It’s not a trash can, Some paper products and wipes are advertised as ‘flushable’ but they aren’t. Sure, they will flush down, but they won’t flush OUT. Wipes won’t decompose.
Garbage disposal grinds kitchen scraps into small pieces, once they reach the septic tank, they are suspended in the water. Some of these materials are broken down by bacterial action, but most of the grindings must be pumped out of the tank. As a result, use of a garbage disposal will significantly increase the amount of sludge and scum in your septic tank. Therefore, many states require a larger minimum size septic tank if there will be a garbage grinder/disposal unit in operation in the house
It is important to avoid overtaxing your system by using a lot of water in a short time period, or by allowing too much outside water to reach the drain field. Try to space out activities requiring heavy water use over several days. Also, divert roof drains, surface water, and sump pumps away from the drain field.
If you’re a homeowner and have a malfunctioning septic system, the big question is, “Do I have to replace the whole system?” Repairs can range from cleaning a few lines to replacing entire leaching beds and removing contaminated and clogged soils. By contacting a onsite sewage system professional They will be able to determine the cause of the failure and repair the failing system.
To help prevent groundwater pollution, be sure to dispose of leftover hazardous chemicals by taking them to an approved hazardous waste collection center. Do not dispose of your leftover chemicals into your septic tank, they will destroy your septic system and could potentially contaminate your ground water.
Water conservation is very important for septic systems because continual saturation of the soil in the drainfield can affect the quality of the soil and its ability to naturally remove toxics, bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants from the wastewater. The most effective way to conserve water around the house is to first take stock of how it is being wasted. Immediately repair any leaking faucets or running toilets, and use dishwashers only when full.
Building over septic tanks.
It is never recommended to build a structure over any portion of your septic system. It is not uncommon to find tanks located under a wooden deck, pool patio, driveways, or even room additions. Most of the time, this happens because the homeowner is unaware of the tank location and/or does not plan for future maintenance on their tank. Building over drainfields. The soil beneath the drainfield needs oxygen so that the microbes in the soil can treat the effluent from the drainfield. However, if a permanent structure is built over a drainfield it can restrict the oxygen flow into the soil and restrict the evapotranspiration process. A big risk to building over the drainfield is causing the lines to collapse. Also, the soil can compact around the trenches, which may not allow for percolation. A properly functioning septic system will remove most contaminants to acceptable levels. The soil under the stone in
the drainage field when properly working can remove 99 percent of contaminants before being reintroduced into groundwater. To further reduce the risk of ground or surface water contamination. You should have your septic system inspected on a regular basis by a qualified professional. A malfunctioning septic system is easy to see . . . and smell. If you suspect you have a problem with your septic system, it is important to fix the problem quickly. A malfunctioning septic system is a risk to your environment and your health. It can quickly contaminate groundwater and surface water used as drinking water sources.
What Could Be Hiding Underground?
You could have some very old technology working for you. In the past, steel tanks, cinderblock tanks or poured-in-place concrete tanks were used. Septic system technology is constantly changing and improving. Today, septic tanks are either pre-fabricated concrete or plastic. Since the mid-1970s, septic tanks are required to have two compartments. old tanks may only have one compartment. Today’s pipes used in leaching beds are plastic, but in the past clay tiles, asbestos pipes and non-corrode pipes were used. |