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Septic Tank Precautions |
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Septic System Information |
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Septic Tank Do's and Don'ts |
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Contact Info |
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Your septic system consists of two major components: a septic tank and disposal area. The septic tank is a vessel of designed size, which allows the separation, digestion and storage of solids normally found in sewage, and the disposal area can be either seepage pits or leach lines. Both are designed areas for the septic effluent to contact the soil and dispose of the liquid through absorption and percolation into the soil. The major cause of septic failure is lack of maintenance. The pumping of accumulated sludge and solids from the septic tank is necessary to maintain adequate volume for treatment and storage. As the sludge depth increases, the effective liquid volume and detention time decrease. As this occurs, sludge scouring increases, treatment efficiency falls off, and more solids escape through the outlet. The only way to prevent this is by periodic pumping of the tank. Tanks should be inspected at intervals of no more than every two years to determine the rates of scum and sludge accumulation. If inspection programs are not carried out, a pump-out frequency of once every three to five years is reasonable. Once the characteristic sludge accumulation rate is known, inspection frequency can be adjusted accordingly. Actual inspection of sludge and scum accumulations is the only way to determine definitely when a given tank needs to be pumped. When a tank is inspected, the depth of sludge and scum should be measured in the vicinity of the outlet baffle. The tank should be cleaned whenever: (1) the bottom of the scum level is within 8 inches of the bottom of the outlet device; or (2) the sludge level is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet device. The efficiency of suspended solids removal may start to decrease before these conditions are reached. Septic tank operation and maintenance cautions: 1. Climbing into septic tanks can be very dangerous, as the tanks are full of toxic gases. When using the manhole, take every precaution possible, i.e. do not lower an individual into the tank without a proper air supply and safety rope tied around the chest or waist. 2. Leaving solids in the septic tank to aid in starting the system is not necessary. 3. When pumped, the septic tank must not be disinfected, washed or scrubbed. 4. Special chemicals are not needed to start activity in a septic tank. 5. Special additives are not needed to improve or assist tank operation once it is under way. No chemical additives are needed to "clean" septic tanks. Such compounds may cause sludge bulking and decreased sludge digestion. However, ordinary amounts of bleaches, lyes, caustics, soaps, detergents, and drain cleaners do not harm the system. Other preparations, some of which claim to eliminate the need for septic tank pumping, are not necessary for proper operation and are of questionable value. 6. Materials not readily decomposed (e.g., sanitary napkins, coffee grounds, cooking fats, bones, wet-strength towels, disposable diapers, facial tissues, cigarette butts) should never be flushed. |
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