- Yeast and sugar work very well to clean a septic tank naturally, here’s a simple way to use them. Dissolve sugar and yeast in water. Pour mix into a toilet (not containing bleach!) and flush. This is best done at night, so the yeast can work overnight, do not flush for at least 3 hours.
What is the best thing to put in your septic tank?
Biological Additives. Biological additives, like bacteria and extracellular enzymes, are the only acceptable septic tank treatment for promoting a healthy, natural bacterial ecosystem, maintaining an effective drain field, and protecting the health of the local groundwater.
Should I put enzymes in my septic tank?
Absolutely. No product on the market will remove solid waste from your tank. Enzyme and bacteria based products help to eliminate grease, odors and keep the tank working well. Nothing will stop the need to pump a septic tank regularly.
Should I put chemicals in my septic tank?
Chemicals and other additives promoted to keep a septic system “healthy” or “free-flowing” or “nourished” are generally not required nor recommended by any known expert sources.
What can you put in septic tank for smell?
Septic tank odors can be fixed relatively easily. The first step is to pour one cup of baking soda down any toilet or drain. This should be done about once a week to help maintain a good pH level in the tank of 6.8 to 7.6.
How do I keep my septic tank healthy?
Do’s and Don’ts when maintaining your septic system
- Regularly inspect and maintain your septic system.
- Pump your septic tank as needed.
- Keep your septic tank lids closed and secured.
- Be water-wise.
- Direct water from land and roof drains away from the drainfield.
- Landscape with love.
- Keep septic tank lids easily accessible.
What are the do’s and don’ts of a septic tank?
DON’T flush material that will not easily decompose, such as hair, diapers, cigarette butts, matches, or feminine hygiene products. DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system. They kill the bacteria needed to decompose wastes in the septic tank and drain field. DO use substitutes for household hazardous waste.
How do I clean my septic tank naturally?
You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!
How can I increase bacteria in my septic tank naturally?
Homemade Septic Tank Treatment The ingredients required for this natural solution are the following: Water, Sugar, Cornmeal, and Dry Yeast. To concoct this mixture, first start by boiling roughly a half gallon of water. Add in 2 cups of sugar. The sugar will act as the first food your bacteria will eat!
Should I put yeast in my septic tank?
Yeast helps actively breaks down waste solids when added to your septic system. Flush ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet, the first time. Add ¼ cup of instant yeast every 4 months, after the initial addition.
How do you know your septic tank is full?
Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:
- Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
- Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
- Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
- You Hear Gurgling Water.
- You Have A Sewage Backup.
- How often should you empty your septic tank?
How often does a 1000 gallon septic tank need to be pumped?
For example, a 1,000 gallon septic tank, which is used by two people, should be pumped every 5.9 years. If there are eight people using a 1,000-gallon septic tank, it should be pumped every year.
Is Ridex good for your septic system?
How additives, like Rid-x, interfere with your septic system’s eco-system. According to the EPA and the Ohio Department of Health, not only are additives like Rid-X not recommended, but they actually have a detrimental and potentially hazardous effect on your septic system’s waste treatment process.
How do you get rid of septic tank smell in house?
Avoid pouring fats, oils, coffee grounds, cleaning products, paints, or other chemicals down your sink or tub drains. These can disrupt sewage breakdown inside the tank and cause a foul odor. Adding a cup of baking soda to a sink drain or toilet once a week will help maintain the correct pH level in the septic tank.
How do you get a septic smell out of your house?
DIY Shower and Sink Drain Sewer Smell Removal
- Pour ¼ cup of baking soda into the affected drain.
- Add one cup of white vinegar.
- Let the mixture sit for 2-3 hours.
- Slowly pour a gallon of boiling water down the drain and wait 15 minutes.
- Run cold water for 10 minutes to help thoroughly rinse the vinegar down.
How do I stop my bathroom from smelling like my septic?
8 Ways to Get Rid of Sewer Gas Smell
- Clean the sink overflow.
- Check the toilet wax ring.
- Caulk the toilet base.
- Clean out bacterial growth in drains.
- Check rarely used bathtubs and sinks.
- Check for leaks.
- Inspect your garbage disposal splash guard.
- Schedule a video drain inspection.
How to Naturally Clean & Maintain Your Septic System
Without the proper knowledge, septic systems may be difficult to keep up with and manage. If you suspect that your toilets aren’t flushing properly or that your pipes may need some cleaning, you should avoid introducing harsh chemicals into your septic system since they can disturb the naturally existing biome of bacteria that is necessary for the system to work effectively. Our team at Fagone Plumbing was inspired to publish a blog post that would teach readers how to add a natural cleanse to their septic system without endangering the system’s performance.
Simple, Quick Cleanse
This procedure is a quick, mild remedy that is also effective. It is very simple to use. It is necessary to use the power of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon to achieve success with this procedure. Starting with a quarter-cup baking soda and a half-cup vinegar mixture, pour it directly into the toilet. Repeat this process several times. After that, squeeze in two teaspoons of lemon juice. A chemical reaction occurs when the baking soda and vinegar are mixed, resulting in a fizzing sound and the breakdown of grime and debris.
Following a flush, this solution will clean the inside of your toilet bowl and the pipes that run through your system as a result.
Homemade Septic Tank Treatment
As previously stated in this article, healthy bacteria are required to guarantee that your septic system is operating effectively. Because of the bacteria in your system, sediments are broken down more quickly, allowing for simpler movement to the leach field. In addition, it is beneficial when it comes time to have your septic system pumped. The following are the elements that will be necessary for this natural solution: Water, sugar, cornmeal, and dry yeast are the main ingredients. Prepare the combination by first heating around a half gallon of water until it comes to a boil.
- Because the sugar will function as the initial food source for your bacteria!
- Allow the cornmeal to absorb the water before mixing everything together until it is well mixed.
- Once everything has been blended, pour the mixture into the toilet and flush it.
- That way, you may be certain that the mixture is pushed all the way into your septic tank.
Upon completion of this treatment, your tank should have returned to a healthy bacterial environment. It is recommended to give these cleanses every 6 months or so, but only if you feel that there is a shortage of microorganisms in the system.
Fagone Plumbing Can Help!
If you have any reason to believe your septic system may be performing better, give Fagone Plumbing a call right away! It doesn’t matter if it’s a bacteria problem or something else; we will be able to assess the problem and deliver the most cost-effective solution to get your septic system back up and running correctly!
DIY Septic Tank Treatment
Septic tank systems are notoriously difficult to maintain and may be quite expensive when they fail. Over the course of almost two decades, we’ve only had to pump our septic tank once. Here’s how we maintain our system running smoothly: DIY Septic Tank Treatment
Natural Enzyme Action
Septic tanks, like your stomach, require the presence of beneficial bacteria and enzymes in order to break down the particles that travel through them. It is possible to obtain these helpful bacteria and enzymes from a variety of sources, but one of our favorites is rotting tomatoes. These naturally occurring enzymes are proteins known as Pectinase or Pectinolytic enzymes, and they break down pectin. Lipase, hydrolyzes, and lyase are all members of the pectinase family of enzymes that are capable of breaking down pectin and plant cell walls in the natural environment, therefore aiding in the decomposition and recycling of waste plant materials.
DIY Septic Tank Treatment
It is simple and inexpensive to treat a septic tank with DIY solutions. We “feed” our septic tank 3-4 rotting tomatoes every 3 months or so, which we do through our garbage disposal. The idea is to make sure that you split up the tomato and pass only half a tomato or so at a time through the water while it is running to ensure that it is properly flushed out. As an alternative, if you don’t have access to a garbage disposal, you may throw two or three large rotting tomatoes in a bag (chances are they’re already packed away in a bag in your refrigerator and starting to liquefy anyway!).
Dump them into a toilet (but don’t use bleach!) and flush them away.
Normally, having rotten tomatoes every few months isn’t a big deal because the garden overproduces in the spring, summer, and fall, and there are always a few extras available.
At the very least, they aren’t going to waste completely.
Toilet Paper No-No’s
When we had our septic system pumped for the first time in more than two decades, we were assured that it was totally unnecessary because the system was operating well and looked fantastic. During our conversation, the gentleman shared numerous true horror stories of systems he’d witnessed at his place of employment where the families utilized “fluffy” toilet paper. That one where the cute little bears in the advertisements are pleased of themselves for not having any lint left behind? You know the one I’m talking about.
Image courtesy of Ian Haycoxis (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).
He especially inquired about the brand of tissue we use, which is Scott Tissue.
It degrades swiftly and does not “glop” into a clog-inducing mass on the lines. Alternatively, if you don’t happen to have any rotting tomatoes on hand, you may use baking or brewing yeast to bring healthy bacteria to your tank as an alternative.
How to Clean Septic Tank Naturally
Yeast and sugar are excellent natural septic tank cleaners, and here’s an easy method for using them.
Septic Tank Cleaner
2 cups granulated sugar 5 cups of hot water (optional) 3 tbsp. active dry yeast Sugar and yeast should be dissolved in water. Pour the mixture into a toilet (that does not contain bleach!) and flush it. This is best done at night so that the yeast may continue to work throughout the night; do not flush for at least 3 hours after completion.
Additional Tips:
1Avoid flushing raw or cooked meat down the toilet, down the garbage disposal, or any other form of introducing meat into your septic system; meat is NEVER a helpful bacterium. 2. Never add oils, grease, or fat in any form (solid or liquid) to your tank. This includes, but is not limited to, cooking oils, bacon grease, meat grease from draining ground beef/turkey, and other fat-containing foods. 3Avoid flushing anything other than garbage and toilet paper down the toilet; this means that feminine products should be disposed of in the trash, baby diapers and wipes should be disposed of in the trashcan, and so on.
Have you tried the rotten tomato technique yet?
Love this DIY Septic Tank Treatment Idea? Pin it!
On December 5, 2020, the information was updated. However, while this isn’t an enjoyable topic for polite discussion, having your septic system back up into your home is far from pleasant. There are actions that you can do to not only avoid septic issues in the future, but also to guarantee that the process of breaking down flushed waste proceeds as it should.
A Well-Functioning Septic System
The title of this article may be “The Care and Maintenance of the Gut in Your Yard,” which would be more descriptive. Understanding the necessity and advantages of eating dietary fiber, alkaline-forming foods, and taking probiotics for your own gut health will help you recognize the similarities between keeping a healthy septic system and maintaining a healthy digestive system. There are some items that you should avoid putting into any septic system, just as there are certain substances that are favorable to putting into our own digestive systems.
If you wait until there is a problem, you have waited too long and should contact a septic cleaning firm to pump your tank immediately.
Septic System Care and Maintenance Tips:
- A family of four living in a house with a 1,000-gallon tank should have their septic system cleaned every four years, according to the EPA. Inquire with your local septic cleaning firm about how frequently you should contact them
- Avoid using bleach-containing solutions to clean your toilets since it kills the bacteria that are necessary for the breakdown of waste particles in your septic system. Try this all-natural toilet cleanser
- It works great.
- When you add yeast to your septic system, it helps to aggressively break down waste particles, which is beneficial. Using the first time, flush a 12-cup package of dried baking yeast down the toilet. After the initial addition, add 14 cup of instant yeast every 4 months for the next 4 months. For those who are planning to install or have their existing septic system pumped, it’s a good idea to know precisely where it is in your yard so that you don’t have to dig up a lot of your lawn when the system is pumped in the future. With a tape measure, measure the precise distance between the septic tank lid and the home, and then snap a photo of the exact distance with your mobile phone to prove you were accurate. Maintain a copy of the snapshot in a home maintenance file on your computer for future reference.
Deborah Tukua
Deborah Tukua is a natural living and healthy lifestyle writer who has written seven non-fiction books, including Naturally Sweet Blender Treats. She lives in Hawaii with her family. Since 2004, she has contributed to the Farmers’ Almanac as a writer.
Keep Exploring
Skip to the main content Natural Solutions for Overburdened Septic Systems in the Home The date is June 17, 2020. Because of the increased number of individuals remaining at home from work and school as a result of shelter-in-place orders, homeowners who rely on septic systems may have seen a quicker buildup of waste than usual in the recent few months. Homeowners can boost septic system efficiency by adding some Bionetix ®biologicals, which is extremely simple to do and will save them money on additional pumping fees and prevent septic tanks from overflowing or backing up.
- Despite the fact that septic tanks are currently functional, they do so because naturally existing bacteria progressively break down waste in the tank.
- Thus, waste decomposition is accelerated, sludge accumulation is reduced, and pumping is reduced in frequency.
- Bionetix ®septic treatment is available in a variety of forms, all of which are simple to use and dispose of once a month by flushing down the toilet or adding straight to the septic tank.
- FIZZY-TABTM is a blue 5- or 22-gram tablet that contains 5 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per gram.
If you want to learn more about these natural remedies for homeowners, contact Bionetix ® now. Please click here to get a PDF version of this document. The date is June 19th, 2020, and the time is 09:53:04-05:00. Ana Costa
Home Remedies for a Backed Up Septic Tank (Plus Maintenance Tips)
The septic tank in your home could be the most unpleasant element of it. When anything goes wrong, it may go horribly wrong – which is why it’s critical to diagnose the problem as soon as possible. If that’s the reason you’ve come here, you’ve come to the right place! The next sections will discuss the reasons of a clogged septic tank, as well as some possible home solutions. But, first and foremost, what is the worst that may happen?
General Knowledge for Your Septic Tank
If you didn’t already know, the septic tank is where your waste water is disposed of. That means that all of the waste from your sinks, tubs, and toilets is sent to the septic tank. When you flush your toilet, everything that is beneficial for you goes through a series of pipes until it reaches to your tank, with gravity tugging it along the way. Once you’ve gotten into the tank, the magic begins to happen. When the tank becomes overflowing, the tank is intended to break down particles and discharge liquids from the tank.
If you have a clogged drain, a clogged septic tank, or a backed-up septic tank, there is only one place for the trash and liquids to go: up your drains and into your home.
More information may be found at:
- Is toilet paper safe for your septic tank? Is your septic tank still backing up after it has been pumped? Learn how to tell whether your septic tank is full by reading this article.
DIY Home Remedies For a Backed Up Septic Tank
Let’s try to sort this out without consulting a professional or relying on commercial items. We will go over some fast solutions as well as preventative maintenance to keep your floors clean and free of stains. Prior to doing so, you should identify the source of the problem.
Locate the Problem
This is the first step that must be completed before proceeding. If only one or a few drains are clogged, you may limit down your search results even more. Take a look inside your tank and check the water level there. If the contents of the tank are extremely low, this indicates that there is an issue between the tank and the home. If the tank is completely full with liquids, there is an issue with the tank’s outlet drain, which must be repaired. Understanding how the tank operates is the first step in identifying and resolving your problem.
In this case, a little intuition goes a long way.
It is in this instance that we will investigate several causes why different drains may be clogged.
Check for a Clogged Pipe
To proceed, you must complete this first step first. In the event that only one or a few drains are clogged, you may focus your search. Take a look inside your tank and check the water level inside. A difficulty between the tank and the home occurs when the contents of the tank are very low. A difficulty with the exit drain in the tank occurs if the tank is completely full with liquids. In order to solve your problem, you must first understand how the tank works. Unfortunately, most of the pipes in your septic system are too small to be seen inside.
It’s important to use your instincts in this situation. The presence of a blockage anywhere in your septic system might result in a variety of issues. It is our intention in this case to investigate several causes why different drains may be clogged.
Take a Look in the Tank
Another common location for jams and obstructions is in your tank or septic system. For the majority of individuals, this is a simple check to do. The first step is to locate the tank’s intake. This is a lid that can be removed to allow you to see the inside of the storage tank. The inlet is located somewhere outside of the city limits. Take a look inside your tank by opening the input valve. Using a long pole or stick, you may dislodge any sediments that have become stuck in the drain.
Check the Septic Tank Outlet Baffle
If air cannot escape from the system, you will have the same issues as if the pipe were blocked. In this instance, you’ll need to inspect your outlet baffle to see whether or not there are any blockages. In this location, it is not uncommon to come upon a bird’s nest or a tiny animal that has been captured. After the obstruction has been removed, everything should return to normal. If this is not the case, there is an extra problem with your system.
Check Under Your Sink
The same difficulties that occur when a line becomes blocked occur when air cannot exit the system. This requires you to inspect your outlet baffle to see whether or not there are any blockages. In this location, it is not uncommon to come upon a bird’s nest or a little animal that has become entangled in something. Everything should return to normal when the obstruction has been cleared. If this is not the case, your system is experiencing an extra difficulty.
Try Some Chemistry
If air cannot escape from the system, you will have the same issues as if the pipe is clogged. Check your outlet baffle to determine if there are any blockages in this scenario. It is not uncommon to come upon a bird’s nest or a tiny animal that has been caught in this location. Everything should return to normal when the obstruction has been removed. If this is not the case, there is another problem with your system.
Septic Tank Back Ups You Can’t DIY
Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, there may be times when you’ll need to call in the specialists for assistance.
Damaged Septic Pipes
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do if parts of your septic system have been compromised. This can include damage caused by tree roots, weather damage, or pipelines that have been run over, fractured, or crushed, among other things.
Electrical or Mechanical Failures
Your septic system contains a number of moving pieces. Switches, sensors, and pumps are examples of this type of device. If you go through these troubleshooting methods and are unable to identify the source of the problem, it may be due to malfunctioning equipment in your septic system.
A Leaky System
The final issue that you will be unable to resolve on your own is a leak somewhere in the system. In this situation, you’ll notice that the grass surrounding your septic tank is noticeably greener and healthier than the grass surrounding it. The nitrogen-rich effluent is simply adored by the grass.
Helpful Preventative Maintenance Tips
If you were fortunate enough to clear your impediment, now is the time to rejoice!
More significantly, it is essential to implement some preventative maintenance measures that will help to ensure that this problem does not recur the following week.
Watch What You Flush
It’s important to remember that everything that goes down your drain ends up in your septic tank. The most effective method of avoiding a blockage or clog is to be selective about what you flush. Tampons, condoms, and wet wipes that have been flushed are the most common causes of obstructions. Additionally, food waste from your kitchen should not be flushed down the toilet unless you have a trash disposal in your home.
Keep Trees Away from Your Lines
However, no matter how lovely trees are, their roots can cause issues with your septic system. Their roots will frequently burst through pipes and generate obstructions that are impossible to remove on your own.
Remember Where Your Lines Are
The location of your drain field lines is still another important consideration. Heavy machinery and excavating holes should not be operated in certain regions.
Carefully Select Your Toilet Paper Type
A surprising number of individuals are unaware that certain toilet tissues are not septic-friendly. Check into the safety of your preferred brand of toilet paper to be sure it isn’t causing harm to your digestive system.
Ditch the Chemicals
Drain cleaners that include chemicals can do serious damage to your septic system. In your septic tank, there is beneficial bacteria that aids in the breakdown of all waste materials. A large number of chemical cleansers will kill these microorganisms, resulting in a clogged septic tank.
Remember to Pump
Your septic tank should already be on a pumping schedule, which you should have established. Maintaining this routine will help to guarantee that your system is functioning correctly. Are you unsure of how often you should pump your septic tank? You may learn more about how often to pump a septic tank by visiting this page. More information may be found at:
- Using a Septic Tank? Here’s what you should and shouldn’t put in your garbage disposal. How to Select and Use the Most Effective Septic Tank Treatment (Top 3 Reviews)
- How Long Does a Septic Tank Last (Plus 5 Tips to Help It Last Even Longer! )
- How Long Does a Septic Tank Last (Plus 5 Tips to Help It Last Even Longer!
How to Care for Your Septic System
Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:
- Inspect and pump on a regular basis. Make Efficient Use of Water
- Waste should be disposed of properly. Maintain the condition of your drainfield.
Inspect and Pump Frequently
Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.
- The size of the household
- The total amount of wastewater produced
- The amount of solids present in wastewater
- The size of the septic tank
Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.
When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.
In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.
If additional repairs are recommended, contact a repair professional as soon as possible. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.
Use Water Efficiently
In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.
- Approximately 70 gallons of indoor water are consumed by each individual in a normal single-family house on a daily basis. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on how often it occurs. Septic systems collect and treat all of the water that a household sends down its pipes. When a family conserves water, less water is discharged into a storm drain or into the septic tank. Improved septic system performance and reduced failure risk are two benefits of water conservation. With the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, you may conserve water in a variety of ways and buy goods that are more water-efficient.
Properly Dispose of Waste
In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day. A single leaking or running toilet may waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, and this is just one example. The septic system collects all of the water that a household sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the septic system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failing.
Toilets aren’t trash cans!
Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:
- Cooking grease or oil
- Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
- Photographic solutions
- Feminine hygiene items Condoms
- Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners
Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.
Think at the sink!
Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:
- If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
- Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.
Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?
If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are probably familiar with the issue of odors emanating from sewage holding tanks.
- The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.
Maintain Your Drainfield
It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:
- Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service professional can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscape, depending on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.
Understanding Septic Systems
On-site (unsewered) systems are used to dispose of domestic wastewater in more than 25 million houses, accounting for about a quarter of the population of the United States. According to the American Housing Survey for the United States, in 1993, 1.5 (million) out of every 4 (million) new owner-occupied home starts relied on some sort of onsite sewage disposal, according to the American Housing Survey. When comparing the ownership of an unsewered vs a sewered house, one of the most significant distinctions is that unsewered wastewater treatment and disposal systems must be maintained by the homeowner.
Using an onsite disposal system is the most prevalent method of treating and disposing of wastewater in rural residences. This method is also the most expensive. Septic systems account for the vast majority of onsite waste disposal systems in the United States.
Typical Septic System
- Access ports, distribution box, 4″ perforated pipe, absorption field, crushed rock or gravel lined trench, septic tank
How It Works
A typical septic system is comprised of two key components: a septic tank and an absorption field, both of which are shown in the diagram. Distribution boxes are frequently incorporated as part of the system to distribute septic tank effluent uniformly into the absorption field, which is comprised of a network of distribution lines that connect to the absorption field. The septic tank is normally constructed of concrete or fiberglass, is underground, and must be completely waterproof in order to function properly.
Two-compartment tanks are the most common type of septic tank, followed by two single compartment tanks in sequence.
Cross-section of a two-compartment septic tank
A sewage tank’s capacity is normally built to contain 750 to 1,800 gallons of sewage, although it may be customized based on the number of bedrooms in the house and state and local regulatory regulations. In its most basic form, the septic tank serves to filter solids from liquids while also encouraging partial breakdown of pollutants by microbes that are naturally present in the wastewater to achieve the desired results. The particles, which are referred to as sludge, settle in the bottom of the tank, while the scum floats on top of the liquid at the top of the tank.
- Solids that are permitted to flow through the septic tank and into the absorption field might block the absorption field.
- Because of this, the installation of effluent filters at the septic tank outflow provides an extra layer of protection in the effort to keep particles out of the absorption area.
- The effluent is sent to the absorption field through a connecting pipe or distribution box, depending on the configuration.
- Typically, the absorption field is composed of a network of underground perforated pipes or some other proprietary distribution system.
- The absorption field, which is located in the unsaturated zone of the soil, treats the wastewater by utilizing physical, chemical, and biological processes to treat the waste water.
As an added benefit, the soil serves as a natural buffer, removing many hazardous bacteria, viruses, and excessive nutrients from the wastewater as it flows through the unsaturated zone before it reaches the groundwater supply.
- Well for drinking water
- Septic tank
- Distribution box
- Absorption field
- Soil absorption (unsaturated zone)
- Groundwater (saturated zone)
- And other structures.
Wastewater treatment and disposal in soil
In excess, wastewater includes nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, which can contaminate neighboring streams and groundwater sources, as well as the environment. Extra nutrients in drinking water sources may be damaging to human health and can damage lakes and streams by encouraging weed growth and algal blooms, both of which are detrimental to the environment. But many of these nutrients can be retained in the soil, where they are eventually taken up by the surrounding flora.
What to put in, what to keep out
- All wastewater from your house should be sent into the septic tank. Alternatively, graywater might be channeled to a mulch basin irrigation system or a disposal field. Maintain a safe distance between the absorption field and roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and any rainfall or surface water drainage systems. Increased flooding of the absorption field will inhibit the soil’s ability to naturally cleanse the wastewater, which will result in groundwater and/or surrounding surface water contamination. Conserve water to keep the septic system from being overloaded. Make careful to fix any dripping faucets or leaking toilets. Make use of low-flow plumbing fixtures. When dealing with a clogged drain, avoid using caustic drain openers. Clogs should be unclogged instead with hot water or a drain snake. Avoid the use of septic tank additives, commercial septic tank cleaners, yeast, sugar, and other similar substances. Several of these items are not required, and some may even be damaging to your health. Commercial bathroom cleansers and laundry detergents should only be used in small amounts. Many individuals choose to clean their toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs using a gentle detergent or baking soda rather than harsh chemicals. If you have a trash disposal unit, check with the Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health (DEH) to ensure that your septic system is capable of handling the increased waste. Do not allow backwash from your water softener to enter your septic tank. Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. Grease, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, paper towels, plastics, cat litter, latex paint, pesticides, and other potentially dangerous substances should not be introduced into your system. Records should be kept of all system maintenance operations including repairs, pumping, inspections, permits granted, and other activities. Find out where your septic system is located in your home. Keep a sketch of it with your maintenance record in case you need to bring it in for servicing. Schedule an inspection and pumping of your septic system every three to five years by a professional inspector or contractor
- Only grass should be planted over and near your septic system. A blockage or damage to the absorption field may be caused by roots from surrounding plants or bushes. No portion of your septic system should be driven over or parked over. This might cause the dirt to contract and your system to be crushed.
In summary, understanding how your septic system works and following a few simple principles will help to ensure that your septic system is a safe and cost-effective method of treating and disposing of wastewater on your property.
