General Maintenance

Last Modified: July 16, 2011

What Are The Components Of A Typical Home’s Private Sewage Treatment System?

Septic Tank

The septic tank is a separating tank with 2 functions. The first is to separate solids from liquids. Septic tanks digest and break down solid wastes. 40% of solid wastes are reduced by anaerobic bacteria. The second function is having liquids get to the drain field (trench, bed or seepage pit) where they are purified. First, liquids from the house go into the septic tank, then to the distribution box, finally reaching the drain field to be purified.

Septic Tank

Septic tanks must be water tight so ground water is not contaminated. Private sewage treatment systems are not designed to handle storm water, just household water. Clear or rain water overloads a system.

Drain Fields/Absorption Systems

Septic Drain Field

After being separated from the solids, the liquids which come from the septic tank (effluents) are disposed of in the soil absorption system.  The effluent is purified by the soil before reaching ground water.  You may need a lift pump station if the effluent cannot flow by gravity to the field.

Checklist When Purchasing A Home With A Septic System

Ask questions.  Age of the system? Size of the system? Any previous problems? Ever backed into the house? Is there a maintenance record? When was the septic tank last pumped?

Make sure the septic tank is accessible for pumping.

Fully check the system.  Locate the soil absorption field and check the grounds for seeping effluent.

Have a professional check to make sure the septic system is properly sited.

Determine what needs to be done, if anything, before you buy the house.

Holding Tanks

A holding tank is not a septic system.  Holding tanks are used only when an onsite wastewater disposal system cannot be installed on the property due to shallow bedrock, shallow ground water, etc.  A holding tank stores all household wastes.  When the tank is filled, it must be pumped and the wastes taken to an approved disposal field or municipal treatment plant.

UNDERSTANDING & CARING FOR YOUR HOME

Daily Tips For Long Lasting, Trouble-Free Service

How Often Should The Septic Tank Be Pumped?  Every 1-3 years, when the sludge in the tank is approaching the 1/3 full mark.  If more than this amount of sludge builds up, there is a chance that particles can get into the disposal field & clog the system.  To ensure regular service, keep a maintenance record of your system

How Does The Use Of Household Water Affect The System?

Conserve Water. The more water that is used, the more that must be disposed of by the septic system drain fields.  Buy water conserving appliances such as dishwashers & washing machines.  Install Water conserving showerheads & faucets.  Avoid unnecessary flushing of the stool.  Wash only full loads of clothes & fix leaky faucets.

What Are Some Of The Common Household Habits That Create Problems In A Septic Tank?

When homeowners use their septic tank as a disposal.  Grease is the worst thing in a system.  Coffee grounds, bones, cooking fats, filter cigarette butts, disposable diapers, paper toweling, tissues, etc., should not be put into the system.

Can A Garbage Disposal Be Used?

Garbage disposals are not recommended, because the food particles fill up the septic tank faster & food particles tend to clog the system.  If a garbage disposal is used, plan to pump the septic system twice as often or increase the tank size by 1/3.

What Affect Does Rain Water Run Off Have On The System?

It overloads the system.  Since all water must be disposed of, do not have storm or clear water from the basement or roof go into the sewage treatment system.

What About The Use Of Household Cleaning Products?

Moderate use of bleaches, cleansers & other household products will not harm your septic tank.

Is There Any Special Type Of Toilet Paper Required?

White toilet paper, designed for septic tank use is best, because there are no dyes that need to be broken down in white paper.

What Else Can I Do To Protect The System?

A properly designed & installed system will give you years of trouble-free service if you protect the system with good daily habits & pump the septic tank regularly.

What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken?

Absolutely never go into a septic tank.  Lethal gases build up in the tank that are overpowering & deadly.  Call professionals if you have a problem with your system.

Know where the manhole cover to the septic tank is located.  It should be earth covered or locked at all times.

Septic tanks that are no longer being used should be filled with earth or rock.

IMPORTANT – Check with the Health Department in your community for local regulations & requirements concerning home septic systems.