Septic System Care—

Protect The Investment You Have Buried Out In The Yard

By Jan Howard

A septic system that is properly installed and cared for is highly efficient and reliable, according to the Newtown Health District.

The purpose of a septic system is to treat and dispose of wastewater in normal household use.

A well-maintained system can last 20 to 25 years or more; with abuse or lack of maintenance even a new system can fail in three to five years or less, according to the Health District.

A homeowner must follow some basic maintenance procedures, which include conserving water, being careful that nothing harmful is disposed into the system, inspecting the system annually, and pumping it regularly.

“Homeowners should know where their septic system tank is,” Director of Health Mark Cooper said recently. They should obtain a copy of the septic as-built from the Health District so the tank and distributions boxes can be located. He said that records for homes built in the last ten years show accurately where the tank is located.

 Mr Cooper cautioned homeowners about using products that claim to help clean septic systems.

“For the average homeowner there’s very little benefit” to using these products, he said.

 “Some are benign,” Mr Cooper said. Products that add bacteria to the septic system can’t harm anything, he added.

Under normal conditions the septic system does not need additional bacteria, he said. But if a homeowner misuses bleach, the addition of bacteria or yeast can be helpful. He suggested, in that case, that homeowners look at how much bleach they are using and reduce the use.

Chemically based septic tank products should not be used, he said. “They are harmful to the environment and the system. I strongly recommend that they not be used. They are not the best way to clean your tank. In the long run, they can cause more expense.”

He also suggested that homeowners who use garbage disposals should have their septic systems pumped once a year. “When you do dishes, put the residue in the garbage, not in the garbage disposal,” he said. He also warned about putting bacon grease and other fats down the drain.

Water treatment systems can also be harmful to septic systems, Mr Cooper said. “Make sure you need the treatment system because they discharge waste products into the septic. Make sure your system can handle it.”

Care Of The System

The Newtown Health District offers the following information for the care and maintenance of a septic system.

Practice water conservation and stagger high water usage practices, such as laundry, to alternating days. Repair leaking faucets and toilets. Excess water in the septic system may reduce its longevity.

The septic system is not a garbage disposal or receptacle for products not generated in the household, such as petroleum based chemicals. The following should not be poured down the drain or flushed into the septic system:

·    Excess water (such as three to four consecutive loads of laundry);

·    Fats, grease, cooking oil;

·    Waste garbage, vegetable peelings, coffee grounds;

·    Bleach (moderate amounts in laundry are OK);

·    Disposable diapers, paper towels, sanitary napkins, condoms;

·    Disinfectants, drain cleaners on a regular basis;

·    Paint, paint thinner, anti-freeze, motor oil, gasoline;

·    Pesticides or any hazardous waste;

·    Non-biodegradable detergents and cleaners;

·    Water softener backwash, photographic developing fluids;

·    Soil, kitty litter, cigarette butts.

 

Maintenance of the Septic System

Regular pumping of the tank is essential to maintaining the health of the system. The system is designed to separate solids from liquids inside the septic tank. The solids remain in the tank, the liquids dissipate into the ground. The solid particles settle in the first chamber of the tank and will build up and eventually fill it; pumping the tank is the only way to eliminate these solids.

The water in the second chamber flows into the leaching system. It then percolates through the leaching system and into the soil, where the bacteria are broken down and clean water is returned to the water table.

Periodic pumping is critical, according to the Health Department. New systems should be pumped every two to four years. Older systems should be pumped every one to three years depending on the condition and usage of the system.

A licensed septic pumper who comes well recommended should be hired, the Health Department advises. The homeowner should observe the pumper while the work is being done. The pumper should explain the condition of the system and show that it is in good working order.

Areas of concern to check and discuss with the pumper include:

·    Removing all solids and liquids from both chambers of the septic tank.

·    Checking baffles on the inlet and outlet lines to make sure they are intact, securely in place, and clear of any obstructions.

·    Hosing down the tank and checking for cracks or any signs of deterioration.

·    Installing a riser if the tank is more than 12 inches below ground to save excavating costs in the future and allow faster access when necessary.

·    Inspecting the pump chamber if it is a pump system. The backup alarm should be tested. If the pump chamber does not have a riser above the ground surface, one should be retrofitted.

·    Locating the distribution boxes and checking them every second or third pumping. There should be no solids in the distribution boxes.

It is important to keep accurate records about the location and cleaning of the system. This can be passed on to the next owner and may help in the resale of the house.

Homeowners should regularly check the area around the tank and leaching area, particularly in the spring when the water table is high. Wet spots, exceptionally lush green grass, or odors are signs of septic problems. If water drains slowly from fixtures inside the house, it is an indication of a blockage, and backups into the house may ultimately result.

The Health District office should be contacted if any of these problems occur.

Mr Cooper said homeowners should make sure people don’t drive or park cars or other heavy vehicles in the area of the septic system. Pipes or other parts of the leaching system can be broken or compacted by excessive weight.

Keep water from driveways, roof drains, and surface runoff from collecting over the septic system. Footing drains and sump pump discharges should be directed away from the system.

The Health District advises homeowners to always hire licensed professionals. Do not make or allow any repairs to a septic system without the necessary Health District permits.

A permit is also required for pumping a septic system. It is the responsibility of the pumper to obtain this permit prior to the pumping.

The cost of pumping a septic system can vary, according to Mr Cooper. Depending on factors involved, it can be anywhere from $125 to $200 dollars. It will cost more if the pumper is required to dig to uncover the tank. Homeowners can save this cost by doing the digging themselves.

Homeowners should call the Health District at 270-4291 to discuss any concerns about a septic system before a problem occurs.