How To Maintain Your Septic Tank
A septic tank is one of those things most of us don't spend too much time thinking about
. Out of sight, out of mind. We tend to take it for granted, and yet, we rely on it -- until there's a problem.
How Does a Septic System Work?
Most standard septic tank systems have three major components that work together as follows:
1. The Septic Tank itself -- The septic tank's purpose is to separate solid waste from the wastewater, then store and partially decompose as much of the solid material as possible. It does so while allowing the liquid (sometimes called "effluent") to filter to the drainfield.
2. The Drainfield -- After the solid waste particles settle into the septic tank, the liquid wastewater (or effluent) is then discharged to the drainfield as well. This is also known as an absorption field or leach field.
3. The Soil Beneath -- The soil of the ground just below the drainfield provides the means for the final treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent (wastewater.). After it has passed into the soil, organisms within the soil then treat the effluent before it filters down and outward, eventually entering the groundwater and/or surface water. The type of soil determines and influences the effectiveness of the drainfield. For example, clay or tightly packed soils may be too dense to allow very much effluent to pass through. Gravel-rich soil may be too coarse and loose to provide very much wastewater treatment.
How to Maintain Your Septic System
There are a number of ways you can help maintain your septic system and prolong its effectiveness. Here are some suggestions for both indoor and outdoor measures you can take.
Inside of Your Home
- Conserve water as much as possible. Repair leaks and drips. Choose "low flow" fixtures.
- Do not overload your septic system, as this is the main cause of septic system failures. Early morning and at night before bed time are the peak water usage times in the bathroom. Avoid excess water usage at these times of the day. Don't do multiple loads of laundry all in one day -- spread them out throughout the week.
- Avoid using the garbage disposal. Don't dump coffee grounds, fats, oils or other solids down the drain. (The fewer solids in the septic tank, the better.)
- Dispose of paper towels, excess tissue, cigarette butts, diapers, tampons, sanitary napkins and other solid material in the trash can. Do not flush them down the toilet.
- Avoid using and dumping excessive amounts of household cleaners, drain cleaners and other household products. Avoid dumping solvents like dry cleaning fluid, photographic chemicals, pesticides, paint thinner or any automotive products down the drain.
- Do not add commercial products or yeast to your septic system; such additives do not improve how well your system works. Natural bacteria are better for the job, and plenty of these come from inside of the human digestive system. Artificial additives can actually damage your septic system.
Outdoors
- Favour dense grass and other shallow, deep rooted plants over a septic field. Avoid planting trees near the tank because large plant roots can puncture the pipes.
- Direct all downspouts and any other runoff water away from the septic field to avoid excess water saturating the soil.
- Avoid compressing the soil over the tank. Don't drive vehicles over it or build a shed or garage over it.
- Hire a licensed professional to pump waste from the tank every 3 to 5 years, and if any septic tank problems come up.
by: Sian Williams
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