Aerobic Septic System Problems
Septic systems are used to treat wastewater from homes not connected to public sewage treatment facilities. They are commonly used in rural areas. One type of septic system is an aerobic septic system. Aerobic septic systems use oxygen to support the growth of bacteria that help to treat wastewater. Like most septic systems, aerobic systems are susceptible to several types of problems. Does this Spark an idea?
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Electricity
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Unlike anaerobic septic units, aerobic units depend on electricity to properly function. According to guidelines published by Texas A&M University, prolonged power outages can affect the ability of the system to properly treat wastewater. In case of an outage, homeowners should minimize activities such as washing dishes and laundry. Homeowners should also minimize activities that produce wastewater until their system has fully recovered from any power outages.
Clogs
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It is possible for septic tanks, as well as drainfields, to become clogged. This can result in flooding and problems with plumbing in the home. To avoid such problems, it is recommended that homeowners minimize their use of garbage disposals. Homeowners should also refrain from flushing non-biodegradable objects down the toilet. These include diapers, dental floss, condoms and feminine hygiene products. Homeowners should also ensure that "sludge," or the solids that accumulate at the bottom of the septic tank, is pumped out about once every year.
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Bacteria
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Aerobic septic systems are dependent on bacteria to properly function. Aerobic bacteria in the tank remove pollutants and disease-causing agents before the wastewater is released into the drainfield. Anything that interferes with these bacteria may prevent an aerobic septic system from working. Harsh chemicals such as paints, varnishes, paint thinners, waste oils, photographic solutions or pesticides should never be poured down drains or flushed down the toilet, because these can kill the bacterial colonies in aerobic tanks.
Mechanical
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Because they have more working parts than anaerobic septic systems, aerobic systems are more prone to mechanical failures that can lead to problems with plumbing inside the house. For this reason, most aerobic septic tanks are equipped with alarms that will alert a homeowner to problems in the system. If the system is experiencing mechanical problems, a homeowner should contact his service provider; under no circumstance should a homeowner try to fix the system himself.
Drainfield
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The majority of aerobic septic systems rely on a drainfield to complete the process of wastewater treatment. Because drainfields are susceptible to becoming clogged by roots, homeowners should never plant trees close to their drainfield. Drainfields can also become compacted and therefore less able to absorb water; for this reason, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends that a homeowner never park or drive on a drainfield. Homeowners can minimize the risk of drainfield flooding by diverting runoff from rain gutters and other sources away from the drainfield.
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References
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Comments
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staceybrohn
Jun 13, 2010
Unfortunately most homeowners still use anti-bacterial soaps, cleaners and detergents which kill all the natural bacteria that is to liquefy the waste. Thus, to prevent clogging and local water supplies homeowners need to maintain their system by using the best septic system bacteria treatment possible, such as the Septic-Helper 2000 from Miller Plante Inc. and the Enza Washer Balls, a chemical free laundry detergent replacement.
