ADVANCED SEPTIC 101

Septic System is an on-site sewage treatment system. Although there are several different types of septic systems, (mechanical, mound, multi-flow, gravity feed), most are based on the same principles. The majority of systems installed are gravity feed and will be the type explained below.

A septic system treats the household wastewater by temporarily holding it in the septic tank where heavy solids and lighter scum are allowed to separate from the wastewater. This process is known as the primary treatment. The solids stored in the tank are decomposed by bacteria and later removed, along with the lighter scum, by a professional septic tank pumper.

There are three layers of material in a septic tank. At the top of the tank is the scum layer, the sludge layer is at the bottom of the tank and the middle layer is the liquid effluent.

Wastewater that enters the septic tank is retained for a short period of time. During this time it breaks down into scum, sludge and liquid effluent. Most of the solid matter will fall to the bottom of the tank and buoyant materials such as grease and hair will float to the top. Between these two layers is the liquid effluent, which flows into the drainfield.

The bacteria in the tank are constantly eating away at the bottom of the scum layer, and the bacteria excrete 99% effluent water (liquid layer) and 1% sludge.

When a toilet gets flushed, the "water" level in the tank rises, and some of the liquid layer trickles out of the tank and seeps into the drainfield. Over time, the sludge and scum layers get thicker and thicker. If either of these layers reach the bottom of the outlet baffle, (if you produce waste faster than the bacteria can get rid of it), solids will start flowing into the Distribution box and now you have a failed system which needs to be pumped.

If you have a large household (5+ people) or if you have had drainfield problems in the past, you may want to consider adding an effluent filter to your septic system for additional protection. This results in much cleaner water flowing out into your drainfield.

The second most important thing in preserving your drainfield is making sure that your outlet baffle in intact. The purpose of an outlet baffle is to block sludge from skimming across your septic tank and flowing directly into the drainfield. Many, many septic drainfields have prematurely failed due to this small component being overlooked.

Whenever you get the septic tank pumped out, this should be checked by the technician! If it has eroded away or has fallen off, it should be replaced as soon as possible!

This is a standard septic system. The treatment process starts in the septic tank and is completed in and around the drainfield. This simple type of system is best suited for those ideal building lots: well draining soils, no high water tables or nearby bodies of water.

A good septic pumping & inspection will consist of the following:

The contractor will look over the drainfield to look for tire tracks or signs of heavy foot traffic.

· They will then dig-up and expose the manhole cover and look at the contents of the tank. They will be looking for bad items like kotex, tampex, wet-wipes, condoms, etc, that will not break down in the system. They will also look for low bacterial activity indicating an over-use of chemicals.

· They will then pump the septic system while looking for a large amount of water draining back from the drainfield which can indicate a slow or failing drainfield.

· They will then check to make sure the in-let and out-let baffles are in place and of the proper size.

At this point they should give you an assessment of the system and suggest any changes in your usage patterns, i.e. keep the kids off the drainfield with their 4 wheelers, stop flushing the kotex, tampex, wet-wipes, condoms down the drain and cut back on your chemical usage. Also at this time they could suggest a few other things like:

· If they see potential problems, they could jet (clean) the lines in the drainfield.

· An effluent filter should be installed that will take the place of the exit baffle.

· If the tank is more than 2 feet deep, they could install riser bring the lid closer to the surface for easier access next time.

This is the proper way to pump a septic system, however not many contractors go into this detail. To contractors, time is money so many simply stick the hose down the pipe, suck it out, grab the check and head out of town. This is why you want to ask the contractor (up front on the phone) if they will do these things. You may pay a little extra for this service, but it is well worth it because if it catches something in the beginning before it becomes a major problem, it could save you thousands of dollars down the road. On the other hand, if your exit baffle falls off and you don't catch it, solids will plug your drainfield and you won't find out until the sewage is pooling in your yard and/or backing up into your house. Now you may be paying for a whole new drainfield and the damage to your yard that goes with it.

Once you have the riser and effluent filter installed, these are one time costs so you don't have to pay for this again and the pumping/inspection is easy and simple.

Finally, please be aware that there are no substitutes for pumping or miracle products which "eliminate pump outs forever."