How Does An Old Septic Tank Work? (Solved)

How does a septic tank work? Septic tanks, whether they are single or multi-chambered, utilise the simple process of gravity to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste that flows into it from your property. The lighter solids in the waste, along with oil and grease, float to the surface and form a “scum” layer.

  • The “older” wastewater flows out of the septic tank and into your drainfield – a septic system’s second major component. The drainfield is made up of a series of gravel-filled trenches and perforated pipes buried underground.

How do you know if your septic tank needs to be replaced?

5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Septic System

  1. Age of the System. It’s pretty common for a septic system to last 40 years or longer, which means if you buy a new home, you might never need to replace it.
  2. You’ve Outgrown the System.
  3. Slow Drains.
  4. Standing Water in the Yard.
  5. Nearby Contaminated Water Sources.

Can you leave an old septic tank in the ground?

Tanks can be completely removed or they can be destroyed and buried in place. The decision depends on if you plan to use the land for something else, such as a home addition or pool, and need the remains of the tank out of the way.

How were old septic systems built?

Many of the first septic tanks were concrete tanks that were formed out of wood and poured in place in the ground and covered with a concrete lid or often some type of lumber. In the 1960s, precast concrete tanks became more prevalent as the standard of practice improved.

Can you sell a house with an old septic tank?

If you’re selling a property with a septic tank, then you must be transparent with buyers about the fact the property uses a one and provide a detailed specification of the system. In fact, You are required by law to inform a buyer in writing about the presence of a septic tank.

How long can a septic tank go without being pumped?

You can wait up to 10 years to drain your tank provided that you live alone and do not use the septic system often. You may feel like you can pump your septic tank waste less frequently to save money, but it’ll be difficult for you to know if the tank is working properly.

How long should a septic system last?

Septic System Basics Because it is expensive to replace a septic system, proper maintenance is important. The more proactive you are in maintaining your system, the longer it will last. In fact, septic tanks can last as long as 30 years or more.

Should old septic tanks be removed?

It is important to properly abandon un-used septic tanks, cesspools, or drywells. If an old septic tank, cesspool, or drywell is simply “left alone” there may be very serious cave-in or fall-in safety hazards.

What does a buried septic tank look like?

Septic tanks are typically rectangular in shape and measure approximately 5 feet by 8 feet. 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.

What are old septic tanks made of?

Septic tanks are made from steel, concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Steel tanks tend to rust, have a shorter service life, and are only found in older systems. Concrete tanks are durable, but occasionally can crack and leak wastewater.

What are old septic systems called?

The original pit remained as the part of the system that returned “clarified” wastewater to the ground. It now became known as a drywell. Sometimes due to heavy use, poor soil conditions, age of the system or a combination of these factors, the drywell still plugged up.

What are the 3 types of septic systems?

Types of Septic Systems

  • Septic Tank.
  • Conventional System.
  • Chamber System.
  • Drip Distribution System.
  • Aerobic Treatment Unit.
  • Mound Systems.
  • Recirculating Sand Filter System.
  • Evapotranspiration System.

When did septic tanks become plastic?

By the 1940s, septic systems were common from coast to coast, and by the 1960s, when these systems began failing, significant improvements to the overall design were developed. Today, most modern septic systems feature more advanced materials, including fiberglass, precast concrete, polyurethane, and other plastics.

What are the new rules on septic tanks?

According to new regulations passed in 2015, if your septic tank discharges to surface water such as a ditch, stream, canal or river, you will have to upgrade your system to a sewage treatment plant or install a soakaway system by 1 January 2020.

Do septic tanks lower property value?

The research shows that having a septic system as opposed to a standard sewage system does not increase or decrease the value of your home, although there are some things about that septic system that can affect resale.

Who is responsible for septic tank?

Homeowners. If you’re an owner-occupier and your property has a septic tank, it’s very straightforward: you are fully responsible for your septic tank. If there are any issues with it, it is up to you to fix them.

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

If your septic system becomes clogged and you find yourself having to clean the filter on a regular basis, you might be tempted to simply remove the filter altogether. Hold on to it. Solids, wastewater, and scum are separated into three levels in septic tanks, which allows them to function properly (see illustration above). Solids sink to the bottom of the container, where microbes breakdown them. The scum, which is made up of trash that is lighter than water, rises to the surface. In the drainage field, the middle layer of effluent leaves the tank and goes through an underground network of perforated pipes to the drainage field.

  1. Keep the effluent filter in place since it is required by your state’s health law.
  2. Waste particles might flow through the filter and clog the perforated pipes if the filter is not used.
  3. Your filter, on the other hand, should not require cleaning every six months.
  4. A good chance is high that you’re flushing filter-clogging things down the toilet, such as grease, fat, or food scraps.
  5. A garbage disposal will not be able to break down food particles sufficiently to allow them to flow through the septic tank filtration system.
  6. Plastic items, disposable diapers, paper towels, nonbiodegradable goods, and tobacco products will clog the system if they are flushed through it.

For additional information on what should and should not be flushed down the toilet, contact your local health authority. More information on removing lint from your laundry may be found here.

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.

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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.

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.

  • 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. A contractor should be consulted about alternative possibilities because the costs might be quite expensive.

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.

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

As a result of its ability to supply filtered water to depleted aquifers, Jim vonMeier believes that septic systems are the solution to America’s water deficit.

As an advocate for septic systems around the country, he speaks at conferences, gives lectures, and appears in court. For septic system inquiries, as well as information on the operation of the septic tank, contact him through email or letter.

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. When the amount of effluent in the pit reaches a specific level, a float activates a switch, which then activates the pump, which empties the pit.

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.

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

Pumps in a pumped septic system will ultimately fail, just as they will in any mechanical system. Most pumps are equipped with an alarm that sounds when the effluent level in the pit is greater than it should be, indicating that the pump has failed and has to be replaced. This is a job that should be left to the professionals. Visit the following website to locate a trusted list of installation and septic system service companies in your area:

  • 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.

  • Home Warranty Coverage for Roof Leaks
  • Septic Warranty Coverage and Costs
  • And more. Plans for protecting your mobile home’s warranty
  • What Is Home Repair Insurance and How Does It Work? How to Find the Most Reasonably Priced Home Appliance Insurance

Caring for Septic Systems

However, while it may appear that maintaining a septic system is more difficult than maintaining a sewer system, it is just a little amount of effort to avoid big repair or replacement expenditures in the future. Photograph courtesy of Josh Reynolds Is it possible for you to explain what happens when you flush the toilet? In a metropolis, people seldom give the question much attention because their wastes are normally channeled via a central sewage system and then to a wastewater treatment facility.

  1. Because a breakdown in their system might have serious consequences for their property and possibly contaminate their drinking water, they must pay close attention to what is happening.
  2. As a result, it is completely up to you to ensure that your system is properly cared for and maintained.
  3. Cesspools are enormous vaults made of brick, stone, or concrete in which solids can collect and settle.
  4. A privy is a simple structure built over a hole in the ground that may be relocated once it has been filled.
  5. Anaerobic bacteria break down organic waste in septic tanks, which function as reservoirs for the bacteria.
  6. Plastic is being used in the manufacture of newer tanks (as illustrated above).
  7. Wastes are transported from the toilet, sink, shower, or washer to the septic tank through the indoor plumbing system.
  8. The tank is located underground.
  9. Solid wastes disintegrate over time as a result of anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that can survive in the absence of oxygen).
  10. If any liquid leaks out of a tank, it is distributed to the ground via disposal beds, which are perforated or open-jointed pipes buried in shallow, gravel-filled ditches.

Although the liquid has reached this condition, it still includes a huge amount of hazardous bacteria and organic materials. In order for the liquid to reach underground water supplies, it must first pass through the soil and be absorbed.

Why Do Septic Systems Fail?

It is inevitable that solids will accumulate in the septic tank due to the fact that the pace of decomposition is far slower than the rate at which the system is adding new sewage. Some substances, on the other hand, will never disintegrate at all. Furthermore, the fats and oils that build in the scum layer accumulate at a higher pace than the rate of breakdown, resulting in a scum layer. The scum layer is held in place by baffles in the tank. Scum can get into the disposal pipes through broken baffles, blocking them and making the disposal system malfunction.

  • All of these items will not degrade, and they may have the effect of killing the “good bacteria” or just clogging the tank’s drainage system.
  • The main issues with older systems are the degradation of components (especially tank baffles) and the clogging of laterals (pipes in the leach field).
  • These, which are made of ceramic pipes or concrete blocks, are susceptible to cracking or deterioration over time.
  • In the past, pipes were often composed of ceramics or tar paper composites, which had a lifespan of 20 to 30 years if used properly.

Maintaining Your Septic System

The disposal field (also known as the leaching bed) is set out in the shape of a pitchfork on level ground. The leaching bed may zig-zag downwards in areas where the home is situated on a rise. Many homeowners, particularly those who live in older homes, are unsure about the exact location of their tank and field in relation to their home. It is critical that you identify the location of the tank since it will ultimately require service. First, locate the pumpout and observation openings on the equipment.

  1. To gently probe the soil for the tank and distribution box, you can also use a slender steel rod with a 1/8-inch diameter to gently probe the earth.
  2. Once you’ve located the tank, look for the dumping field, which is normally accessible by a distribution box fanning from it.
  3. Please be aware that identifying the laterals can be difficult—in fact, in some situations even septic professionals have problems locating all of the components of the system.
  4. The most important thing to remember is to empty your tank on a regular basis.
  5. Depending on the size of the tank and the number of people that it serves, the frequency will vary.
  6. A septic tank requires cleaning on average every three to five years if it is used and cared for correctly (more if you use a sink-mounted garbage disposal unit).
  7. Expect to spend around $200 for each pumpout, depending on the size of the tank and your geographic location.

In addition, while the tank is open, the technician can inject some water into the distribution box to obtain an idea of how effectively the leach field is performing.

Additionally, even just glancing into the tank, you should use caution.

Depending on the tree, roots can grow up to 30′ to 40′ from the base of the tree and burst or dislodge the distribution box, connecting pipes, and laterals.

Don’t even think of driving cars or heavy equipment over the dumping area.

Because of this, solids will ascend to the top of the tank and block the laterals, overloading the tank.

Installing water-saving toilets and showerheads is one technique to limit the quantity of water that enters the system.

Don’t attach sump pumps to your septic system until you’ve fixed any leaky toilets and faucets.

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After being clogged with sediments or having their integrity compromised by tree roots or automobiles, laterals begin to collapse.

Cooking oils, fats, and grease should not be poured down the kitchen sink drain.

Please do not flush non-biodegradable things such as disposable diapers, clumps of cat litter, filtered cigarettes, feminine hygiene products or plastic tampon applicators, paper towels, condoms, or other similar materials.

These chemicals have the potential to harm beneficial microorganisms in the tank and the soil, as well as pollute groundwater supplies.

None of these goods has been shown to be of considerable benefit in terms of enhancing performance or preventing failures.

Many over-the-counter septic system cleaning products include chemicals that are potentially harmful and are not biodegradable, as is the case with many household products.

Experts advise against using cleansers that contain sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or hydrogen peroxide.

Use of any product containing toxic chemicals in excess of one percent by weight is prohibited, including trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, methylene chloride, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, napthalene, trichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, acrolein, acrylonitrile, and benzidine.

How To Tell If Your System Is Failing

It is set out in the shape of a pitchfork on flat ground, and it is used for disposal. The leaching bed may zig-zag downhill if the home is built on a hillside. Many homeowners, particularly those who live in older homes, are unsure about the exact location of their tank and field in relation to their home’s foundation. When it comes to finding the tank, it’s critical since it will ultimately require maintenance. Begin by locating the pumpout and inspection ports. Look for a manhole, whether it’s on the surface or underground, or a riser pipe that’s slightly above the level of the earth.

  1. You may need to engage an expert to locate the tank if you can’t discover it on your own.
  2. Afterwards, draw a map depicting both of these characteristics in a convenient location.
  3. It is possible to conduct a dye test to determine the location of failures, although this procedure may not be accurate enough to specify the exact position of the laterals.
  4. Solids accumulate in the tank if it is not cleaned regularly, eventually spilling into the disposal field and obstructing the flow of fluids.
  5. To evaluate the rate of accumulation of sludge and scum on the tank bottom, it is recommended that tanks be inspected at least once every two years.
  6. Nevertheless, if septic tanks are properly maintained, they may last for up to five years in most circumstances.
  7. If feasible, request that the service professional inspect the tank baffles before to signing the contract.

One word of caution: because septic tanks accumulate harmful gases, they should never be entered.

If you’re going to dispose of waste, don’t grow any trees or shrubs near the site.

Planting grass in the disposal field is the most effective kind of vegetative cover.

Inspect the inside of the house for excessive water.

During the disposal process, excessive water may cause hydraulic overloading, which lowers the amount of water that may percolate into the soil.

Rather than doing dishes and laundry all at once or twice a week, try to spread them out throughout the week.

Trenches of gravel are used to support the disposal fields, which are located close below ground level.

Be cautious about the items you put into the system because they might cause problems.

Avoid utilizing a trash disposal that is placed under the sink.

Never flush dangerous chemicals such as old motor oil, paints (oil- or water-based), varnishes, photographic solutions, pesticides, insecticides, paint thinners, or solvents down the toilet or down the sink or toilet.

It’s also best to avoid biological additions, such as yeast or enzymes from a shop.

If the cleanser contains harmful ingredients, avoid using it on your septic system.

While these chemicals may be effective in unclogging a clogged disposal pipe, they have the potential to damage drinking water and groundwater supplies.

Use of any product containing toxic chemicals in excess of 1 percent by weight is prohibited, including trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, methylene chloride, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, napthalene, trichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, acrolein, acrylonitrile, and benzidine.

What To Do If The System Fails

If you have any reason to believe that your system is failing, contact your local health department. In addition, you should seek the services of a skilled septic system installer. Then collaborate with both of these parties to build a strategy for moving forward. It is not unusual to find a septic system that is either underdesigned for the current level of use required by the residents, incorrectly placed, or at a position that will no longer sustain the sort of system that is already installed in an older home.

While a new septic system installation can be expensive (usually between $4,000 and $10,000), a properly operating septic system is critical to the running of your home as well as the health and safety of you and your loved ones.

As with so many other aspects of an old property, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to septic systems.

Evolution Of The Septic System

In the beginning, when man desired some solitude and shelter from the weather while performing his “chores,” he dug a hole in the ground, lined it with stone, brick, wood, or any other available material, and erected a “outhouse” on top of it. Gravity was responsible for transporting the garbage to its final resting spot. Eventually, if the hole became too large, the outhouse was relocated to a new place. With the creation of the flush toilet by Thomas Crapper, man was finally able to do his household responsibilities in the comfort of his own home.

  1. He connected the pipe to the pit that supplied the outhouse and covered the hole to keep the odor under control and to prevent the neighbor’s dogs and children from falling into the pit and drowning.
  2. It soon became apparent that thecesspoolcouldn’t always manage the additional strain caused by the wastewater in addition to the garbage.
  3. The term “septic tank” was used to describe this treatment chamber.
  4. Because it was the component of the system that returned “clarified” wastewater to the earth, the old pit remained in place.
  5. Because of extensive use, bad soil conditions, the age of the system, or any combination of the foregoing, the drywell may get blocked from time to time.
  6. It is common practice to build a second (or third, or fourth) drywell following a first drywell in order to expand the soil absorption area.
  7. In later years, as mankind grew more concerned with safeguarding the environment, it was discovered that many septic systems were installed too deeply into the earth.
  8. According to New Hampshire laws, any leaching element of a septic system (the part that returns water to the earth) must be at least four feet above the seasonal high-water table in order to function properly.
  9. Around the same time, the majority of installers made the changeover from the old-fashioned steel septic tanks to the newer, presumably more durable concrete septic tanks (shown here).
  10. To bring wastewater up to thesemound systems, it is now necessary to build pumps in many situations.
  11. The likelihood is that you have a blueprint accessible that shows you the sort of system you have and its location if you have a reasonably new system that incorporates one of these current advancements.

Using the Troubleshooting Guide that comes with the system should assist you in determining what sort of system you have and also what is wrong with it if you are experiencing a problem. Good luck, and go to work on troubleshooting.

Caring For An Older Septic System

The location may be atop a mountainside, viewing a valley below that twists out into hazy distance, or it could be in the middle of a forest. Alternatively, it may be tucked away below a canopy of trees, with leaves spreading over the ancient roof like a comforter. Another possibility is that the house is just a plain-Jane house in the city suburbs (which, let’s face it, is probably more plausible). I’m not the kind to pass judgment. Whatever the situation may be, whatever your future house may be, if it is older, it will require some special loving attention.

In fact, it is arguably more critical now than it was before.

No way, not at all!

That is, assuming you take the necessary precautions to ensure that your septic system is 1) in good working order to begin with and 2) properly maintained on a daily basis.

Buying A House With An Old Septic System

Hold on a minute! It is necessary to purchase a home before you can change anything with your existing septic system. Prior to doing so, you must inspect your septic system to see how well it is doing. For all practical reasons, this is the point at which the task of maintaining a septic system begins. Overall, you’ll want to completely grasp the health of your older septic system when you first acquire the house if you want to take the best possible care of it later on. And, without wishing to be dismissive of older septic systems, some of the most severely deteriorated or damaged septic systems are just beyond repair.

However, it should be noted that some older septic systems may still have a significant amount of life left in them.

So, how do you know for sure whether anything is true?

When purchasing a new house (regardless of its age), it is vitally critical to have the septic system properly evaluated.

Failing System Tip-Offs

When assessing an older septic system, there are a few warning signals you and your professional inspector should be on the lookout for (or on the sniff-out) for:

  1. In the home, there are slow drains and/or difficulty flushing the toilets
  2. Flooding into the house
  3. Pipes that gurgle and groan
  4. Noxious aromas emanating from the septic tank or leach field, or even stagnant water

All of these are warning indications of approaching septic system failure, so if the older house you’re considering purchasing has any of these issues, you might want to consider looking elsewhere. You may also negotiate the remedy into the purchase price of the home if you see any of these problems, reducing the price down sufficiently to compensate for the repairs or replacement of the septic system. Nonetheless, if, following the examination, you are still unclear about the condition of your septic system, there are some more actions you may take.

  1. He or she may be able to reach the leach field of an older septic system by feeding the camera via the distribution box and into the laterals of the laterals of the system.
  2. People who had their lateral lines jetted by a plumber have come forward on rare occasions, and we’ve received reports of this as well.
  3. So, what exactly is the point?
  4. Because, let’s face it, buying an older property and having to immediately rebuild the septic system for upwards of ten thousand dollars would be the very last thing I would want.

If you have your heart set on purchasing a property with septic difficulties, make sure you negotiate the sale price to include enough money to pay the cost of the repairs.

How to Care For an Older System

After getting all of the background information out of the way, we can get down to the meat of the matter: how do you care for an older septic system on a day-to-day basis? This is true even when a system is decades old: your activities may either prolong its life or hasten its eventual extinction. There is no time constraint. Nonetheless, by following the recommended maintenance procedures for your older equipment, you may significantly extend its life. It boils down to this: if you want to extend the life of an older system, you’ll need to take extra excellent care of it.

We have another blog that goes into great length about the necessity of water conservation and careful consumption.

The reason behind this is as follows: By flooding your system with a large volume of water in a short period of time, you run the danger of overloading the system and damaging it.

Significant issues can arise if the system is overloaded, which is particularly true if the system is older.

  • Toilets, showerheads, and/or faucet tips that are not energy efficient
  • Washing machines that waste water or that run on the improper cycles
  • Faucets and toilets that are leaking

It is preferable to avoid flooding your system by spreading out your water use and keeping it to a bare minimum in each instance. Some individuals, for example, divert their laundry water onto their grass in order to assist in this effort. Along with other water-saving strategies, this might be an excellent method to keep the system from becoming overloaded! Believe me when I say that I understand how tempting it is to simply flush that piece of floss or plastic wrap down the toilet. In fact, I have to restrain myself from doing so practically all of the time these days.

  • Take note of the fact that your system operates by utilizing bacteria to break down waste and allow for the discharge of surplus water to the leach field.
  • Put anything else into your system and you run the risk of causing major problems with backups and backup blockages.
  • Hence, fight the temptation and add many more years to your system’s life span!
  • Even if we are a bit prejudiced, we are confident that Septic System Digester is the greatest septic product on the market.
  • Your system will remain around for a long time if you use a high-quality, bacteria-based septic treatment.
  • These chemicals can kill off the beneficial microorganisms in your septic tank, thereby putting a halt to waste decomposition inside your tank.
  • For example, Septic Enhancing Toilet Cleanernot only cleans your toilets but it also adds bacteria to your tank, resulting in a more effective cleaning process.

It’s really the best of both worlds, to be honest. We have many additional goods that are compatible with one another, so if you’re interested, feel free to browse through our collection by touching or clicking here.

  1. Pump your septic tank on a regular basis to keep it from overflowing.
See also:  Can You Flush The Toilet When Septic Tank Is Being Emptied? (Perfect answer)

Solids will continue to collect in your tank despite the fact that microorganisms are supposed to decompose the waste contained inside it. As a result, in order to prevent your tank from inflating and collapsing, you’ll need to get it filled on a regular basis. A reasonable rule of thumb is to pump your septic tank every 2-5 years, however if you have an older system, it may be necessary to pump more frequently. More information on how frequently you should pump your tank may be found in our comprehensive post here.

This is especially true in the leach field, where it is more prevalent.

These pipes are readily damaged if they are subjected to a great deal of pressure from above.

  • Transportation of large trucks across your leach field
  • Building big structures or other structures on your leach field is not recommended.

Both of these can cause damage to your lateral line system, which can ultimately result in the failure of the complete system. That is exactly what we have been attempting to prevent all along!

To Wrap It All Up

Just because a septic system is ancient does not always imply that it is ineffective (while, in some cases, thisistrue). Yes, when purchasing an older home, it is absolutely critical to have the septic system inspected extensively; but, it is also extremely possible that an aged septic system has a significant amount of life left in it. In the end, when everything is taken into consideration, the future of your outdated septic system is in your hands. If you treat your system with love and compassion, you will almost certainly be able to extend its lifespan by many years.

In our years of experience dealing with septic systems, we have helped literally hundreds of clients each day to get their sewage systems back on track with little hassle.

Please get in touch with us by tapping or clicking here!

P.S.

Even if your system is over 20 years old and still functions well, Septic Field Rejuvenatoris is the company to call if your system just needs to be unclogged.

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.

It’s possible that a small number of homes will be sharing a bigger communal septic system that will function in a similar manner as a single-family system.

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.

Leach Field

Septic tanks collect wastewater after it has been discharged from the residence. Most septic tanks are built of concrete, thick plastic, or metal, with a capacity ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 gallons. Highly durable concrete tanks, which should endure for 40 years or longer provided they are not damaged, are the most common. Many contemporary tanks are designed with two chambers in order to maximize their efficiency. In the septic tank, wastewater from the residence is collected and separated before being discharged into the leach field, where it is broken down further.

  • During the tank’s operation, oil and grease float to the tank’s surface as scum, while solid waste sinks to the tank’s bottom as scum.
  • The sediments in the bottom of the tank are exposed to a wide variety of bacteria and other microorganisms, which begin to break down the materials in an anaerobic (without oxygen) process.
  • Solids and grease must be pushed out of the system on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to function correctly.
  • Each gallon added to the tank results in one gallon being discharged to a leach field, leach pit, or other similar treatment facility, if applicable.

A large amount of water delivered too rapidly to the tank may discharge untreated effluent, along with oil and particles, into the leach field, where it may clog the field and cause it to fail.

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.

  1. Better to have surplus capacity in your system than to have it cut too close to the bone.
  2. 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.
  3. Dense clay soils will not absorb the liquid at a sufficient rate, resulting in a backlog.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!

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.

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.

In addition, don’t try to complete a week’s worth of laundry for a family of five in a single day. This will assist you in keeping the load controlled and will also help to extend the life of your system. 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.

More information on Septic System Maintenance may be found here.

SEPTIC SYSTEM PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS

But even with careful use and routine maintenance, leach fields are not guaranteed to survive indefinitely. When the soil becomes clogged with dissolved components from the wastewater, it will be unable to absorb any more water from the incoming water supply. When anything is wrong, the first indicators that something is wrong are frequently an odorous wet area over the leach field or plumbing backups within the home. As a result of the presumption that the first field will ultimately fail, several jurisdictions mandate septic system designs to incorporate a second “reserve drain field.” A well constructed and maintained system should last for at least 20 to 30 years, if not much longer than that.

Septic System Maintenance is discussed in further detail here:

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