How Do Liquids Leach Directly From A Concrete Septic Tank? (Perfect answer)

• As incoming sewage from the house fills first compartment, clarified liquids are forced to leave the second chamber of the septic tank and flow out to the leach field or leach pit. The typical leach field is a series of chambers or rock filled trenches where effluent is further treated as it slowly percolates through the soil.

How does a septic leach field work?

The drainfield is a shallow, covered, excavation made in unsaturated soil. Pretreated wastewater is discharged through piping onto porous surfaces that allow wastewater to filter though the soil. The soil accepts, treats, and disperses wastewater as it percolates through the soil, ultimately discharging to groundwater.

How does a concrete septic tank work?

Septic tanks work by allowing waste to separate into three layers: solids, effluent and scum (see illustration above). The solids settle to the bottom, where microorganisms decompose them. The middle layer of effluent exits the tank and travels through underground perforated pipes into the drainage field.

What happens to liquid wastewater in a septic tank?

Septic tank systems The liquid portion of the waste is disposed of through a drain field where natural filtering takes place in the soil. In areas where there is a high concentration of septic tanks, it is possible for pathogenic organisms to enter shallow ground waters or nearby surface waters.

Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?

The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.

Can you pour concrete over leach field?

Paving Over Your Septic Tank You should never pave over your septic tank. Although soil compaction is not a major issue for septic tanks, there are other dangers presented by placing an insecure septic tank underneath concrete and heavy vehicles.

How long will a leach field last?

Under normal conditions and good care, a leach-field will last for 50 years or more. Concrete septic tanks are sturdy and reliable but not indestructible.

Are septic tanks always full of water?

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).

Should bath water go into septic tank?

In MOST household septic systems, yes. Probably 98%+ of septic systems receive all of the waste water from the house – tub, shower, sinks, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.

What is the purpose of the first chamber of a two chamber septic tank?

Wastewater enters the first chamber of the tank, allowing solids to settle and scum to float. The settled solids are anaerobically digested, reducing the volume of solids.

How do you fix a saturated leach field?

Additional ways to help keep the soil in your drain field from becoming over-saturated include:

1. Avoid using too many water fixtures in the home at once.
2. Ensure all home gutter downspouts are directed away from the drain field.
3. Don’t point lawn sprinklers toward drain field.

How do you dissolve sludge in a septic tank?

One is to inject air into the tank to try and mix the contents and break down the solids. The more common method is to use a mechanical mixer that acts somewhat like a baking mixer where the contents are mixed until they form a slurry that can be withdrawn by the vacuum pump.

How long does it take for a leach field to dry out?

Except for mound systems, most drainfields are 2 to 4 feet below the ground surface. The groundwater will take time to recede to the level of the bottom of the drainfield. This could happen within a week or two or require a couple of months.

What is an alternative to a leach field?

Sand Filter This is one example of an alternative septic system without a leach field, which makes it compatible with environmentally sensitive areas. In some cases, the treated water can pass directly from the sand filtration system to the soil without needing to flow through more piping to a leach field.

How far apart are leach lines?

The minimum separation between the bottom of any leaching device and seasonally high groundwater shall be: 5 feet where the leaching device is between 50 and 100 feet from a stream, spring, or other waterbody.

What is the difference between a septic tank and a leach field?

The septic tank stores solid waste products that are not reduced to liquid effluent until you have them pumped out and disposed of properly. The leech field is a series of perforated pipes that provide an effective means for disposing of contaminates without endangering animals or contaminating the ground water.

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:

1. 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:

• If you have a septic system, you may already be aware of this fact. Here are some tell-tale indicators that you most likely do, if you don’t already know:

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

Septic System Guide: How It Works and How to Maintain It

As soon as you flush the toilet in most metropolitan locations, the waste is pumped out to the nearest sewage treatment facility. Garbage is processed at this factory, which separates it into two types of waste: water that is clean enough to be dumped into a river and solids known as residual waste. The remaining material is either disposed of in landfill or utilized as fertilizer. Septic systems, which are used in places where there aren’t any sewage treatment plants, provide a similar function, but on a much smaller scale.

What are Septic Tanks and How Do They Work?

Septic tanks are normally composed of concrete or heavyweight plastic and have a capacity of 1000 to 2000 gallons, depending on the manufacturer. In the tank, there are two chambers that are divided by a portion of a wall. The waste from the residence is channeled into the bigger room. Solids sink to the bottom of the chamber, and liquids make their way through a partial wall into the smaller second chamber, which is located above it.

Anaerobic bacteria, which are found naturally in the environment, digest the solids and convert them into water, carbon dioxide, and a tiny amount of indigestible debris.

Septic Fields Distribute Liquid Effluent

The second chamber has an output pipe via which the liquid (known as effluent) from the tank is discharged to a disposal or leach field, depending on the situation. It is drained into the earth by a network of perforated pipes or through perforated plastic structures known as galleries, which are constructed of perforated plastic. It is common practice to lay the pipe or galleries in a bed of gravel, which aids in dispersing the liquid. During the course of the effluent’s percolation through the soil, the soil absorbs remaining bacteria and particles, resulting in water that is safe to drink by the time the water reaches the aquifer deeper down.

• They are not much deeper than that since a large quantity of water escapes through evaporation or is transpired by grass growing above ground.
• If you have sandy soils that drain too rapidly, you may not be able to treat the wastewater properly.
• Sometimes the water cannot be disposed of properly because the natural soils include a high concentration of silt or clay.
• Topsoil and grass are applied to the mound, which allows more water to leave through transpiration and evaporation than would otherwise be possible.

Septic Systems Rely on Gravity, Most of the Time

The majority of septic systems rely on gravity to transfer the liquid from the home to the tank and then to the field where it will be disposed of. However, due to the slope of the land, the tank or the field may need to be higher than the house in some instances. It is necessary to have a pump, or occasionally two pumps, in order for this to operate. A grinder pump, which liquefies sediments and is installed in a pit in the basement or crawlspace of the home, will be used if the tank is higher than the house.

Sewage pumps are essentially large sump pumps that are used for heavy-duty applications.

How to Treat Your Septic System

It is not necessary to do much to keep your septic system in good working order, other than cut the grass above it and keep the drainage area free of trees and plants with roots that may block it.

How Often Do You Need to Pump A Septic Tank?

You should have a septic provider pump out the particles from your tank every two years, at the absolute least. A manhole at the surface of the tank will provide the pump operator access, but older systems may necessitate digging a hole in the tank’s top so the pumping hatch can be exposed. Unless the tank is continuously pumped, sediments will build up in it and ultimately make their way into the leach field, clogging it. You’ll know it’s occurring because untreated effluent will rise to the surface of the tank and back up into the home, causing it to overflow.

It may be necessary to replace the entire field as a result of this. Pumping the tank on a regular basis can ensure that the leach fields continue to work eternally.

What to Do if Your Septic System Fails

Solids should be pumped from the tank around every two years, according to a septic service company. A manhole at the surface of the tank will provide the pump operator access, but older systems may necessitate digging a hole in the tank’s top so the pumping hatch can be revealed. If you don’t get it pumped on a regular basis, the tank will fill with solids, which will ultimately make their way into the leach field and clog it. The untreated effluent will rise to the surface of the tank and back up into your home, which will alert you that this is taking place.

It is possible to maintain leach fields operational indefinitely by regularly pumping the tank.

• The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association’s Septic Locator
• The National Association of Wastewater Technicians
• And the National Association of Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association

It is rare for a homeowner to have to worry about their septic system because it is well-maintained and doesn’t cause problems. Simple maintenance, such as keeping the tank pumped and the lawn trimmed, should result in decades of trouble-free service. What kind of protection do you have in place for your home’s systems and appliances against unforeseen maintenance needs? If this is the case, you might consider purchasing a house warranty.

• It is rare for a homeowner to have to worry about their septic system because it is well-maintained and does not cause any problems. Simple maintenance, such as keeping the tank pumped and the lawn trimmed, should provide years of trouble-free service. What level of protection do you have in place for your home’s systems and appliances against unexpected maintenance needs? If you don’t have one, you should think about getting one.

How a Septic System Works – and Common Problems

This Article Discusses Septic Tanks are a type of septic tank that is used to dispose of waste. Field Sizing and System MaintenanceProblems with the Leach FieldSystem Performance Questions and comments are welcome. See Also: Septic System Frequently Asked Questions Articles on SEPTIC SYSTEM may be found here. In locations where there are no municipal sewage systems, each residence is responsible for treating its own sewage on its own property, which is known as a “on-site sewage disposal system,” or septic system, more popularly.

One of the most commonly seen types of leach field is composed of a series of perforated distribution pipes, each of which is placed in a gravel-filled absorption trench.

SEPTIC TANK

The wastewater is collected in the septic tank once it has been discharged from the residence. Septic tanks are normally between 1,000 and 2,000 gallons in capacity and are composed of concrete, strong plastic, or metal, depending on the model. Highly durable concrete tanks, which should endure for 40 years or more provided they are not damaged, are the most common. Many contemporary tanks are designed with two chambers in order to maximize efficiency. Household wastewater is collected in the septic tank, where it is separated and begins to degrade before being discharged into the leach field.

1. In the tank, oil and grease float to the top of the tank, where they are known as scum, while solid waste falls to the bottom, where they are known as sludge.
2. Bacteria and other microorganisms feed on the sediments at the bottom of the tank, causing them to decompose in an anaerobic (without oxygen) process that begins at the bottom of the tank.
3. Solids and grease must be pushed out of the system on a regular basis in order for it to continue to function effectively.
4. Each gallon added to the tank results in one gallon being discharged to the leach field, leach pit, or other similar treatment facility.

A large amount of water delivered too rapidly to the tank may discharge untreated effluent, along with oil and particulates, into the leach field, where it may block the field and cause a backup.

Leach Field

When used properly, a leach field (also known as a “drain field”) is a series of perforated pipes that are typically buried in gravel trenches 18 to 36 inches below grade — deep enough to avoid freezing, but close enough to the surface that air can reach the bacteria that further purify the effluent (see illustration below). As little as 6 inches might separate you from the ground surface, depending on your soil type and municipal regulations. It is customary to cover the perforated pipes with approximately two inches of gravel and a layer of topsoil that is 18 to 24 inches in depth.

1. Grass is often sown above the ground.
2. The leach field is comprised of rows of perforated pipes in gravel trenches that are used to spread wastewater over a vast area in order to further purify it.
3. A bacteria-rich slime mat forms where the gravel meets the soil, and it is responsible for the majority of the water purification work.
4. Despite the fact that wastewater freezes at a far lower temperature than pure water, freezing is still a hazard in cold areas.
5. The leftover pathogens are converted into essential plant nutrients by these organisms, while sand, gravel, and soil filter out any solids that remain.
6. If the system is operating effectively, the filtered wastewater will return to the aquifer as naturally clean water that is suitable for human consumption at this stage.
7. Alternative systems may be permitted in situations when traditional leach fields are unable to function properly owing to poor soil conditions or a high water table.
8. Special systems may also be necessary in regions where there are flood plains, bodies of water, or other ecologically sensitive areas to protect against flooding.

SIZING THE LEACH FIELD

Using perforated pipes put in gravel-filled trenches, the drain field is sized to accommodate the number of beds in the house. In order for the system to function successfully, the leach field must be appropriately sized for the soil type and amount of wastewater, which is normally determined by the number of bedrooms in the house. In order for the liquid to seep into the soil, it must be permeable enough to do so. As a result, the denser the soil, the larger the leach field that is necessary.

• Better to have surplus capacity in your system than to have it cut too close to the bone.
• Septic tank backup into your house, pooling on the surface of the earth, or polluting local groundwater are all possibilities if the ground is incapable of absorbing the liquid.
• Dense clay soils will not absorb the liquid at a sufficient rate, resulting in a backlog.
• If the soil is mostly composed of coarse sand and gravel, it might drain at such a rapid rate that untreated sewage can poison the aquifer or damage surrounding bodies of water.
• Alternative systems may be permitted in situations when traditional leach fields are unable to function properly owing to poor soil conditions or a high water table.

These systems sometimes cost twice or three times as much as a regular system and require significantly more upkeep. Near flood plains, bodies of water, and other ecologically sensitive places, special systems may also be necessary to protect people and property.

SEPTIC SYSTEM CAREMAINTENANCE REQUIRED

If you take good care of your system, you will be rewarded with years of trouble-free operation. Pumping the septic tank on a regular basis is necessary to remove the particles (sludge) and grease layer (scum) that have built up in the tank. The solids will ultimately overflow and spill into the leach field, decreasing its efficacy and diminishing its lifespan if this is not done. The rehabilitation of a clogged leach field is difficult, if not impossible; thus, constant pumping is essential!

1. Cooking fats, grease, and particles may also wash into the leach field if the tank is too small for the amount of water being used or if the tank is overcrowded on a regular basis.
2. Extra water from excessive residential consumption or yard drainage can overwhelm the system, transporting oil and particles into the leach field and causing it to overflow.
3. In addition, don’t try to complete a week’s worth of laundry for a family of five in a single day.
4. To minimize overburdening the system, the following measures should be taken:

• Distribute your washing loads and other high-water-use activities across the week
• And In the kitchen and bathroom, use low-flow appliances, faucets, and fixtures. Toilets, in general, are the source of the greatest amount of water use. Water should be diverted away from the leach field from the yard, gutters, and basement sump pumps.

In addition, refrain from flushing sediments, strong chemicals, and just about anything else down the toilet or sink other than biological waste and white toilet paper. Avoid using garbage disposals in the kitchen. If you really must have one, keep it for small non-meat bits only. Avoid flushing chemicals or paints down the toilet since many chemicals can destroy beneficial microorganisms or cause water contamination in the surrounding area. Avoid flushing the following down the toilet:

• Grease, fats, and animal scraps
• Paints, thinners, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals
• And a variety of other materials sanitary napkins, tampons, and other supplies Paper towels and disposable diapers are examples of such products. Egg shells, coffee grounds, and nut shells are all good options. Antibacterial soaps and antibiotics are available.

It is preferable to put grass over the leach field and to refrain from driving or parking in the vicinity. Excessive weight placed on top of the drain field might compress the earth, diminishing its efficiency as a drain field. Drain pipes can also become clogged by trees and plants with invasive roots. In order to prevent damage to the leach field, the following measures should be taken:

• Heavy machinery should not be driven, parked, or stored on top of the leach field (or septic tank). Placement of a deck, patio, pool, or any other sort of construction over the leach field is prohibited. Remove any large trees or other plants with deep roots from the leach field. Grass is the most effective groundcover.

Even with careful use and routine maintenance, however, leach fields are not guaranteed to survive indefinitely. It is inevitable that the soil will get saturated with dissolved elements from the wastewater, and that the soil will be unable to absorb any more incoming water. The presence of an odorous wet area over the leach field, as well as plumbing backups in the house, are frequently the first indicators that something is wrong. Many municipalities mandate septic system designs to incorporate a second “reserve drain field” in the case that the first field fails.

A well constructed and maintained system should last for at least 20 to 30 years, if not longer than that. After a few tears, the initial field will naturally heal and may be used once again when the situation calls for it to be. More information on Septic System Maintenance may be found here.

SEPTIC SYSTEM PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS

Poor original design, abuse, or physical damage, such as driving heavy trucks over the leach field, are the root causes of the majority of septic system issues. The following are examples of common situations that might cause a septic system to operate poorly: Plumbing in the home. obstructed or insufficient plumbing vents, a blockage between the home and the septic tank, or an insufficient pitch in the sewer line leading from the house are all possible causes. Sewage tank to leach field connection Septic tank and leach field blockage caused by a closed or damaged tank outlet, a plugged line leading to the leach field caused by tree roots, or a blockage caused by sediments that overflowed from the tank Piping in the leach field.

1. Most of the time, tree roots do not make their way through the gravel bed and into the perforated pipe.
2. Reduced flows, achieved through the use of flow restrictors and low-flow faucets and fixtures, may be beneficial.
3. Because of the seasonal high water table, the soil around the trenches might get saturated, reducing the soil’s ability to absorb wastewater.
4. This may frequently be remedied by adding subsurface drains or curtain drains to intercept the water flow into the leach field region and to lower the water table in the immediate area around the drainage system.
5. Likewise, see: In order to do a perc test, who should I hire?
6. Is It Possible for Septic Systems to Last a Lifetime?
7. Performing an Inspection on a Septic System When Is the Best Time to Take a Perc Test?
8. Examination of the WellSEPTIC SYSTEMView allSEPTIC SYSTEMarticles Return to the top of the page

Everything you need to know about your old cesspool

Acresspool, also known as a sump pit or a soakaway, is a hole in the ground enclosed by cement, stone, concrete, brick, or other material that is used to collect wastewater from a home or other structure. The material used to construct the pit wall may be perforated to enable wastewater to seep in from the sides in some instances. Cesspools, in other words, serve as a temporary holding facility for wastewater until it is absorbed into the earth. Originally, there was no connection between them and a septic tank.

In this case, the wastewater was discharged straight into the pit.

Solids and liquids could not be separated because they lacked a separation mechanism.

They also filled up far more fast and required more frequent emptying than other types of containers.

All of these considerations explain why sumps are no longer constructed on new construction sites. If, on the other hand, you purchase a house that was built decades ago, you may discover a cesspool.

How does a cesspool work?

As we have seen, the walls are constructed of a variety of materials, but they all have the characteristic of not being totally waterproof, allowing water to leak through. Wastewater will leak into the pit from the bottom and likely through the sides as well. Most cesspools are also equipped with a septic tank. Solids are held back in the septic tank so that they don’t build up in the pit where they should not. The septic tank, not the cesspit, is the one that has to be pumped out on a regular schedule.

How to know if you have a cesspool on your property

Cesspools were added in residences that were constructed before the year 1970. As a result, if your house is newer than that, it is quite improbable that you have one. This is due to government laws prohibiting the installation of sump pumps on new construction sites beginning in the 1970s. If you are unclear about the age of your property or whether or not you have a cesspit or a drainfield, you may look up the information on your certificate of location.

Why were cesspools banned for new properties?

Previously used cesspools that were not linked to a septic tank were hazardous to the environment and blocked up in a short period of time. Because the wastewater was not treated prior to disposal, it ended up in the ground. A single location was used to collect and treat wastewater. Wetland runoff was far more likely to pollute the artesian well, the water table, and other surface waterways than dryland runoff. This has a variety of negative consequences for public health, as well as other unfavorable environmental consequences.

The absorption area, on the other hand, was quite restricted, and black sludge (biomat) built extremely rapidly.

This makes it much easier for the effluent to be treated as it infiltrates the receiving soil and before it reaches the groundwater.

How to know if you have a failed cesspool

A cesspool does not have to be entirely clogged for you to notice that it is no longer operating correctly, contrary to common perception. Despite the fact that this is one of the most evident symptoms, it is conceivable that the soakaway pit is still collecting wastewater despite the fact that it is no longer in perfect operating condition. When checking your cesspool, there are a few things you should look for.

• Most noticeable indicator of a malfunctioning sump is when it becomes overflowing and cannot retain any more wastewater (whether it is on the ground or within the home). This occurs when a stream, wetland, or drinking water well gets contaminated as a result of the pit’s operation. There is a problem when the liquid level in the septic tank is greater than the drain line that is linked to the cesspool. When the bottom of the sump dips lower than the water table, the sump effluent comes into direct contact with the groundwater (this is extremely hazardous and should be avoided at all costs)

A failed cesspool will contaminate the environment and may encourage the spread of viruses that cause a variety of ailments. Any indication of a system failure should be taken extremely seriously, and corrective action should be performed as soon as possible. Our recommendation is for a shock treatment, which is a means of injecting billions of bacteria into a cesspit by adding biological ingredients to the mixture. The bacteria will aid in the digestion of organic waste, allowing the system to return to its ideal functioning state as a result.

Should I replace my cesspool with a leaching bed?

Because it is a grandfathered right, the government will allow you to maintain your old cesspool as long as it is not harming the environment.

It will be your obligation, however, to guarantee that the sump pit does not pollute groundwater in any manner. Having said that, it may be necessary to replace your old cesspool with a new septic system if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Your pit must be no more than 200 feet (or less) from a public water well, body of water, or any other source of drinking water. If your cesspool feeds non-residential facilities or if your house is converted into a multi-family housing, you may be required to install a septic system. If your cesspool overflows and pollutes the environment, contact a professional immediately.

How much does it cost to replace the cesspool?

The cost of replacing a cesspool with a new septic system is between $10,000 and $30,000 Canadian dollars. Sumps cannot be replaced with standard septic systems in all cases, though. It may be essential to build an advanced treatment system on tiny properties or those that are close to wells or other bodies of water. To further diminish the presence of fecal coliforms, you may need to employ a tertiary treatment system that includes a UV light. Advanced systems treat the system at a deeper level than standard systems.

You will be advised by an engineer on the sort of septic system that is most appropriate for your property.

Conclusion

If your home was constructed before to the 1970s, there is a good probability that you have a cesspool on your property. As long as the sump is located a reasonable distance away from a drinking water source (at least 200 feet) and is not harming the environment, you should have no need to be concerned. Of course, you must be vigilant in monitoring your system and ensuring that it is properly maintained in order to avoid any type of malfunction. In any case, it’s a good idea to prepare for the replacement of your old cesspool with a new septic system, which will provide better treatment of your sewage.

septic system — Butte County Septic — Magneson Tractor Service Inc.

Welcome to the World Wide Web! This is the location where messages propagate rapidly, regardless of their legitimacy. However, this was occurring long before the advent of the internet, through the basic medium of word of mouth. With the abundance of information available and flowing, it can be difficult to discern between realities and urban legends. We’ve chosen to put the record straight on a few common misconceptions concerning septic tanks and systems in order to help others from making the same mistakes.

Starting With a New Septic Systems Requires Seeding

What exactly is seeding? It does exactly what it says on the tin: it assists your system and bacteria in growing by providing “seeds,” or in this case organic material. Also, we’ve heard of everything under the sun, including flushing a whole pound of yeast, manure, worms, and other such methods of waste disposal. This is a fallacy! Your septic system does not require your assistance to get up and running. Simply said, the system must be followed. You have enough “seeding” powers in your human waste to get it started.

This takes us to the second myth we’ll look at.

Additives Keep Old Systems Running Great

You’ve undoubtedly heard someone make this assertion. Do you have an outdated system or a system that isn’t performing as efficiently as it should? Just add a few ingredients and you’re done! However, the idea that septic additives can perform miracles is a fallacy. Septic tanks that are properly balanced do not require any assistance. Some septic treatments that are commercially available either include corrosive pesticides that can cause harm to the bacterial colonies in your system or are pricey yeast extracts that are not effective (yes, like the stuff used to make bread).

This is especially useful if your family uses a lot of antibacterial and bleach-based products, which is something you should avoid, but that’s a topic for another discussion.

The presence of these beneficial bacteria can only aid in the maintenance of a healthy system; thus, if you are still experiencing problems, it is time to call in a professional for an examination, pumping, or potential repair.

Pump Your Septic Tank every 5-7 years

A typical family may fill a septic tank to operational level in less than a week, without having to make any changes to their ordinary water usage. It is not necessary to pump the septic tank just because it is full or has reached a specific age. Simply let your healthy system to carry out its functions. In reality, as long as your tank is sized adequately for your home and your property is kept in good condition, your system will continue to break down and handle waste for many more years than you may expect.

Prior to booking a pumping appointment, you should always get your system examined.

There are a few situations in which you should refrain from pumping your tank, but we’ll cover those in more detail in a future blog article.

Once Installed, Septic Tanks Take Care of Themselves

Yes, this is correct! In conjunction with their biological processes and gravity flows, septic systems and tanks handle the majority of the job with little assistance from the homeowner. Because they are buried, they are readily forgotten. Despite the fact that you may not be required to take immediate action, your behaviors will have an impact on the overall health of your septic system.

You’ll Only Need One Septic System

In most cases, septic systems will not survive a lifetime. With adequate care and maintenance, systems can endure for 25 to 30 years on average. If you want your system to last as long as possible, learning how to do regular maintenance is priority number one. However, there are certain fallacies about septic systems that need to be dispelled. Understanding which stories are factual and which are nothing more than old wives’ tales can be difficult. Do you have any questions regarding some of the advice you’ve received?

Do you have a disturbing myth that you would want us to investigate?

Understanding and Maintaining Mound Systems

Many years have passed since septic tanks with gravity flow drainfields were first installed in places that were not served by municipal sewers. Not all soil and site conditions, however, are well suited for the use of these basic methods. Non-standard sewage treatment systems are frequently employed to preserve human health and water quality in regions where regular sewage treatment systems are unable to provide safe sewage treatment. A mound system is a form of non-standard system that delivers the following benefits:

• Cycles for dosing and resting
• Uniform dispersion of effluent a level of sewage treatment that is known
• An increase in the distance that wastewater must travel before it reaches groundwater

The following information will assist you in better understanding your mound system and ensuring that it continues to operate properly and at the lowest feasible cost.

A typical mound system is composed of three functional components:

• The sewage treatment plant
• The pump chamber as well as the pump
• The mound, as well as the land designated for its replacement

The Septic Tank

A typical septic tank is a huge, dual-chambered subterranean container composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene that collects and treats waste. All of the waste water from your home is channeled into the tank. Heavy materials sink to the bottom of the tank, where they are partially decomposed by bacterial activity. The majority of the lighter substances, such as grease and oils, rise to the surface and form a scum layer on the surface of the water. A liquid layer lies between the solid layers and travels from one chamber to another as it goes through the system.

Despite the fact that it has been partially treated, it still includes disease-causing germs as well as several other contaminants.

Proper Care Includes:

1. A typical septic tank is a big, dual-chambered underground container constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene that is buried underneath the ground. The tank is filled with wastewater from your residence. In the absence of oxygen, heavy materials sink to the bottom of the tank, where they are partially decomposed by bacterial activity. Grease and oils are among the lighter materials that rise to the surface and create a layer known as a scum layer. In between the solid levels, there is a liquid layer that moves from one chamber to the next. Exfluent is the term used to describe the wastewater that exits the septic tank. There is still disease-causing bacteria and other contaminants in the water, despite the fact that it has been largely cleansed. The wastewater is transported to the pump chamber by gravity from the tank.

The Pump Chamber

The standard septic tank is a big, dual-chambered subterranean container composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. The tank receives wastewater from your residence. Heavy sediments sink to the bottom of the pond, where they are partially decomposed by bacterial activity. The majority of the lighter materials, such as grease and oils, rise to the surface and create a scum layer on the water’s surface. In between the solid layers, there is a liquid layer that moves from one chamber to another.

It has been partially treated, but it still includes disease-causing germs and other contaminants.

Proper Care Includes:

1. The standard septic tank is a big dual-chambered subterranean container composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. The tank receives waste water from your residence. Heavy materials sink to the bottom of the tank, where bacterial activity partially decomposes them. The majority of the lighter materials, such as grease and oils, rise to the surface and create a scum layer. A liquid layer lies between the solid layers and moves from one chamber to another. The effluent produced by a septic tank is a clear, watery liquid. Although it has been partially treated, it still contains disease-causing germs and other contaminants. The effluent from the tank is transported to the pump chamber by gravity.

The Mound

A typical septic tank is a huge, dual-chambered subterranean container composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene that collects and treats waste. All of the waste water from your home is channeled into the tank. Heavy materials sink to the bottom of the tank, where they are partially decomposed by bacterial activity. The majority of the lighter substances, such as grease and oils, rise to the surface and form a scum layer on the surface of the water. A liquid layer lies between the solid layers and travels from one chamber to another as it goes through the system.

Despite the fact that it has been partially treated, it still includes disease-causing germs as well as several other contaminants.

Proper Care Includes:

1. Knowing where your system and replacement area are, and making sure they are protected, are essential. Before you plant a garden, erect a structure, or install a pool, double-check the position of your system and the area designated for replacement
2. Practicing water conservation and balancing your water consumption throughout the week will help to prevent the system from being overburdened. The greater the amount of wastewater produced, the greater the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed. Diversion of rainwater away from the mound and replacement area from surfaces such as roofs, driveways, patios, and sidewalks. The whole mound has been graded to allow for water drainage. Structures, ditches, and roadways should be placed far enough away from the mound so that water circulation from the mound is not impeded. Keeping traffic away from the mound and replacement area, including as automobiles, heavy equipment, and cattle is essential. The pressure might compress the earth or cause damage to the pipes, for example. Creating an appropriate landscape for your mound. It is not recommended to cover your mound or replacement area with impermeable materials. Construction materials such as concrete or plastic restrict evaporation and the delivery of air to the soil, both of which are necessary for effective wastewater treatment. For the mound, grass is the ideal cover
3. Inspecting the mound and downslope areas for smells, damp spots, or surface sewer on an ongoing basis. Check the liquid level in your mound system’s inspection pipes on a regular basis to verify if the liquid level is consistently more than 6 inches. This might be a warning sign of a potential issue. For help, contact the Division of Environmental Health of the County of Humboldt.

What If The Alarm Goes On?

If the effluent level within the pump chamber reaches the alarm float for any reason (faulty pump, floats, circuit, excessive water usage, or another problem), the alarm light and buzzer will illuminate. By conserving water (avoid baths, showers, and clothes washing), the reserve storage in the pump chamber should provide you with enough time to have the problem resolved before the next water bill arrives.

To turn off the alarm, press the reset button on the alarm panel’s front panel. Before contacting a service or repair company, determine whether the problem might be caused by:

1. A tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse are examples of this. The pump should be on a separate circuit with its own circuit breaker or fuse to prevent overloading. A piece of equipment can cause the breakers to trip if it’s connected to the same circuit as another piece of equipment
2. A power cord that has become disconnected from a pump or float switch. Ensure that the switch and pump connectors make excellent contact with their respective outlets if the electrical connection is of the plug-in variety. Affixed to other chamber components such as the electric power wire, hoisting rope, or pump screen, the control floats become entangled. Make certain that the floats are free to move about in the chamber. Debris on the floats and support cable is causing the pump to trip the circuit breaker. Remove the floats from the chamber and thoroughly clean them.

CAUTION: Before touching the pump or floats, always switch off the power at the circuit breaker and unhook any power cables from the system. Entering the pump room is strictly prohibited. The gases that build up inside pump chambers are toxic, and a shortage of oxygen can be deadly. After completing the measures outlined above, contact your pump service person or on-site system contractor for assistance in locating the source of the problem. Pumps and other electrical equipment should only be serviced or repaired by someone who has previous experience.

3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES

By Admin on November 12, 2020 Your efforts to live as environmentally conscious as possible, as a responsible homeowner, are likely already underway, with practices such as recycling, composting, and purchasing energy-efficient equipment among your list of accomplishments. As a septic tank owner, you want to be sure that anything you put into your tank and septic field is causing the least amount of ground contamination as is reasonably practicable. Fortunately, there are a number of modest improvements you can do immediately to make your septic system even more ecologically friendly than it already is.

Have your septic tank inspected and pumped on a regular basis.

A bigger septic tank with only a couple of people living in your house, for example, will not require pumping as frequently as a smaller septic tank or as a septic tank that must manage the waste products of multiple family members will require.

When in doubt about how often to pump your septic tank, consult with a professional for advice.

In addition to locating and repairing any damage, a professional can ensure that the septic field is in good working order and that your septic tank is functional, large enough to handle your family’s waste, and not causing any unwanted pollution in nearby ground water.

Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet or down the toilet.

Items that are not biodegradable are unable to properly decompose in the septic tank and might cause the system to get clogged.

In addition to causing issues in your house, septic system backups can damage ground water in the area surrounding your septic field.

Towels made of paper Products for feminine hygiene Grease or fats are used in cooking.

grinds from a cup of coffee Even if you have a trash disposal, the food scraps that you flush down the drain and bring into your septic system may cause unanticipated harm to your plumbing system.

Food scraps can enhance the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wastewater, which can disturb the natural bacterial balance of the septic tank, among other things.

Water conservation should be practiced.

Exceedingly large amounts of water use will interfere with the normal flow of wastewater from your home into your septic tank.

Limiting the amount of time you spend in the shower and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, as well as purchasing a smaller dishwasher and washing machine that use less water, are all simple strategies to reduce water use in your home.

The following are some basic steps you can take to make your septic system more ecologically friendly: save water, maintain your septic system and tank, and recycle wastewater. To get answers to any of your septic tank-related issues, get in touch with the experts at Upstate Septic Tank, LLC.