Living With a Septic System
Properly cared for, a well designed, installed, and maintained septic system can provide years of reliable, low-cost service.
However, a failing system can be a source of pollution, not to mention a public health concern. A failed septic system can result in pollution of your water well system, as well as that of your neighbours, can cause property damage, and disease outbreaks. Replacing a septic system can cost thousands of dollars, so understanding how to tend to a septic system, and regular maintenance will be important.
A standard septic tank system has three main parts:
The Septic Tank
A septic tank's purpose is to separate solids from the wastewater, store and partially decompose as much solid material as possible, while allowing the liquid (or effluent) to go to the drainfield. ...more
The Drainfield
After solids settle in the septic tank, the liquid wastewater (or effluent) is discharged to the
drainfield, also known as an absorption or leach field....more
The Soil
The soil below the drainfield provides the final treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent. After the wastewater has passed into the soil, organisms in the soil treat the effluent before it percolates downward and outward, eventually entering ground or surface water. The type of soil also impacts the effectiveness of the drainfield; for instance, clay soils may be too tight to allow much wastewater to pass through and gravelly soil may be too coarse to provide much treatment.
Maintenance Tips
Homeowners and residents have a great effect on septic system performance. Using more water than the system was designed to handle can cause a failure. Also disposal of chemical or excess organic matter, such as that from a garbage disposal, can destroy a septic system. The following maintenance tips can help your system provide long-term, effective treatment of household waste.
Inspect and Pump Frequently
The most important step to maintaining your septic tank is to remove sludge and scum build-up before it washes into the drainfield. How often your tank needs pumping depends on the size of the tank, the number of people in your household, the volume of water used, and amount of solids (from humans, garbage disposals, and any other wastes) entering the system. Generally, tanks should be pumped every 3 to 5 years.
Use Water Efficiently
Excessive water is a major cause of system failure. The soil under the septic system must absorb all of the water used in the home. Too much water from laundry, dishwasher, toilets, baths, and showers may not allow enough time for sludge and scum to separate. The less water used, the less water entering the septic system, resulting in less risk of system failure.
Minimize Solid Waste Disposal
What goes down the drain can have a major impact on your septic system. Many materials do not decompose and consequently, build up in your septic tank. If you can dispose of it in some other way, do so, rather than putting it into your system.
Keep Chemicals Out of Your System
Keep household chemicals out of your septic system, such as caustic drain openers, paints, pesticides, photographic chemicals, brake fluid, gasoline, and motor oil. Improper disposal of toxic chemicals down the drain is harmful to the environment, as well as the bacteria needed to break down wastes in the septic system.
Septic System Additives
Adding a stimulator or an enhancer to a septic tank to help it function or "to restore bacterial balance" is not necessary. The naturally occurring bacteria needed for the septic system to work are already present in human feces.
What Can Go Wrong?
Like an automobile, septic systems are designed to provide long-term, effective treatment of household waste when operated and maintained properly. However, most systems that fail prematurely are due to improper maintenance.
If you notice any of the following signs or if you suspect your septic system may be having problems, contact a qualified septic professional.
- Odors, surfacing sewage, wet spots, or lush vegetation growth in the drainfield area
- Plumbing or septic tank backups (often a black liquid with a disagreeable odor)
- Slow draining fixtures
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
- If you have a well and tests show the presence of coliform (bacteria) or nitrates, your drainfield may be failing
- Lush green grass over the drainfield, even during dry weather