septic tank overflow due to an excessive amount of rain? A. No. No. No. A. Unfortunately, yes, this does happen from time to time for a variety of reasons, and it frequently has devastating consequences.
- A water treatment system has been developed to cleanse polluted water from your house and eventually discharge clean, safe water back into the earth’s groundwater supply system.
- The sponge will hold the majority of the dirt particles if unclean water is poured upon it from above while allowing cleaner water to flow through and be discharged from below.
- To be effective, all of the wastewater that flows down your drains must pass through a Septic Tank, where almost all of the solids (poop, toilet paper, kitchen waste) are captured and kept.
- If storm water from any source is permitted to enter the septic system, it has the potential to exceed the system’s ability to treat the water, resulting in an overflow of the system to the surface and/or a significant backup in the house, among other consequences.
A few ways that could happen with your system:
- Pump attached to the septic system (sump pump)
- Rainwater drains that are linked to the Septic System Drains related to the Septic System, such as floor drains, footer drains, or yard drainage
Improper Surface Water Routing
- It is possible that water from your downspout will end up straight on top of your septic tank or on top of your backyard sponge (Leach Field). Every time it rains, the water from all of your yard puddles is dumped directly on top of your Backyard Sponge (Leach Field)
Improper Subsurface Drainage
- Some component of your septic system is being flooded by a drainage line that is located underground. It is possible that the subsurface water in your yard is moving downhill through the soil and flooding out your leach field beneath the surface of your yard
Fortunately, all of these terrifying scenarios are possible to correct. Some of them are easier and less costly than others.
Keep in mind that your septic system was meticulously constructed based on soil study and calculations of residual water levels on your site, among other factors. It has been calibrated to receive and treat a volume of water that is proportional to the size of your residence. The fact that your toilet is refusing to flush when it rains might be due to an overzealous former owner who was in a do-it-yourself mood and tried to connect some pipes to drain some of the water in the yard.! In order for your Septic System (also known as a Leach Field) to function properly, it must maintain a relatively dry sponge in your backyard so that the soil can properly treat the wastewater it is supposed to absorb.
If we are to do this, we must first ensure that storm water is not being fed into your system, either by pipes or simply by collecting on the surface of your Septic System.
Look for more detail on this subject in my next blog titled “Two types of Water”!
In order to assist households in replacing cesspools and septic systems, the Septic System Replacement Fund Program provides financial assistance to local governments. According to the information provided below, participating counties will award grants to property owners to pay them for up to 50% of the expenses (up to a maximum of $10,000) of their qualified septic system projects. In order to select priority geographic regions in which property owners are eligible to participate, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health considered the following factors:
- The presence of a single-source aquifer that provides drinking water
- And Water quality impairments associated with failed septic systems that have been documented, and/or the ability of septic system modifications to reduce water quality problems
In future financing rounds, the DEC and the Department of Health and Human Services will re-evaluate priority waterbodies.
Eligibility
In accordance with program requirements, participating counties are responsible for assessing and analyzing the applications and determining whether or not to offer financial assistance. In making this determination, the following factors are taken into account: the position of the property in respect to a waterbody, the influence on groundwater that is utilized for drinking water, and the state of the property owner’s present septic system Following the evaluation of the applications and the determination of funding decisions, the participating counties notify the property owners of their grant awards by mailing them grant award letters.
Eligible Projects
- Installation, replacement, or upgrading of a septic system or septic system components
- Or, replacement of a cesspool with a septic system
- Or Installation of modern treatment technologies, including a nitrogen removal system, to improve water quality.
Eligible Costs
- Costs associated with system design and installation
- System costs
- System components
- Enhanced treatment methods
- Costs of design (limited exclusively to the effort required to complete the approved design)
- And
Ineligible Costs
- Maintenance on a regular basis, such as pumping out a septic tank
- Expenditures that have not been properly reported
- Fees charged by the government
- Interest and late fees
- Fines and penalties are levied. Payment of sales tax
- Site beautifying or internal plumbing changes that aren’t absolutely necessary
- The engineer is in charge of the administrative tasks. if the engineer, or a business owned, managed, or employed by the engineer, is also responsible for the repair or replacement, the engineer will observe the construction process
Participating Counties
County participation in the Septic System Replacement Fund is limited to the following counties: Funding is only available for the counties and priority waterbodies that have been identified by the DEC and are shown in the table below. If you have any queries regarding whether your property is eligible for grant financing, please contact the local program contact listed on your grant application.
| Participating County | Eligible Waterbodies | Local Program Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Allegany | *Canacadea Creek, Upper, and minor tribs (0503-0005) | Tyler J. Shaw585-268-9254 |
| Broome | Park Creek and tribs (0601-0031)*Whitney Point Lake/Reservoir (0602-0004)*Fly Pond, Deer Lake, *Sky Lake (1404-0038) | Creig Hebdon607-778-2863 |
| Cayuga | Owasco Lake (0706-0009)Lake Como (0705-0029)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-South (0705-0050)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-North (0705-0025)Cayuga Lake, Northern End (0705-0030)Skaneateles Lake (0707-0004) | Eileen O’Connor315-253-1244 |
| Chautauqua | *Findley Lake (0202-0004)Chautauqua Lake, North (0202-0072) | William T. Boria, P.G.P: 716.753.4772F: 716.753.4344 |
| Chenango | *Chenango Lake (0601-0013)*Guilford Lake (0601-0012) | Isaiah SuttonP: 607-337-1673 F: 607-337-1720 |
| Clinton | *Upper Chateauguay Lake (0902-0034)Isle LaMotte (1000-0001) | Ryan Davies518-565-4870 |
| Columbia | Robinson Pond (1308-0003)Copake Lake (1310-0014) | Edward Coons |
| Cortland | Skaneateles Lake (0707-0004) | Michael J. Ryan |
| Delaware | Susquehanna River, Main Stem (0601-0020) | Nick Carbone607-832-5434 |
| Dutchess | Hillside Lake (1304-0001)Sylvan Lake (1304-0029) | Marie-Pierre Brule845-486-3464 |
| Essex | Willsboro Bay (1001-0015)Lake George (1006-0016) | Hannah Neilly518-873-3686 |
| Genesee | Tonawanda Creek, Middle, Main Stem (0102-0002)Bowen Brook and tribs (0102-0036)Bigelow Creek and tribs (0402-0016)Oatka Creek, Middle and minor tribs (0402-0031) | Thomas Sacco585-344-2580 Ext. 5496 |
| Hamilton | Lake Eaton (0903-0056) | Erica Mahoney |
| Herkimer | North Winfield Creek and Tribs (0601-0035) | Jim Wallace |
| Jefferson | Moon Lake (0905-0093)Guffin Bay (0303-0025)Saint Lawrence River, Main Stem (0901-0004)*Red Lake (0906-0039)*Indian River, Lower, and minor tribs (0906-0021)*Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0005)*Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0030)*Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0031)*Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0032) | Sara Freda315-785-3144 |
| Lewis | Beaver River, Lower, and tribs (0801-0187) | Casandra Buell |
| Livingston | Conesus Lake (0402-0004) | Mr. Mark Grove585-243-7280 |
| Monroe | Irondequoit Bay (0302-0001)Mill Creek and tribs (0302-0025)Shipbuilders Creek and tribs (0302-0026)Minor Tribs to Irondequoit Bay (0302-0038)Hundred Acre Pond (0302-0034) | Gerry Rightmyer585-753-5471 |
| Nassau | County Wide | Brian Schneider516-571-6725 |
| Onondaga | Skaneateles Lake (0707-0004)Seneca River, Lower, Main Stem (0701-0008) | Jeffrey Till315-435-6623 Ext. 4503 |
| Ontario | Honeoye Lake (0402-0032)*Canadice Lake (0402-0002)*Canandaigua Lake (0704-0001)*Hemlock Lake (0402-0011)*Seneca Lake, Main Lake, North (0705-0026)*Seneca Lake, Main Lake, Middle (0705-0021) | Megan Webster585-396-1450 |
| Oswego | *Lake Ontario Shoreline, Eastern (0303-0030)*Lake Ontario Shoreline, Eastern (0303-0031)*Lake Ontario Shoreline, Eastern (0303-0017)*Lake Ontario Shoreline, Oswego (0302-0040)*Lake Ontario Shoreline, Central (0302-0041) | Donna Scanlon315-349-8292 |
| Otsego | Goodyear Lake (0601-0015)Susquehanna River, Main Stem (0601-0020) | Tammy Harris607-547-4228 |
| Putnam | Oscawana Lake (1301-0035)East Branch Croton, Middle, and tribs (1302-0055)Palmer Lake (1302-0103) | Joseph Paravati845-808-1390 Ext. 43157 |
| Rensselaer | Nassau Lake (1310-0001) | Richard Elder |
| Saint Lawrence | Saint Lawrence River, Main Stem (0901-0004)Raquette River, Lower, and minor tribs (0903-0059)Little River and tribs (0905-0090) | Jason Pfotenhauer315-379-2292 |
| Saratoga | Dwaas Kill and tribs (1101-0007) | Dustin Lewis518-885-6900 |
| Schoharie | Summit Lake (1202-0014) | Shane Nickle518-295-8770.us |
| Schuyler | Waneta Lake (0502-0002)Lamoka Lake and Mill Pond (0502-0001) | Darrel Sturges607-535-6868 |
| Seneca | Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-North (0705-0025)Cayuga Lake, Northern End (0705-0030)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-South (0705-0050) | Tom Scoles315-539-1947 |
| Steuben | Smith Pond (0502-0012)*Almond Lake (0503-0003)Waneta Lake (0502-0002)*Lamoka Lake and Mill Pond (0502-0001)*Keuka Lake (0705-0003) | Matthew Sousa607-664-2268 |
| Suffolk | County Wide | Joan Crawford631-852-5811 |
| Tompkins | Cayuga Lake, Southern End (0705-0040)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-South (0705-0050) | Liz Cameron607-274-6688 |
| Warren | Lake George (1006-0016) | Claudia Braymer |
| Washington | Cossayuna Lake (1103-0002)Lake George (1006-0016) | Corrina Aldrich |
| Wayne | Blind Sodus Bay (0302-0021)Lake Ontario Shoreline, Central (0302-0044) | Lindsey Gusterslagn315-946-7200 |
| Westchester | Lake Meahagh (1301-0053)Truesdale Lake (1302-0054) | Heather McVeigh |
| Wyoming | Java Lake (0104-0004)Silver Lake (0403-0002)Oatka Creek, Middle, and minor tribs (0402-0031) | Stephen Perkins585-786-8857 ext. 5163 |
* Only eligible for funding in Round 1 of the competition.
Program SummaryOutline
Last updated on October 19, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is handled by participating counties, and each county has a Local Program Contact who can assist in determining eligibility and the following stages in the program’s administration and implementation. Please refer to the Participating Counties section of this website to identify your county’s Local Program Contact and make contact with them directly.
My county is not listed on the eligible county list, am I eligible?
You are not eligible for the program if your county is not mentioned in the Participating Counties section of the website. However, you may wish to contact your local County Health or Planning Department to see if there are any additional services available to you that the county may be able to provide.
I do not see my waterbody listed as one of the Eligible Waterbodies, can it be added to the program?
The finalized list of qualifying waterbodies for Round 2 has been released. The law that established the program was aimed at improving water quality in waterbodies that had recorded deficiencies due to septic system contamination at the time of its inception. In order to comply with the legislative intent of the program, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation developed screening criteria for Round 2 that were focused on documented water quality impairments and the potential for septic replacement to improve water quality to improve water quality.
How do I provide NYSDEC water quality data that my local group collects?
Please keep in mind that the links in this response will take you away from the EFC website. During the data solicitation period, all information should be sent to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The data solicitation period for the 2020/2022 Integrated Report/(303(d) List) is now ongoing. Making Waves, a monthly e-newsletter from the DEC Division of Waters, published an announcement in the Environmental Notice Bulletin on May 19th and the Environmental Notice Bulletin on May 21st.
Making Waves will be delivered to your inbox on a regular basis.
I live in one of the five NYC Boroughs, is my property eligible for the program?
Because New York City is still in the process of expanding its sewage infrastructure, none of the five boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island) are eligible for the State Septic Replacement Program at this time. Sewerage is the most effective method of improving water quality. People who have septic systems on their properties or who are considering installing septic systems are invited to contact the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to learn about their alternatives.
SEWER CERTIFICATION AND CONNECTION PERMITS FROM THE NYCDEP (EXternal Link)
Forms for County Use
There are certain distinctions in care, usage, and budgeting that you should be aware of, whether you’re a new homeowner with an existing septic system or considering about purchasing or building a home without sewer hookups. This document outlines three ways in which your budget will be affected if your wastewater is treated using a septic system. 1. You will not be required to budget for municipal sewer service. Because the municipal wastewater system normally processes all of the water, the cost of city sewage service is sometimes determined by how much water you purchase from the city.
- A large number of homes with septic systems also rely on wells for fresh water rather than municipal water, which means you’ll likely save money in that department as well.
- It is necessary to include septic maintenance in your budget.
- Although you are not required to pay the city for the usage of your septic system, you will be responsible for the costs of maintenance if you want the system to continue to function properly.
- It is possible that these maintenance and repair expenditures will build up over time, so you may want to consider setting up an emergency fund to cover any unforeseen repair bills.
- You’ll also need to budget for the cost of a single inspection and begin saving for the cost of a tank pump.
- Spreading the expenditures out over several months is the most effective budgeting strategy, even for an expense such as tank pumping that does not occur every year, because it allows you to better estimate the costs ahead of time.
- You may need to set aside money for septic tank replacement.
The tank and leach field may not need to be replaced if you have a reasonably recent septic system and plan to sell your home within a few years.
If, on the other hand, your home’s septic system is more than a decade old, you’ll want to start looking into how much a new system would cost you as soon as possible.
For example, if the previous owners did not do routine maintenance or if the system was installed on clay soil, the system may need to be replaced.
It is a prudent decision to begin putting money aside in anticipation of this eventuality.
When you have a septic system, you may use these three strategies to budget differently.
Make an appointment with us right away if you’re searching for someone to pump out your septic tank or to complete an annual examination of your septic system. Our experts at C.E. Taylor and Son Inc. would be happy to assist you with any septic system assessment, maintenance, or repair needs.
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
Mr. Fix-It-Up-For-The-Family You may save a lot of money if you understand how a sewage treatment system works—and what can go wrong—so that you can handle your own septic system maintenance.
How does a septic tank work?
Pumping the tank on a regular basis eliminates sludge and scum, which helps to keep a septic system in good working order. It is possible for a well-designed and well built septic system to last for decades, or it might collapse in a matter of years. It is entirely up to you as long as you can answer the question of how do septic tanks function. Healthy septic systems are very inexpensive to maintain, but digging up and replacing a septic system that has completely collapsed may easily cost tens of thousands in labor and material costs.
It’s critical to understand how a septic tank works in order to maintain one.
Let’s take a look below ground and observe what happens in a properly operating septic system, shall we?
Understand that a septic system is a cafeteria for bacteria
Bacteria are responsible for the proper operation of a septic system. They decompose garbage, resulting in water that is clean enough to safely trickle down into the earth’s surface. The entire system is set up to keep bacteria healthy and busy at all times. Some of them reside in the tank, but the majority of them are found in the drain field. 1. The septic tank is the final destination for all waste. 2. The majority of the tank is filled with watery waste, referred to as “effluent.” Anaerobic bacteria begin to break down the organic matter in the effluent as soon as it enters the system.
- A layer of sludge settles to the bottom of the container.
- 4.
- Scum is mostly constituted of fats, greases, and oils, among other substances.
- Grease and oils float to the surface of the water.
- (5) A filter stops the majority of particles from reaching the exit pipe.
- The effluent is discharged into the drain field.
- Effluent is allowed to leak into the surrounding gravel because of holes in the drain septic field pipe.
- The garbage is completely decomposed by aerobic bacteria found in gravel and dirt.
- Potable water seeps into the groundwater and aquifer system from the surface.
Septic Tank Clean Out: Don’t abuse the system
Septic systems that have been correctly planned and constructed require just occasional ‘pumping’ to remove the sludge and scum that has built up inside the tank.
However, if you don’t understand how a septic tank works, you may unintentionally hurt or even destroy the system.
- Drains are used to dispose of waste that decomposes slowly (or not at all). Cigarette butts, diapers, and coffee grounds are all known to cause issues. Garbage disposers, if utilized excessively, can introduce an excessive amount of solid waste into the system. Lint from synthetic fibers is emitted from washing machine lint traps. This substance is not degraded by bacteria in the tank and drain septic field. Bacteria are killed by chemicals found in the home, such as disinfecting cleansers and antibacterial soaps. The majority of systems are capable of withstanding limited usage of these goods, but the less you use them, the better. When a large amount of wastewater is produced in a short period of time, the tank is flushed away too quickly. When there is too much sludge, bacteria’s capacity to break down waste is reduced. Sludge can also overflow into the drain field if there is too much of it. Sludge or scum obstructs the flow of water via a pipe. It is possible for tree and shrub roots to obstruct and cause harm to a drain field. Compacted soil and gravel prevent wastewater from seeping into the ground and deprive germs of oxygen. Most of the time, this is caused by vehicles driving or parking on the drain field.
Get your tank pumped…
Your tank must be emptied on a regular basis by a professional. Pumping eliminates the accumulation of sludge and scum that has accumulated in the tank, which has caused the bacterial action to be slowed. If you have a large tank, it may be necessary to pump it once a year; but, depending on the size of your tank and the quantity of waste you send through the system, you may go two or three years between pumpings. Inquire with your inspector about an approximate guideline for how frequently your tank should be pumped.
…but don’t hire a pumper until you need it
Inspections and pumping should be performed on a regular basis. However, if you’re not afraid of getting your hands dirty, you may verify the sludge level yourself with a gadget known as The Sludge Judge. It ranges in price from $100 to $125 and is commonly accessible on the internet. Once you’ve verified that your tank is one-third full with sludge, you should contact a professional to come out and pump it out completely.
Install an effluent filter in your septic system
Garbage from your home accumulates into three distinct strata. The septic filter is responsible for preventing blockage of the drain field pipes.
Septic tank filter close-up
The septic tank filter is responsible for capturing suspended particles that may otherwise block the drain field pipes. Obtain an effluent filter for your tank from your contractor and place it on the outflow pipe of your tank. (It will most likely cost between $50 and $100, plus labor.) This device, which helps to prevent sediments from entering the drain field, will need to be cleaned out on a regular basis by a contractor to maintain its effectiveness.
Solution for a clogged septic system
The septic tank filter is responsible for capturing suspended particles that may otherwise block the drainage field pipes. Inquire with your contractor about installing an effluent filter on the outflow line from your storage tank. In addition to labor, it will likely cost $50 to $100. In order to prevent sediments from entering the drain field, this device must be cleaned out by a contractor on an as-needed basis.
Get an inspection
Following a comprehensive first check performed by an expert, regular inspections will cost less than $100 each inspection for the next year. Your professional will be able to inform you how often you should get your system inspected as well as how a septic tank functions. As straightforward as a septic system appears, determining its overall condition necessitates the services of a professional. There are a plethora of contractors who would gladly pump the sludge out of your tank, but many, in my experience, are unable to explain how a septic system works or how it should be maintained.
A certification scheme for septic contractors has been established in certain states; check with your state’s Secretary of State’s office to see whether yours is one of them.
Also, a qualified inspector will be able to tell you whether or not your tank is large enough to accommodate your household’s needs, as well as the maximum amount of water that can be passed through it in a single day.
You may be able to boost the performance of your system by using a product such as RID-X to introduce bacteria into the system. As you learn more about how a septic tank works, your professional should be able to tell you whether or not your system will benefit from this treatment.
Alternatives to a new drain field
If an examination or a sewage backup indicate that your drain field is in need of replacement, the only option is to replace it completely. As a result, it’s important to talk with a contractor about other possibilities before proceeding with the project.
- Pipes should be cleaned. A rotating pressure washer, used by a contractor, may be used to clean out the drain septic field pipes. The cost of “jetting” the pipes is generally around $200. Chemicals should be used to clean the system. A commercial solution (not a home-made one) that enhances the quantity of oxygen in the drain field should be discussed with your contractor before installing your new system. Septic-Scrub is a product that I suggest. A normal treatment will cost between $500 and $1,000. Make the soil more pliable. The practice of “terra-lifting,” which involves pumping high-pressure air into several spots surrounding the drain field, is authorized in some regions. Some contractors use it to shatter compacted dirt around the pipes. Depending on the circumstances, this might cost less than $1,000 or as much as $4,000 or more.
Protect your drain septic field from lint
When this device is in place, it inhibits lint from entering the system, especially synthetic fibers that bacteria are unable to digest. One of these filters, which I’ve designed and termed theSeptic Protector, was invented by me. An additional filter is included in the price of around $150 plus delivery. Learn more about how to filter out laundry lint in this article.
Don’t overload the septic system
Reduce the amount of water you use. The volume of water that flows into your tank, particularly over a short period of time, can be reduced to avoid untreated waste from being flushed into your drain field. Replace outdated toilets with low-flow ones, install low-flow showerheads, and, perhaps most importantly, wash laundry throughout the week rather than just on Saturday mornings to save water.
Meet the Expert
Septic systems, according to Jim vonMeier, are the solution to America’s water deficit because they supply cleaned water to depleted aquifers, according to vonMeier. He travels the country lobbying for septic systems, giving lectures, and giving testimony. For septic system inquiries, as well as information on the operation of the septic tank, contact him by email.
