- Use 1 gallon of product via the toilet, sink or drain closest to the septic tank outlet. Next Apply 1 gallon of product into the drain field soil directly. After 1 week add another 1 gallon.. Flush freely with water to distribute it throughout the septic system drain field.
Can I install my own leach field?
You may also need to pull a permit to put in a new leach field. A leach field is an important part of a septic system. It disperses fluid from the septic system over a large area of soil adjacent to the building it services. Building your own leach field is physically difficult, but it can save you lots of money.
How big does a septic tank soakaway need to be?
The minimum size a soakaway should be constructed to is 30m. Pipes should be laid on a 300mm layer of shingle or medium of up to 50mm. The trenches must be filled 50mm above perforated pipe and covered with a membrane and then filled in with soil.
What is the difference between a septic tank and a soakaway?
A soakaway is a hole dug in the ground and filled with rubble and coarse stones, designed to disperse water back into the surrounding ground without flooding. A septic tank has two chambers and is buried underground in the same way as a cesspit.
How do I calculate the size of my septic drain field?
Drainfield Size
- The size of the drainfield is based on the number of bedrooms and soil characteristics, and is given as square feet.
- For example, the minimum required for a three bedroom house with a mid range percolation rate of 25 minutes per inch is 750 square feet.
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.
How deep should a septic drain field be?
A typical drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36 inches.
How deep should a septic tank be buried?
In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. You can use a metal probe to locate its edges and mark the perimeter. If you do not find the lid by probing, shallow excavation with a shovel along the tank’s perimeter should reveal the lid.
What kind of pipe is used for septic drain field?
Corrugated pipe is typically used for drain fields. Septic systems use drain fields to treat the septic tank effluent for the removal of impurities and contaminants. The field is made up of trenches typically containing washed “drainrock” or gravel.
How much does a mound system cost?
Mound Septic System Cost A mound septic system costs $10,000 to $20,000 to install. It’s the most expensive system to install but often necessary in areas with high water tables, shallow soil depth or shallow bedrock.
How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?
How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.
Do drain field worms work?
Their burrowing near the surface actually helped the septic wastewater spread through the soil more evenly, resulting in better cleansing of the water. Had they been nightcrawlers, the worm burrows might have drained the trenches so fast that it would bypass the soil filtering.
How to Install a Septic Tank and Field Line Sewer System
The installation of a septic tank is not a do-it-yourself activity. Image courtesy of Kwangmoozaa/iStock/Getty Images. You shouldn’t try to build a septic system yourself unless you are a heavy equipment operator or a professional. Even if you have heavy gear at your disposal and are familiar with how to use it, you will still require a significant amount of expert assistance. There are many professionals you’ll need: a soil expert to assess the site, an engineer to design an acceptable system, a plumbing contractor to construct and connect pipes, and maybe an electrician to assist with the installation of any pumps or timers that may be necessary.
Septic System Design Variations
A total of nine different types of septic systems are listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and that doesn’t even include systems that are not gravity-fed and instead rely on a transfer pump. Septic tanks and a drain field sunk into the earth are the components of the traditional septic system. This is the system that most people envision, but it is only one of several options, and it is not necessarily the best one. It is possible that local health authorities will require an additional system, depending on the soil quality, topography, drainage conditions, anticipated usage, and other factors; in this case, it is necessary to hire an engineer who will work with the health authorities to design and obtain the necessary permits.
Installation Isn’t a Straight Shot
The designs are in hand, but it is not always a straight line from there to the actual installation for the homeowner who is working with an engineering firm. Mr. Rooter, in fact, gives the following advise to homeowners who are considering installing their own septic components: Don’t. Just too many things may go wrong with a system, leading to poor drainage, inadequate plumbing in the house, or pollution of the local water table, to mention. For those who are inclined to do it themselves, or for whom the circumstances demand that they do it themselves, and who have access to an excavator and crane, the installation of a standard system is quite straightforward to comprehend and execute.
Installing a Conventional Septic System
A traditional septic installation begins with the excavation of a hole for the tank in accordance with the placement specifications provided on your approved plan. After putting the tank into the hole, you link it to the building sewer using 3- or 4-inch waste pipe, which must maintain a minimum slope toward the tank, and you run a drain pipe from the other end of the tank to a distribution box positioned in the drain field, as shown in the diagram. After that, you’ll need to dig a series of parallel trenches that will reach from this box all the way across the drain field.
Connect the pipes to the distribution box and cover the pipes with a sheet of plywood.
In order for a gravity-fed septic system to function properly, the building and drain field must be on a consistent downhill slope.
An alarm system that warns you if a fault occurs must be linked to the pump in addition to the power source.
Because maintaining the pump is a nasty endeavor, you’ll want to keep malfunctions to a minimum. For this reason, having the pump installed by a professional electrician who can guarantee the job is highly advised.
How to Build a Septic Drain Field
Starting with the excavation of the tank hole according to the placement instructions provided on your authorized plan, you may begin a standard septic installation process. After putting the tank into the hole, you link it to the building sewer using 3- or 4-inch waste pipe, which must maintain a minimum slope toward the tank, and you extend a drain pipe from the other end of the tank to a distribution box positioned in the drain field, as shown in the illustration. Afterwards, you’ll need to construct a series of parallel trenches that will go from this box and through the drain field to the surface.
- Connect the pipes to the distribution box and cover the pipes with a sheet of plastic.
- In order for a gravity-fed septic system to function properly, the building and drain field must be on a consistent downhill slope.
- An alarm system that warns you if a fault occurs must be installed in conjunction with the pump.
- Therefore, hiring a qualified electrician who can guarantee their work is highly suggested.
Step 1: Do Your Research
To find out whether a permit is necessary for the installation of an aseptic field line or whether the health department must examine the drain field during construction or after it is completed, check with your local county office and health department for further information. It is almost always necessary to obtain a permit and have your property inspected.
Step 2: Determine Soil Drainage/Absorption
In order to assess the soil’s absorption capacity, dig a hole in it. Soil testing may usually be performed for a minimal price by the local Department of Agriculture office if you live in a rural area. A drain field should not be constructed in an area with poor drainage. A septic drain field should be located 10 feet away from the house or any body of water, as well as 10 feet away from gardens and edibles.
Step 3: Locate Underground Utilities
Before you begin digging, contact a utility finding provider to ensure that you do not accidentally cut any underground utility lines while digging. Spray paint or flags will be used to designate the ground above any lines that are drawn by the firm. It is possible that you will be held accountable for the expense of restoring the cables if the lines are not clearly designated and one or more of them are severed because you did not have them marked.
Step 4: Dig Drain Field Trenches
It is recommended that each drain-field trench be at least 3 to 4 feet broad and 3 to 4 feet deep. For a 1,000-gallon septic tank, there should be at least 100 feet of drain field. This can be performed by digging four 25-foot-long trenches or two 50-foot-long trenches, as appropriate.
Each 8 feet of pipe should be placed in a trench with a modest downward inclination of no more than 1/4 inch per foot of pipe. A downhill slope that is too steep might result in drainage issues since the waste could pool at the end of the trench.
Step 5: Add Gravel and Perforated Pipe
Fill in the trench with a thick layer of gravel that is at least 1 foot deep and extends the length of the trench. It would be preferable to have one and a half feet of gravel. Place a perforated pipe into the trench on top of the gravel and join the pipe to the septic tank drain using a clamp.
Step 6: Add More Gravel
Another half-inch of gravel should be placed on top of the perforated pipe, with additional gravel placed around the edges. Septic fabric should be placed over the gravel to prevent loose dirt from entering into the rocks. Backfill the trench with the dirt that was previously taken from the trench by raking it up and into the trench. Approximately a week later, once the earth has had a chance to settle a little, pile some additional dirt on top of the trench in order to elevate the level of the soil until it is equal with the surrounding ground and to prevent rainfall from gathering in the depression.
How to Choose the Best Placement Location for Your Septic Drain Field – Brain Drain: Septic Services To Solve Your Problems
Using a septic system, wastewater from the residence is channeled through the main sewage line and into the septic tank, which is located underground. Microorganisms in the tank consume organic stuff while also separating solid waste from the water. Following that, the wastewater is emptied from the septic tank and onto a drain field or leach field, where contaminants in the wastewater are cleaned by bacteria. Following that, the effluent is sent via various perforated pipes in order to be treated.
- As you can see, a drain field is an essential component of your household sewage system.
- Select a location with a low elevation.
- Now, if at all possible, locate a low-elevation region that is immediately below the septic tank so that gravity can drive the wastewater to the leach field and away from the house.
- The cost of septic system installation will rise as a result of this option.
- Choose a previously unoccupied space.
- It is possible for plants to grow on this drainage area to clog the perforated pipes, causing wastewater to flood the drain field or to back up into your sinks, toilets, and other fixtures.
- Choosing a location at the far end of the property might be a wonderful alternative if you want to avoid future development initiatives from being hampered.
- When it comes to creating a leach field, the size of your home will be a major consideration.
- Overloading the system as a result of building a smaller leach field than you require will result in floods and plumbing issues.
Alternatively, you can pump the tank on a regular basis to keep it operating at peak functionality. To find out more, speak with a supplier of septic services.
Things You Can (and Can’t) Put on Your Septic System’s Leach Field
Istockphoto.com Designed to break down organic waste from the residence, septic systems are capable of segregating waste into two types: liquids and solids. While the solid sludge that accumulates at the bottom of the tank must be pumped out at regular intervals, the wastewater can either be treated and reused as irrigation for crops or simply discharged into a septic field, which is typically comprised of perforated piping that is set in gravel trenches and buried about 1 to 2 feet below ground level.
To find out how to utilize a septic field without endangering or interfering with the septic system, continue reading this article!
YouCanPlant Vegetation That Benefits the System
However, contrary to common thought, it is really a good idea to include some types of plants in a septic field to help with the process of evapotranspiration and to decrease the adverse effects of erosion, which can leave the field vulnerable to damage. You can plant a variety of shallow-root plants in your septic field to help improve the aesthetic appeal of your property while also benefiting the health of your system. Some examples of shallow-root plants to consider planting include holly shrubs, boxwood shrubs, azalea shrubs, hollyhocks, violets, wild violets, and spring bulbs.
istockphoto.com
YouCan’tPlant Vegetation That Harms the System
While there are certain advantages to growing certain types of vegetation on your septic field, if you plant the wrong sort of vegetation, you may have difficulties. In addition to pussy willow bushes and Japanese willow shrubs, aspen trees and birch trees as well as blue mist spireas and edible vegetable plants are examples of vegetation that should not be planted on a septic field. Although a vegetable garden may appear to be beautiful, there is the possibility that hazardous bacteria, such as E.
Raised gardens are also not a smart idea since the additional weight of the soil and bed constructions can cause the septic pipes to become damaged or even collapse.
In certain cases, these root systems can wrap around septic field pipes, causing the septic effluent to be trapped and flooding the surrounding area.
YouCanInstall an Open-Air Kennel
However, if you have a dog and want to provide it with a safe place to play without worrying about it running away, you may build a basic open-air kennel on top of your sewage field, which will reduce the amount of weight that is placed on top of the septic field. Although it should be emphasized that the roof and any form of floor that would lie on top of the grass are not permitted since these modifications would obstruct the evapotranspiration process in the grass. The most basic definition of a suitable open-air dog kennel is a gated space where the dog may run about freely.
Aside from that, make certain that the fence posts are set away from the septic field pipes to avoid accidently damaging a pipe when digging a posthole for the fence. istockphoto.com
YouCan’tInstall Structures
Construction of structures around septic fields is not recommended and cannot be done in certain areas. As previously stated, Numerous individuals have suggested floating decks, tiny shelters, and even simple gazebos to help block out the sun; however, each of these modifications poses a risk to the septic system and should be avoided. Septic fields cannot be securely constructed over decks because they are too heavy; in addition, decks impede access to the system by inhibiting the establishment of grass and other useful flora, which helps to lessen the adverse effects of erosion.
It is not always true that a gazebo is too heavy for the field, but any building that shuts out the sun causes erosion in the field, which is why even an open-air kennel cannot be covered.
YouCanSet Up a Lightweight Swing Set
According to the previous paragraph, buildings near septic fields are undesirable and cannot be constructed in such areas. Numerous individuals have suggested floating decks, tiny shelters, and even simple gazebos to help block out the sun; however, each of these modifications poses a risk to the septic system and should be avoided if at all possible. Septic fields cannot be securely covered with decks because they are too heavy; in addition, decks impede access to the system by inhibiting the development of grass and other useful plants, which helps to mitigate the adverse effects of erosion.
A gazebo isn’t necessary too heavy for the field, but any building that blocks out the sun increases erosion on the field, which is why even an open-air kennel isn’t allowed to have a roof on it.
YouCan’tInstall Semipermanent Playground Equipment
Structures, as previously stated, are not recommended for septic fields and cannot be erected in these places. Numerous individuals have suggested floating decks, tiny shelters, and even simple gazebos to help block out the sun; nevertheless, each of these improvements poses a threat to the septic system. Building a deck over a septic field is not only hazardous to the environment, but it also prevents grass and other useful plants from growing, which helps to decrease the adverse impacts of erosion.
It is not necessary that a gazebo be too heavy for the field; nonetheless, any building that blocks out the sun causes erosion in the field, which is why even an open-air kennel cannot be covered.
It is advisable not to construct any form of construction over a septic field in order to avoid future problems.
YouCanSet Up Volleyball and Badminton Courts
It is feasible to construct a couple of poles that can support a volleyball or badminton net without interfering with the septic system, however a regulation court with the required flooring is not recommended in this situation. Even though the grass should be left undisturbed and exposed to allow the current plants to help the septic field with evapotranspiration, a basic court may be created without causing any damage to the septic system by usingrope to create a temporary barrier around the area.
YouCan’tInstall Tennis or Basketball Courts
While installing a regulation court with adequate flooring is not recommended, it is feasible to add a couple of supports that can support a volleyball or badminton net without interfering with the septic system. The grass should be left untouched and uncovered, allowing the existing vegetation to assist the septic field with evapotranspiration. However, by adding a chalk border or even usingrope to create a temporary border around the area, a simple court can be installed without causing damage to the septic system.
YouCanBuild a Fence
The process of installing a fence in the yard becomes more difficult in the presence of an aseptic system because you must ensure that the postholes can be excavated and the posts installed without harming the septic field pipes is completed safely and without incident. When using an exact plan that specifies where the pipes are to be laid, it is feasible to construct an enclosed septic field, or even a pipeline that runs directly over it. Remember to take the time to carefully map out the exact location of the fence posts and to continue with caution while digging the holes for these supports.
Additionally, ensure that the system may still be accessed for maintenance when it is required to do so.
YouCan’tAdd a Pool or Water Features
Pools, ponds, and streams are all wonderful additions to a property, but they must be maintained away from septic fields to avoid contamination. The presence of ponds or streams that are too close to the septic field increases the possibility of them becoming wastewater runoff points, lowering the efficacy of the system and generating areas surrounding the residence where hazardous pollutants, such as E. coli, can concentrate. Due to the fact that they must be dug out and erected in the ground where the septic pipes are located, inground pools should be a no-brainer, but even above-ground pools can cause issues.
Non-stop evapotranspiration is prevented by the pool because it prevents oxygen from reaching the septic pipes. Additionally, the weight of the pool, especially when it is full, will likely crush the pipes and cause the entire septic system to backup.
Can You Have a Septic Tank Without a Leach Field at Home?
This is a question that is frequently posed in Northern Indiana. “Can I have a septic tank without a leach field?” the homeowner inquires. During this blog post, we’ll take a deeper look at that question. First and foremost, we must clarify the nature of the question. Interested in learning if you can build a new septic system for a new home that is equipped with only a septic tank and no leach field? If this is the case, the plain and simple response is no. Those codes are written by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), which is in charge of regulating septic systems in the state.
This implies that new house construction must be supplied by an aseptic system, which includes not just a septic tank, but also a system for treating wastewater and releasing the treated water back into the environment.
What about an existing home whose old system has problems, is failing, and needs replaced?
For properties whose septic systems have failed and are in need of repair or replacement, the ISDH has included measures in its codes to address this situation. Wastewater will be treated on-site as long as there is adequate space on the land, taking into consideration any setbacks (50 feet from well, for example). A holding tank may be placed on an existing property if there is inadequate room owing to small lots that were platted many years ago, resulting in an inability to fulfill setbacks, such as 25′ from a body of water, and there are no other choices.
Our area in Northern Indiana is home to a large number of lakes, each of which has a number of small lots marked around its perimeter many years ago, with a number of older homes built on them.
Because of the limited physical lot sizes, it is common that when you remove everything within a 50-foot radius of the well, a 50-foot radius of all surrounding wells, and 25-foot radius of the lake’s border, there is actually no land left to safely treat the wastewater.
Let’s look at the question from an alternative angle…
For properties whose septic systems have failed and are in need of repair or replacement, the ISDH has included measures in its codes to address the situation. Wastewater will be treated on-site as long as there is enough room on the land, taking into consideration any setbacks (50 feet from well, for example). For an existing property with no other choices, it may be necessary to create a holding tank owing to a lack of space caused by small lots that were platted decades ago, resulting in an inability to fulfill setback requirements such as 25′ from a body of water, etc.
Our area in Northern Indiana is home to a large number of lakes, each of which has a number of small lots planned around its perimeter many years ago, with many older homes built on them.
Often, when you remove all of the land within a 50-foot radius of the well, and 50-foot radius of all adjacent wells, and 25-foot radius of the lake water’s edge, there is actually no space left to safely treat the wastewater.
This is due to the limited physical lot sizes. This situation may need the installation of a sealed Holding Tank.
Call Shankster Bros. today for all your septic system problems and needs!
Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield, often known as a soil absorption field. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.
Alternate treatment systems rely on pumps or gravity to assist septic tank effluent in trickling through a variety of media such as sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants such as pathogens that cause disease, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.
Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works:
- All of the water that leaves your home drains down a single main drainage pipe and into a septic tank. An underground, water-tight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the tank and moving into the drainfield region by compartments and a T-shaped outlet. After that, the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank and flows into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered hole dug in unsaturated soil that serves as a drainage system. Porous surfaces are used to release pretreated wastewater because they allow the wastewater to pass through the soil and into the groundwater. In the process of percolating through the soil, wastewater is accepted, treated, and dispersed by the soil, finally discharging into groundwater. Finally, if the drainfield becomes overburdened with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or resulting in toilet backups and sink backups. Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Coliform bacteria are a kind of bacteria that may be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, with humans being the most common host. As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of this.
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has built an animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system works, which you can view here.
Do you have a septic system?
It’s possible that you’re already aware that you have a septic system. If you are not sure, here are some tell-tale symptoms that you most likely are:
- You make use of well water. In your home, the water pipe that brings water into the house does not have a meter. In the case of a water bill or a property tax bill, you will see “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” It is possible that your neighbors have a septic system
How to find your septic system
You can locate your septic system once you have confirmed that you have one by following these steps:
- Taking a look at the “as constructed” drawing of your house
- Making a visual inspection of your yard for lids and manhole covers
- Getting in touch with a septic system service provider for assistance in locating it
Failure symptoms: Mind the signs!
A bad odor is not necessarily the first indicator of a septic system that is failing to work properly. Any of the following signs should prompt you to seek expert assistance:
- Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses
- It is especially noticeable in dry weather that the drainfield grass is bright green and spongy. The presence of standing water or muddy soil near your septic system or in your basement
- A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield
How to Make a Septic Tank Drain Field
The FDOH-Martin County grants permits and conducts inspections for the following activities:
- The installation of all new and repaired septic systems
- Renovated structures
- Structures that are slated for renovation Units for aerobic therapy
- Businesses that are engaged in industrial, manufacturing, or commercial activity are classified as Pump trucks for septic tanks
More information about septic systems may be found at the following websites: On-Site Sewage Treatment by the FDOH Martin County Code: information on codes and their application. “septic” is a search term. Access to a septic system and a well Detailed information on your property: Locate your septic system or well and mark its position. Use Ebridge Solutions to complete the following steps: Ebridge Public is the name of the user account. public is the password (password is lowercase) Martin County has a filing cabinet.
- Select the appropriate permit type from the drop-down menu at the top of the page by clicking Retrieve at the top of the page. There are two (2) categories to choose from: Septic System and Well
- You must provide the property address (house number), street name (without north, east, west, or south), and any additional information such as the lot, block, and subdivision in the appropriate fields. Ordinarily, putting only a house number is a good idea since it will bring up two or three houses for you to pick from
- However, including a street address is also a good option.
Once you have gained access to information on your property, you will be able to rotate the site plans by clicking on the buttons at the top of the page. Moreover, you have the option to print off your data or send it to your contractor by e-mail. We have thousands of permits that have been submitted. Updates will be made on a regular basis. We encourage you to call us at 772-221-4000, option 5, if you are having trouble locating your permission.
Florida Department of Health in Orange
The Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulate onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems under Chapter 64E-6 of the Florida Administrative Code, which is found in the Florida Administrative Code. One of the most common types of septic tank systems is a huge, waterproof tank that accepts wastewater from the home’s plumbing system. There is an underground drain field that follows the tank, which is comprised of a network of perforated pipe or chambers that distributes partially treated water from the septic tank to the soil for ultimate treatment and disposal.
- It is in the drain field that the bacteria that demand oxygen grow and complete the treatment process that was started in the septic tank.
- If the septic tank is not functioning properly, the wastewater will be cloudy.
- In some soils, contaminants have the ability to travel large distances.
- There are some exceptions to this rule, but in general, septic tanks and drain fields must be located at least 75 feet away from the high water line of ponds, rivers, and lakes, with certain exceptions.
Septic tank systems fail when the drain field is unable to dispose of sewage at the same rate as it is being introduced into the system. Consequently, changes that lower the volume of incoming water or enhance the quality of effluent that passes through the system will extend the system’s lifespan.
Septic Tank Tips
- Understand where your septic tank system is located and how much capacity it has. It is recommended that you preserve a copy of your original permit in case you need it in the future. Have the tank inspected by a licensed contractor at least once every three years
- When the total depth of the sludge and scum equals one-third of the tank’s liquid content, the tank should be pumped. Create a drainage system that allows rainfall and surface water to move away from the drain field. (See illustration.) Grass should be grown over the system. To minimize the amount of water entering the system, water conservation fixtures or devices should be installed. Maintaining plumbing fixtures such as toilets and faucets in excellent working order will help to reduce leaks and water waste. Maintain a copy of all maintenance receipts. Keep a drawing of the position of your tank and drain field on hand for future reference. Don’t flush paper towels, newspapers, wrapping paper, rags, or sticks down the toilet
- Instead, use the trash can. Don’t use excessive amounts of common household cleaning products that will be flushed down the toilet
- Keep chemicals used in hobbies or home industries from entering the system by pouring or emptying them. Grease should not be flushed down the toilet. Keep hazardous substances such as pesticides out of the system by flushing them out. Planting trees or plants in the drain field is prohibited. Vehicles (cars, trucks, and other vehicles) should not be allowed to drive across or park on the drain field (to prevent it from being crushed). Use of chemical solvents to clean plumbing lines or a septic tank system is not recommended.
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Is it okay to plant a garden over a leach field?
Planting over a septic leach field (drain field) is possible, but it must be done with caution to avoid contamination. If you just have a little amount of garden area on your home, the leach field may be the only place you can plant flowers or vegetables. Growing shallow-rooted plants over the drainage region is advised since they aid in the removal of surplus moisture and nutrients from the soil as well as the reduction of soil erosion. A range of different herbaceous perennials, annuals, and groundcovers can be safely and efficiently planted in addition to turf grass, which is the most common choice.
About Septic Systems
The majority of residences in rural regions, where city sewer connections are not readily available, have their own septic systems, which are comprised of a septic tank and a leach field. The septic tank decomposes organic matter and removes oil, grease, and particles from the waste water generated by a home. Septic tank effluent is released to an underground network of perforated pipes, which allow the liquid to gently flow back into the surrounding soil. Water that percolates through the soil and into the water table in a well working septic system is free of hazardous bacteria and nutrients before it reaches the water table.
Planting Considerations
Planting over a leach field requires special care since plant roots can block drain pipes and cause damage to the drain field, which can be a costly problem to repair after it has occurred. Several herbaceous perennials are relatively risk-free choices since their roots will not grow deep enough to reach the sewer lines. Because they require less irrigation and because their roots will not seek to penetrate the continually moist soil around the drain pipes, drought resistant plants are favored.
- Additional considerations include minimizing the quantity of water supplied over the leach field, since saturated soil can inhibit effluent evaporation and increase the likelihood of groundwater pollution.
- Solid woody plants have deeper roots that have the potential to clog drain lines in a very short period of time.
- Planting a tree towards the end of the drainage line, where there is less water to attract the roots in the direction of the leach field, is an option if you absolutely must.
- The roots of a tree will normally reach at least as far from the trunk as the tree’s height from the ground.
- The detergents and cleaning chemicals that are flushed down the toilet are often alkaline, and this can cause the pH of the soil to rise over time.
- Furthermore, residential effluent typically contains significant quantities of sodium, particularly if you use a water softener.
- It is not a good idea to plant vegetables over a leach field.
- A further consideration is that many vegetable gardeners are apprehensive about growing their food plants on soil that is regularly contaminated with household pollutants.
Unfortunately, building raised beds over the drainage region is also not a viable option. The increased soil depth created by the beds may reduce evaporation and reduce the effectiveness of the septic system’s efficacy.
Suggested Perennials
| Astilbe | Astilibespecies |
| Barrenwort | Epimediumspecies |
| Barren strawberry | Waldsteinia ternata |
| Beardtongue | Penstemon digitalis |
| Black-eyed-Susan | Rudbeckia hirta |
| Blanket flower | Gaillardiaspecies |
| Blazing star | Liatrisspecies |
| Butterfly milkweed | Asclepias tuberosa |
| Catmint | Nepeta racemosa |
| Columbine | Aquilegiaspecies |
| Cranesbill | Geraniumspecies |
| Daylily | Hemerocallisspecies |
| Dianthus | Dianthusspecies |
| Globe thistle | Echinops ritro |
| Goldenrod | Solidagospecies |
| Hens and chicks | Sempervivumspecies |
| Hosta | Hostaspecies |
| Knautia | Knautia macedonica |
| Lamb’s ears | Stachys byzantina |
| Lupine | Lupinusspecies |
| Moss phlox | Phlox subulata |
| Mullein | Verbascum species |
| Poppy | Papaverspecies |
| Purple coneflower | Echinacea purpurea |
| Russian sage | Perovskia atriplicifolia |
| Spurge | Euphorbiaspecies |
| Stonecrop | Sedumspecies |
| Tickseed | Coreopsis species |
| Wild bergamot | Monarda fistulosa |
| Woodland sage | Salvia nemerosa |
| Yarrow | Achilleaspecies |
Do you love learning about stuff like this?
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How to Change the Leach Field Direction for the Septic Tank
Home-Exterior In most states, prior to altering the direction of a leach field, permission from the local health department is necessary to be obtained. In a normal septic system, a septic tank and a leach field are used to dispose of waste. During the treatment process, solid effluent gathers in the tank, while liquid effluent flows out into the leach pipes and back into the earth. A leach field is composed of a series of large diameter (about 6 inches) perforated pipes that are connected together to produce leach lines.
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Step 1
Carry out your own investigation. The majority of septic systems are constructed by professionals, and the leach lines are put in the most advantageous location. When constructing a leach field or drain field, make sure that the soil is sandy enough to allow the effluent to drain within the specified time frame. Setbacks from property lines, dwellings, wells (which may include adjoining properties), bodies of water, and marshy or drainage regions must be observed, as well as from other structures.
Step 2
If you feel the lines can be relocated, consult with a septic engineer or a professional installation. Inquire with him about visiting your home to see whether it is possible to realign your drain field. In many places, a new septic system design must contain a reserve space to allow for the installation of a replacement leach field in the event that the original one fails. It may be possible to construct a new leach field and divert the leach lines if the setback ordinances create an issue with the present leach field and if you have a reserve land available for this purpose.
Step 3
Inquire with your local health department about obtaining a permit. It is necessary to submit a design that shows the position of the residence, the borders, drainages, water bodies, neighboring wells, the existing leach field, and the proposed new placement and direction of the lines with respect to the home.
In most states, it is possible to draw it by hand. If you are planning to relocate your leach field, you may be required to have soil testing completed by a licensed septic professional before your application can be approved.
Step 4
Excavate in preparation for the new lines. Dug the trenches according to the local standards that were specified. It is common for them to be at least 18 inches deep and to be lined with a certain size of gravel or filter cloth. In some states, they are also required to include a man-made PVC “vault.” Remove the current pipes and reinstall or realign the distribution box, as necessary. Replace the existing pipes in the new trenches if they are still in excellent shape, or install new pipes if the old ones are in poor condition.
Make a phone call to the health department inspector.
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.
When gravel is used to surround pipes, water can run into the soil and oxygen can reach germs. The garbage is completely decomposed by aerobic bacteria found in gravel and dirt. 9. 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.
- Keep the effluent filter in place since it is required by your state’s health law.
- Waste particles might flow through the filter and clog the perforated pipes if the filter is not used.
- Your filter, on the other hand, should not require cleaning every six months.
- A good chance is high that you’re flushing filter-clogging things down the toilet, such as grease, fat, or food scraps.
- A garbage disposal will not be able to break down food particles sufficiently to allow them to flow through the septic tank filtration system.
- 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.
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.
- Pipes should be cleaned. A rotating pressure washer, used by a contractor, may be used to clean out the drain septic field pipes. The cost of “jetting” the pipes is generally around $200. Chemicals should be used to clean the system. A commercial solution (not a home-made one) that enhances the quantity of oxygen in the drain field should be discussed with your contractor before installing your new system. Septic-Scrub is a product that I suggest. A normal treatment will cost between $500 and $1,000. Make the soil more pliable. The practice of “terra-lifting,” which involves pumping high-pressure air into several spots surrounding the drain field, is authorized in some regions. Some contractors use it to shatter compacted dirt around the pipes. Depending on the circumstances, this might cost less than $1,000 or as much as $4,000 or more.
Protect your drain septic field from lint
When this device is in place, it inhibits lint from entering the system, especially synthetic fibers that bacteria are unable to digest. One of these filters, which I’ve designed and termed theSeptic Protector, was invented by me. An additional filter is included in the price of around $150 plus delivery. Learn more about how to filter out laundry lint in this article.
Don’t overload the septic system
Reduce the amount of water you use. The volume of water that flows into your tank, particularly over a short period of time, can be reduced to avoid untreated waste from being flushed into your drain field. Replace outdated toilets with low-flow ones, install low-flow showerheads, and, perhaps most importantly, wash laundry throughout the week rather than just on Saturday mornings to save water.
Meet the Expert
Septic systems, according to Jim vonMeier, are the solution to America’s water deficit because they supply cleaned water to depleted aquifers, according to vonMeier. He travels the country lobbying for septic systems, giving lectures, and giving testimony. For septic system inquiries, as well as information on the operation of the septic tank, contact him by email.
