Most septic tank problems are caused by improper maintenance and overuse or abuse. Improperly maintained septic tank systems can be expensive to fix and damaging to the environment. Maintenance begins with water conservation and limits on material put into the system. The system should be inspected for leaks or problems at least once a year. Systems used on a daily basis should be pumped out regularly, depending on the size of the system and number of people using it. Does this Spark an idea?
Common problems
The most common threat to septic systems is the buildup of solid waste, or sludge. The first sign of the buildup is usually slow flushing or draining, or clogged up pipes inside the home. If the sludge reaches the leach field pipes it will clog up the pores. Pumping out the tank will not unclog the pores and much of the system will have to be replaced.
Make sure the tank empties into a leach field that can absorb the effluent, or it will back up into the house. Avoid putting the leach field in ground with sandy soils or high levels of clay.
Chemicals such as pesticides, paints, paint thinners, solvents, disinfectants and poisons can contaminate the soil around the leach field.
Tank capacity
A septic tank that is too small will overload with sludge. Septic tank sizes generally vary between 900 and 1,500 gallons. Smaller sizes are adequate for one or two people, or for a home that is not used all year round. A home with a larger family occupied year round should use a 1,500-gallon tank. Capacity is often determined by the number of bedrooms.
Make certain the tank is built with the correct permits and according to local laws.
Inspections
To minimize the chance of problems, inspect the septic system once a year and measure the amount of sludge in the tank. Check for leaks--bright green vegetation around the tank can indicate sewage water is seeping out.
If the tank is not over capacity, backups inside the house may be caused by problems in the leach field. Look for signs of problems with the leach field, such as ponding water. The ponding may be a sign that the field can no longer absorb the water flowing through it. If the field is built along a bank, water may also be spotted leaking from the sides.
Pumping
To avoid backups and expensive repairs, have a professional pump the solid sludge out of the tank on a regular basis. One person using a 900-gallon tank normally needs pumping only once every 11 years. If four people use a 1,250-gallon tank on a daily basis, it will need pumping every three years. Six people on a 1,000-gallon tank normally requires pumping every two years.
Maintenance
The best way to deal with septic tank problems is not to have them in the first place. Lessen the chances of problems by putting as little water and solid waste into the system as possible. Each person should use no more than 50 gallons of water a day. Regularly inspect faucets, pipes and other plumbing for leaks that can increase water going into the tank.
Garbage disposals can double the amount of solid waste entering the septic system, doubling the rate of accumulation of solids in the tank. Avoid using them if possible.
Do not put sanitary napkins, applicators or any other artificial waste into the system.
Fats, grease and coffee grounds also clog the system and should not go down the drain.
Cautions
Scientific studies have found no evidence that commercial septic system cleaning products containing enzymes, bacteria or yeast reduce sludge or help the system function. Some can suspend sludge in an overloaded tank, causing it to flow into the leach field drainage lines and clog the pores.
Tags: leach field, into system, septic system, solid waste, clog pores
