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 For many rural homeowners there is no access to a
sewerage system. More than one in five households have a septic
system to treat the wastewater. Simply designed, a septic tank is a
type of onsite sewage facility for a single property.
Your Septic
System
One end of the septic tank is connected to a wastewater pipe and the
other to a septic drain field. Wastewater enters the first chamber
of the tank where bacteria breaks down the sewage, allowing solids
to settle and scum to float. A filter prevents the solids from
entering the outlet pipe. The excess liquid drains into the septic
drain field, which provides a large area for the bacteria to thrive
and treated water to seep into the ground. Gravel around the pipes
allow water to flow into the soil and oxygen to reach the bacteria.
This helps complete the decomposition of the waste. Any excess water
is eliminated through filtration into the soil, through evaporation,
and by uptake through the roots of plants.
How Does a
Septic System Work?
A septic tank made of plastic, fiberglass, or concrete that is
properly designed is odor-free and should last about 50 years.
Stuart Meade from Meade Septic Design, Inc. explains in the video
below, “The longevity of your septic system is directly linked to
proper maintenance and the amount and strength of waste water you
put into your system.” Cigarette butts, coffee grounds, lint from
synthetic fibers, household chemicals, and solid waste from garbage
disposals don’t break down and need to be removed from the septic
tank.
A homeowner can check the level of sludge in the bottom of the tank
if they are not too squeamish about such things, however, there are
professionals that will pump the tank and inspect the area for any
maintenance issues that need to be resolved. “Pumping your septic
tank is expensive but it’s also a necessity.” The most common cause
of septic system problems is the failure to pump out the septic tank
on a regular basis.
When Should I
Pump My Septic Tank? Roots from trees
and shrubbery can also be a problem for septic tanks. Not only can
they cause damage to the tank itself, but roots can cause serious
flow problems when they plug and block drain pipes. Rainfall,
snowmelt, and flooding can prevent a drain field from operating and
may even cause groundwater to flow back into the septic tank. In
extreme cases, a tank may become loose and float in the ground
causing it to fail.
How to rid
roots from sewer/septic While proper
maintenance and inspections are necessary to keep a septic tank
working appropriately there are some household tips that will extend
the life of the septic system:
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Practice water conservation
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Flush only toilet paper
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Don’t poison your septic tank with cleaners, cooking oil or
grease, wipes or diapers, feminine products, pharmaceuticals, or
solvents.
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Don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach
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It’s best not to have a garbage disposal, but if you do don’t
put egg shells, tea bags, or other solids in the disposal.
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Pump septic tank when needed. Keep accurate records.
Failing septic systems are costly to repair and
expensive to replace. Care of your system will insure the health of
your family. Improper treatment of wastewater released into the
environment can impose serious risk to your family and the community
at large, contaminating nearby wells. For these reasons, it is
important for a homeowner to take proper care of the septic system.
Household Tips
for Septic System Owners
In most states the local health department regulates the septic
systems according to state laws. In Logan County, a homeowner must
have a valid permit issued by the Department of Public Health before
installing a septic tank. The permit will be kept on file at the
Logan County Clerk’s office.
Most homeowners should seek the expertise of a Sewage Disposal
System Installation Contractor to install a septic tank on their
property. It is important for the Department of Public Health to
have an accurate drawing of the property including surrounding
buildings, property lines, slope of the land, possible sources of
ground water contamination, proposed system, and measurements for
all setbacks. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to perform
regular maintenance and inspections. This information should be
reported to the DPH, along with any results of soil testing or plat
reviews as requested. Fines will be issued for any person not
willing to comply with the rules and standards set forth by the
Department of Public Health.
There is no one-size-fits-all septic system. So, if you are moving
to rural community be sure to get records from the homeowner selling
the property, check with the local health department for the area’s
rules, and ask questions of professionals. It is important for a
potential homeowner to have the facts about the septic system and
know how to properly care for such an important part of your home.
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