subject: What is an onlot wastewater treatment system and how do i know when to pump my septic tank? [print this page] What is an onlot wastewater treatment system and how do i know when to pump my septic tank?
An onlot wastewater treatment system (commonly know as a septic system) receives all the sewage from a structure, separates the solids from the liquids in a treatment tank, and distributes relatively clarified effluent to the soil through an absorption area.
The first important component of your septic system is the septic tank, an underground watertight receptacle designed and constructed to receive wastewater from your home. This tank separates the solids and liquids, partially digests organic matter, stores sludge and scum, and delivers relatively clear effluent to the absorption area.
In a properly functioning treatment tank, solids and liquids are effectively separated. Solids and partially decomposed sludge settle to the bottom of the tank and accumulate while a scum of lightweight material (including fats and greases) rises to the top. The partially clarified liquid that lies between the scum and sludge layers flows out to the absorption area.
Second is a distribution system. This is a means of getting effluent from the treatment tank to the absorption system. This can be a gravity outflow line, which means effluent may be directly distributed to the absorption system: a distribution box, which is a durably constructed container which should distribute effluent evenly to each lateral through the outlet ports to the absorption system or a sewage effluent pump, which lifts the effluent to another elevation or to pressurize a system of pipes, called pressure dosing.
The most sensitive component of the system is the absorption area. This portion of the system uses a series of pipes and other devices to reintroduce effluent to the water table after being treated and renovated by the soil. An absorption system can refer to cesspools, seepage pits, standard beds, trench systems, subsurface sand filters, or elevated sand mounds. There are also some not so common types, such as, stream discharge, spray irrigation, and drip systems.
Maintenance and Management
Proper maintenance and management is an effective program developed to monitor, inspect and maintain all components of the septic system on a regular basis. Regular and proper cleaning is one way to help prolong your onlot sewage system. Make sure that the pumper opens the main access of the septic tank when cleaning it out. This allows the tank to be completely cleaned out. Never pump the tank through the 4 or 6" inspection port that is situated over the baffles. Only a small portion of the tank will be cleaned and risk of damaging the baffles inside the tank is high. Inspect the condition of the baffles. If missing, broken, damaged, or deteriorated, they should be replaced immediately. They serve an important purpose in helping to prolong the life of your system.
When the sludge and scum layers are not routinely pumped out, the area in the tank available for clarification decreases. Solids will enter the absorption area at an accelerated rate, and the absorption area clogs prematurely. Effluent forms over the absorption area onto the surface of the ground. Sewage finds its way to a stream or road ditch, or backs up into your home.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is and important factor in prolonging the life of any onsite disposal system. Reducing the amount of water used in the home decreases the volume of wastewater that must be renovated and helps to avoid hydraulic overload of the system. In addition, water conservation reduces energy costs and protects the groundwater supply.
Some things you can do to conserve water are:
Install water saving plumbing fixtures in you home. Theses would include water dams for toilets, water saver aerators on faucets and water saving showerheads. Most building codes require that all new construction have these water saving devices routinely installed.
Check your toilets periodically for leaks. This can be done quite easily. Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Do not flush the toilet for several hours. If the colored water appears in the toilet bowl during this time, your toilet is leaking. Have it fixed immediately.
Fix leaking faucets.
Operate the dishwasher only when full. Do not pre-wash dishes for the automatic dishwasher unless absolutely necessary. Wash dishes using a dishpan or plugging the sink. Do not let water run for washing.
Refrigerate a bottle of water for drinking to avoid letting the water run to obtain a cold drink.
Select the proper load or water level on your washing machine. Do not wash multiple loads of laundry, one right after the other.
Take a shower instead of a tub bath. Also try to limit the length of your showers.
Do not allow the water to run while brushing teeth or shaving.
Hazards To Your Onlot Sewage System
Contractors should pump the treatment tank through the main access, not the inspection port.
Do not clean paint from rollers or dispose thinners down the drain.
Do not flush large numbers of unused antibiotics.
Materials that do not rapidly decompose (e.g., sanitary napkins, coffee grounds, bones, eggshells, wet strength towels, disposable diapers, kitty litter, facial tissues, cigarette butts, baby wipes, etc.) should never be flushed into a septic tank.
Do not use garbage disposals. Garbage disposals increase a treatment tank's workload. The increased organic solids load requires more frequent tank pumping.
Do not dispose oils and grease products.
About OnSite Management
With over 30 years of experience in testing, designing and installing septic systems, our personnel have the qualifications necessary to properly maintain your septic system. We are committed to the latest methods of installation and maintenance, and to emerging technologies.
Our staff includes Pennsylvania State Certified Sewage Enforcement Officers, PSMA Certified Inspectors, Certified Ecoflo Designers and Installers and Maintenance Providers, Certified Infiltrator Designers and Installers, Licensed Electricians, and Registered Plumbers and certified Drip Dispersal Installers and Maintenance Providers. We are affiliated with the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Sewage Enforcement Officers, and National Association of Waste Transporters.
We are an OnSite Installer Certified Professional, we hold a National Environmental Health Association Advanced Certified Installer of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems accreditation, and we are certified by the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment for Operation and Maintenance and as a Installer of Wastewater Treatment Systems.
Please visit us at www.OnSiteMGT.Com for more information!
