Septic Systems
What You Need to Know
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Nearly 25 percent of the population in the United States—in more than 25 million
homes—disposes of waste water through onsite, or unsewered, systems. With
unsewered systems, homeowners are responsible for treating and maintaining the disposal of
waste water. Most are typically found where centralized waste water treatment would be
impractical, such as in rural areas.
The most popular method used is with a septic system. Septic systems use soil to
treat small waste water flows. When properly maintained, septic systems are safe and
reliable. There are many types of septic systems, but all operate with the same
philosophy. Following is more information on how they work and tips to ensure they are
always operating efficiently.
How They Work
A typical system contains a septic tank, a distribution box, and a rock-and-gravel-lined
absorption field, sometimes called a drain field. All are connected by pipes called
conveyance lines.
Tanks are made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. They are usually buried, and should
be watertight. They are usually designed to hold a minimum of 750 to 1000 gallons of
sewage. Their purpose is to temporarily hold the waste water as solids and liquids
separate. The solids, known as sludge, collect at the bottom of the tank, while scum
floats on top of the liquid. The sludge and scum will remain in the tank and need to
be pumped out periodically.
The waste water, or effluent, will pass through the tank to the distribution box. The
distribution box separates the flow of the water into a network of underground perforated
pipes in the absorption field. The effluent passes through the holes in the pipes into the
rock-and-gravel zone. It will be stored there until it is absorbed by the soil.
The absorption field treats the waste water through physical, chemical, and biological
processes. The soil acts as a natural buffer to filter out bacteria, viruses, and
excessive nutrients. Essentially, the waste water is treated before reaching the
ground water.
Septic Systems and Ground Water
A properly maintained septic system poses no threat to ground water. However, a failing
system can be harmful as waste water can include many types of contaminants.
There are regulations that require the septic system to be certain distances from water
wells, streams, lakes, and houses. These are horizontal separation distances. In
order to remove contaminants effectively, the absorption field must also be adequately
separated from the ground water. This is the vertical distance. Both distances are
specified by local regulations.
However, various geologic conditions, such as fractured bedrock or shallow ground water
tables, can also allow bacteria or viruses to reach the ground water. This is why it is
essential to also have the home’s water well system regularly checked.
Dos and Don’ts of Septic Systems
Send all waste water from your home to the system. This includes water
from a sink, bath, shower, toilet, washing machine, and dishwasher.
Conserve water to avoid overloading the system. Repair leaky faucets and
use low-flow fixtures.
Do not use the system as a trash can. Don’t put grease, disposable
diapers, paper towels, paint, pesticides, or other items in it.
Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from trees or
shrubs may clog and damage the absorption field.
Keep roof drains, sump pump drains, and other rain or surface water
drainage systems away from the absorption field. Flooding can keep the soil from naturally
cleansing the waste water.
Be alert. Unpleasant odors, soggy soil, liquid waste flow, or excessive
grass growth over the soil absorption area can be signs that the system is in need of
service.
Have the septic system checked every one to two years and pumped every
three to five years by a professional contractor
Where can I get more information?
For more information on your private water well, contact Steve Foster:
Foster Well Drilling
7021 Eastside Road
Anderson, CA 96007
Tel: (530) 241-1605
Fax: (530) 365-5094
E-Mail info@fosterwelldrilling.com
Also, visit the Web site of the National Ground Water Association, www.ngwa.org, and its site just for well owners, www.wellowner.org |
