Understanding and Care of Your Septic System The Septic System  The septic tank was patented in London around 1900.  The most common septic tank design consists of two compartments. Sedimentation, sludge digestion and storage take place in the first compartment. The second compartment is used to protect against sludge and scum carry-over that might escape the first compartment.  Septic tanks are predominately used in rural areas for treatment of waste from individual residents, parks, camping areas and recreational resorts, and institutions such as schools and hospitals. All on-site wastewater system eliminates the need for costly municipal sewers in rural areas.  Mainly, the septic tank is used to retain, digest and store raw sewage before the final disposal. During the retention period, usually twenty-four hours, biological breakdown takes place. If this action is properly designed and maintained, it will produce effluent free of substances.  When household waste material enters the septic tank several things occur: Organic solid material floats to the surface and forms a layer of what is commonly called "scum." Bacteria in the septic tank biologically converts this material to liquid. Inorganic or inert solid materials and the by-products of bacterial digestion sink to the bottom of the tank and form a layer commonly called "sludge." Only fairly clear water should exist between the scum and sludge layers. It is this clear water-and only this clear water that should overflow into the soil absorption area, which is the leach field. The effluent then filters into the ground and is purified by the soil before reaching ground water. Operation  Septic systems are by nature, slow-moving creatures. They work slowly, because the microorganisms that treat wastewater can only digest so much at a time. Septic tanks also need some "retention time" for the solids to separate from the liquids.  This means that pouring less into your septic system allows it more time to work on each gallon of waste, and each gallon will be more completely treated. It also means that pushing too much, too quickly through your septic tank can cause untreated solid material to flow into the drainage field, possibly clogging it. Filters may need to be installed in the outlet side of the septic tank to help prevent any solids from entering the leach field and possibly clogging it.  Even if the pipes aren't blocked, treatment won't be adequate because solids have missed their chance to be broken down in the tank. Instead, they are discharged to the ground while still containing dangerous bacteria, viruses and pollutants in unacceptable concentrations.  Up to 52 gallons of water are discharged to your system with each load of laundry in a day, or the extra toilet flushing from a party can load a septic tank with several times it usual daily flow. Houseguests and extra demands they place on your septic system are another concern. Older systems often designed with smaller tanks and drainage fields are especially vulnerable.  Fortunately, it's easy to use water wisely throughout the house. Whether washing vegetables, cleaning dishes, brushing your teeth or shaving, use the plug and water in the sink to avoid leaving the tap running.  Keep showers short and to the point. Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full, and use the cycles with the lowest number of rinses. Stagger laundry washing over several days, and when purchasing appliances, compare their water usage rates. Use low flow toilets and reduce water flow from showerheads.  A tap leaking just one drop per second wastes about 2,640 gallons of water per year. A silently leaking toilet can waste up to 20 times that amount. Since most leaks are easy to find and fix, water saving starts with stopping the drips. Maintenance  Failure of maintenance of the septic tank allows an excessive build which causes scouring to occur with the tanks. This action agitates the field. Solid material overflowing into the leachfield plugs the pipes and absorption area causing the septic system to fail.  Two main factors cause solid material to build up enough to overflow: Bacteria deficiency, and lack of sludge removal. Bacterial Deficiency:  Bacteria must be present in the septic tank to digest the organic solids. Normal household wastes provide enough bacteria to digest the solid unless any harm is done to the bacteria. Bacteria is very sensitive to environmental changes. Many home-care products used in most everyday homes will destroy bacteria. Following are some commonly used home-care products that will kill bacteria necessary for a proper septic tank operation if not used in moderation Detergents Bleach Disinfectants Polishes Toilet Cleaners Acids Cleaning Compounds Caustic Drain Openers Sink & Tub Cleaners Paint Solvents Thinners Do not use excessive amounts of any of these chemicals.  Using too much soap or detergent can cause problems with the septic system. Learning the correct amount of detergent can deter over use of detergent. Using expensive detergent that may contain fillers are not suggested. Liquid detergent is less likely to have fillers that can harm the septic system.  Septic systems cannot digest oils, grease and fat. Poured down the sink or toilet, they congeal in pipes, sometimes plugging them. Grease can also combine with detergents and flow into the drainage field where it may clog the soils. Fats can form a blob in the top of the tank, and interfere with the biological activities taking place. All oily waste should go out with the garbage.  Using your septic system to dispose of garbage is another no-no. In-sink garbage disposals are unwelcome strains on the system. Disposable diapers, tampons and their holders, condom wrappers, coffee grounds, egg shells, cooking fats, strong hold toilet paper/paper towels and many other kinds of refuse can plug and impair septic systems. If something doesn't break down naturally, don't flush it into your septic system. Sludge Removal  Even on a proper diet, a septic system needs regular check-ups. The sludge in the septic tank-inorganic and inert material and by-products of bacterial digestion- is not biodegradable and will not decompose. If not removed, sludge will accumulate until it overflows, again clogging the soil absorption area.  Normal maintenance consists of periodically pumping the sludge that accumulates in the bottom of the tank. How frequently depends on the size of the tank, the use it gets, and the condition of the system. Pumping is usually recommended every 3-5 years, when the sludge in the tank is approaching the 1/3 full mark. Only a professional should pump a septic tank. You should never go down into a septic tank. The gases present may poison or asphyxiate you. The manhole cover or the tank cover must be removed. This is the only way to be sure that all solids have been pumped out. To avoid scum plugging the outlet baffle you should use proper equipment. A septic tank cannot be cleaned adequately by pumping out liquids through a 4-inch inspection pipe. Doing so often results in some of the scum layer plugging the outlet baffle when the tank refills with sewage. Having your septic tank inspected every two years is cheap Insurance.  It costs less, per year, than the sewer charges levied in many urban areas, and gives you the confidence that your tank has its whole design capacity ready to treat your household's wastewater. What happens when a septic system malfunctions?  Warning signs range from subtle to insufferable. The grass over the system may become unusually green or spongy to walk on. Toilets, showers and sinks might take longer to drain. Occasional sewage odors may become noticeable, often after a rainfall. Sometimes, homeowners discover gray or black liquids surfacing in their yards, or backing up through fixtures into the house.  Whatever the warning sign, it pays to fix it fast. A call to the contractor now, can save big bucks later. The Bottom line  Proper care and feeding of your septic system couldn't be easier. Fix all the leaks; be frugal with your water, and do not flush chemicals, garbage and grease.  Have your septic system checked at least every two years and pumped, when required.  Lastly, keep maintenance schedules on your septic system. Record the physical layout of the system, the dates it was inspected, and the kind of work done, and the name of the licensed contractor who performed the work.  Remember… a well-maintained septic system can run for decades. An abused or neglected one can fail tomorrow.