Something as simple as flushing the toilet isn't significant until it doesn't flush properly. Most of us who are on a journey towards self-sufficiency either live in a rural area or have plans to do so. One of the basic facts about rural living is that your waste water is typically piped to a septic system. Even in municipalities or suburbs, you may have a septic system. I think every one of us has a little knowledge about these systems, but how many of us really know how they work?
Even if you have a waste water system that goes to a water treatment plant, this post should be beneficial for you as well. The next property you live on may have a septic field. After living on our property for 5 years, we had to call out the septic pumper truck Friday. We had already tried household remedies for a stopped up line to no avail. Our biggest fear was that our septic system had failed and would need to be replaced. We were not ready for an $8,000 expense right now to replace it. Fortunately, we only needed it pumped out. As it turns out the septic tank pre-dates the 70s and has never been pumped clean. So, just how does this system work and how often should I get it pumped out? Great questions. Since having initial backups with the plumbing, I began a quest for knowledge. There is some conflicting information out there, but I will attempt to clear up any confusion. Photo by: www.septic-1.com
The 3 main component of a septic system are: a main line, septic tank, and drain field. Septic systems include plumbing to carry waste from the home to the septic tank. This is also known as a drainage line or main line. Sometimes the mainline gets clogged before waste even reaches the septic tank. When this happens a flexible wire or metal "snake" is used to clear the clog.
The septic tank is next in line. Waste water enters the tank where it is stored and allowed to naturally decompose. These tanks vary is size and construction. Most tanks will range from 500-2000 gallons. Most tanks are made of concrete, but also may be made from fiberglass or polyethylene. Solid waste is broken down by bacteria and the processed liquid waste water (effluent) exits the tank to the drainage field. The tank has an inlet and outlet which typically have a t-fitting or baffle to direct the waste water. The drainage field or leech field is designed to take the processed waste water and return it to the earth. This water is filtered through percolation which completes the process. Those are the basic components, now lets look at a few more basics.
As you can see from the illustration above, waste water enters the septic tank. This waste is then broken down with bacteria and separated into scum and sludge. Scum is all of those particles that are lighter than the water. This includes oils, grease, and toilet tissue. Sludge is all of those heavier particles that sink to the bottom. These particles are stored in the tank. The particles that can't be processed remain in the tank and build up over a period of time. It is essential for everyone with a septic system to understand what can and cannot be put in the system. General awareness can assist in keeping your system alive and functioning effectively. There is a lot of misinformation about what can be put in your system. If you have any doubt about the information presented here, please do some additional research on your own.
Most septic professionals will tell you to never put anything that has not been processed by the human body into the system. The exception is toilet paper and periodic septic maintenance products. A healthy and properly functioning system will NOT require any supplements. Now for those things you want to avoid putting in your system. Some of these are more obvious than others:
- Dirt or soils of any kind
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cooking oils and grease
- Coffee grounds
- Food scraps
- Cigarette butts
- Anti-septic or anti-bacterial soaps
- Bleach products
- Kitty litter
- Condoms
- Chemical household cleaning products
- Painting supplies to include paint thinners and paints
- Drugs and medications
- Any other products that are NOT biodegradable
It is important that you educate all family members and house guests that you are on a septic system and those items that can not be processed by your system. You also need to understand that a garbage disposal is fine for folks on a municipal sewage system, but not recommended for septic systems. When you have house guests, your waste water flow increases as well and may over task your system. Too much demand and improper maintenance can result in costly repairs or replacement to your system. When you overload your system, solid waste particles could enter your drain field which could result in failure of your system. Water conservation and fixing leaks can extend the frequency for maintenance. Check toilets for leaks by pouring a package of koolaid in each tank. Wait about an hour and look for color in the bowl. If the bowl is colored significantly, you may need to replace the flapper. Probably the most often debated question about septic systems is how often it should be pumped out. Remember that your own pumping schedule will be determined by amount of waste water flow, volume of solids, and capacity of tank. Although it is not recommended to use a garbage disposal, some folk do. If a garbage disposal is used, it will significantly increase the amount of sludge in your tank and require more frequent pumping. The following illustration will help in your own decision for periodic maintenance. Your local septic pumping company will typically charge based on the thickness of the scum and sludge. By thickness, they are talking about distance and not consistency.
Photo by: entech.com
Keep in mind that your septic system is a living environment. The live bacteria in your system keeps it healthy and functioning properly. Take a look around your household and see what chemicals and products may be killing your system.
As always, I encourage you to share this post with others who may benefit from it.
As always, I encourage you to share this post with others who may benefit from it.
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