Septic Tank Tips
Septic tank systems date back to the 1870s. Today, they are used in a third of American homes. While sewer systems take household wastewater away to municipal treatment facilities, septic systems treat the wastewater on site, a more practical option for rural and many suburban homes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Understanding the Basics
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A septic tank is anaerobic, meaning it works without oxygen. Bacteria living in the waste itself separate solids from the liquid waste (effluent) and begin breaking it down; the liquid slowly drains into a system of pipes. This system, called the drainfield, allows the liquid to seep very slowly into the ground, where, over time, the bacteria and any remaining solids are absorbed. If you have purchased a house with a septic system, you should find out the location of the tank and the drainfield; plumbers who specialize in septic systems can locate these for you, or you can check for clues, such as slow frost formation over the lines in winter. If you are building a new system, take note of the location. You will need to know where these structures are before you dig or plant in your yard.
Planning Your System
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The American Ground Water Trust estimates that each American produces, on average, about 50 gallons of wastewater each day from a variety of sources, including bathing, washing dishes and laundry, cooking and toilet use. So the size of your tank will depend on the number of people in the household it serves; consult a septic tank professional for advice on sizing the tank. The placement of the tank is also very important, and laws in your community may specify distances from water lines, vegetable gardens and other structures. Regardless of legal restrictions, however, there may be geological restrictions because a septic system requires soil with certain permeability; this means the waster water will percolate through your soil at the proper rate for bacteria and waste solids to be safely absorbed. A contractor can site the system for you.
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General Maintenance
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One of the advantages of a septic system is that it is, for the most part, self-sustaining, operating via natural systems of decomposition and evaporation. Some basic maintenance is required, however, to keep the system working most efficiently and to maximize its lifespan. Lack of maintenance is one of two main reasons for system failure, according to the American Ground Water Trust. The most important maintenance is removal of solids; the waste solids form a sludge that settles to the bottom of the tank. If the sludge builds up too much, it can block the outflow drains that allow the effluent to leach safely into the soil of the drainfield. Thomas H. Miller, of the University of Maryland Extension, recommends that you have your system pumped every three to five years; this is not a do-it-yourself project.
The Importance of Conservation
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The second main cause of septic system failure is overload. Conserving water is the best way to avoid this problem, because if you conserve water inside the home, you reduce the amount of waste water entering the septic tank. The American Ground Water Trust recommends checking all your plumbing for leaks, because leaky faucets or toilets can drain excessive water into the system; periodically check the floats in your toilet tanks, as well, to ensure that they are not sticking and increasing water flow unnecessarily. General conservation tips include only washing full loads of clothing or dishes, and turning off faucets during teeth brushing. If you must let water run --- such as to heat it up for a shower --- consider catching it in a pail and using it to water plants or flush toilets.
Dangers to the System
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In addition to basic maintenance and water conservation, there are a few other things you can do to protect your septic system. Remember that everything that goes down your household drains or toilets ends up in the septic tank, so avoid dumping household chemicals (such as motor oil, acetone or naptha) or food wastes and grease; the bacteria in the septic tank may have trouble decomposing coffee grounds and food scraps, so the American Ground Water Trust recommends against using an in-sink garbage disposal with a septic system. Furthermore, the Trust, as well as extension agent Thomas H. Miller, recommend against using commercially available septic tank additives or "starters." Outside your home, you should avoid driving over the drainfield or compacting the soil there, as these can damage the system or prevent efficient leaching. To help avoid overload of the system, check your home's downspouts and outdoor drains to ensure they do not empty into the septic tank or drainfield.
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References
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