WHAT
IS A SEPTIC SYSTEM?
A septic
system is an on-site recycling system which treats
wastewater and returns it to the groundwater.
If properly
designed, installed, used and maintained, a septic
system can do its work safely and efficiently for
many years. Improper
design, installation, use and/or maintenance can
lead to premature and costly failure. We encourage
you to
understand
how your system operates, to use and maintain it
properly to protect your investment and the environment.
A septic system typically consists of two components:
the septic tank and the soil absorption area (leach
field). These
components treat and renovate the wastewater so
that it may safely return to the groundwater. A
septic
system has
primarily two jobs to do: It must dispose of the
wastewater, and it must treat it so it's suitable
for return to
the groundwater
and soil. Once a system is in place, it's now up
to the system owner to perform critical steps in
proper
use and maintenance.
TAKING
CARE OF YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
Your
on-site wastewater treatment system represents a
significant investment
which you will want
to protect. With proper
operation and regular maintenance, your system
will function better and last longer.
Do not wait until your system shows signs of
failure to have your septic tank pumped out.
Waiting can
mean complete
clogging and an expensive repair bill. Call
a septic system pumper to inspect your system
AT LEAST ONCE
EVERY THREE
YEARS and pump as needed. Periodic pumping
of the septic tank is far less costly than
repair or replacement
of the entire
system.
While
your tank is being pumped, ask the operator to examine
the inlet and outlet baffles or
tees in the
septic tank.
If either is broken, have repairs done immediately.
The inlet should also be checked to see if
wastewater is continuously
flowing into the tank from previously undetected
plumbing leaks. The outlet baffle is more
important than the
inlet baffle.
Its loss will allow untreated material to
go directly to the absorption area; failure
of
the system is
the common result.
Septic systems generally give little warning
that they are about to fail. However, the
following symptoms often indicate the
leaching system is becoming clogged: a) Sewage odor
near the septic tank or leaching
area, b)
Slowly running drains
and toilets, and c) Sewage on the ground
over the leaching area.
Protect
the system by keeping soil over the drainfield covered
with vegetation
to prevent
erosion. Don't
drive heavy
vehicles over the system; avoid construction
over the system. Maintain natural shape
of the land
immediately down slope
of the system and protect this area from
cutting and filling. Landscape the yard
to divert surface
waters
away from the
tank and drainfield. Be sure that water
from the roof, gutters, and foundation
drains
do not flow
over, or
into the system.
