Septic Tank – Construction, Operation And Maintenance

Septic systems are on-site wastewater management systems. These are common in industrial as well as residential properties. This septic system is developed when there is no access to a public sewage system. The waste water from commercial and residential units is collected and transferred into a septic tank where it accumulates. This grey water is treated to decompose the grease and solid settlements after which the effluents are disposed off safely.

Design and introduction to a septic tank

A septic tank is basically a tank that allows solids to settle to the bottom and the scum to float on the top. This is decomposed and eventually leached into the field after the effluents are filtered.

The basic requirement a home owner must understand is:

• The size of the tank depends on the number of bathrooms as every county has its own norms to check the leach field capacity
• The tank must be at a lower level than the house and the leach field lower than the septic tank
• The septic tank must be at least 200 feet away from any water source
• There should be no heavy equipment movement over the pipe connecting the septic tank to the field or the leach field

Septic drain field maintenance

·         Depending on the usage, the tank should be pumped every 1-4 years

·         There should be no heavy objects on the leach field

·         No items should be introduced directly into the septic tank

What not to drain into the septic tank

• Non degradable items like grease, chemicals, cigarette butts, eggshells, bones, napkins
• Do not over use water

Tips

It is advisable to use a trash compactor as it helps to keep disposal use to a minimum.

Why septic system and its maintenance is critical?

• Replacing or repairing the septic system is a very expensive affair.  A new system can cost up to $ 3000 while a routine inspection and pumping will cost around $ 100.
• Improper handling and disposal of wastewater proves to be a health hazard. A failed septic system contaminates the water sources like the well and the ground water as well, which poses a great danger to health when combines with human waste.

Conclusion

A well designed and properly installed septic system cuts out on the cost as well as eliminating the possibility of water contamination which prevents a health hazard. Septic system problems do not show up instantly, it is a slow process which results in complete failure of the system if ignored. 

Leading septic system installation and septic service providers offer maintenance service and take care of all the septic system needs for a safe and happy living.

What is a septic system?

A septic system can be defined as an on-site waste disposal system for wastewater and other solids from bathrooms, showers, kitchens and laundry. All these wastes have to be treated and then disposed so that it gets absorbed into the soil. The septic tank involves bacterial action which reduces the pathogens and breaks down the wastes into effluents that can be easily and safely absorbed when drained into the soil.

Components of a waste disposal system

• A septic tank which holds the solid wastes

• A pipe that connects the building to the tank

• A pipe that connects and conducts the effluents to the distribution box

• The distribution box is connected to the absorption system

• Absorption system that drains the effluents to the soil

• A pathogen digesting bacteria that are formed below the absorption system in the soil

There may be a few variations in this scheme which depends upon the climate, soil condition, space and economy of the material.

Who cleans the septic tank? How often? When?

Plumbing companies and septic tank cleaning contractors inspect and clean the septic tanks. All the material needs to be extracted from the tank, the sludge is mixed with the liquid portion of the tank and the scum is broken up. The thickness of floating scum and settled sludge layer determines whether the tank needs to be pumped or not.

Septic tank failures

There are many causes of septic tank failure. The most visible failures are the backflow in the toilet and effluent appears on the surface in your yard or your neighbor’s yard.  Odor from the septic tank area also indicates system failure. 

The most common causes of septic tank failure are:

·         Broken or clogged pipes

·         Damaged tank and septic tank lids

·         Toppled distribution box

·         A defect in the soil absorption piping

·         Clogged or saturated soil absorption area

Be safe- hazards if you are inspecting your septic tank system

•  An insecure, loose or missing septic tank cover is an invitation for fatal accidents. Do not enter the septic tank for repair without proper training

•  Old or rusty septic tanks with homemade or rotting covers are possibly a fatal hazard. Asphyxiation is one of the major issues that the person faces

• Only licensed, trained and equipped personnel may enter the septic tanks. Simply leaning over the tank has reported to cause asphyxia

• Effluent on the surface is a major health hazard which requires immediate professional cleaning

A note of caution

Sewer gas contains methane. This is highly explosive when in higher concentration which may cause an explosion.

Why risk your life and property when you can avail sewage treatment and septic  services offered by Dynamerican at the most affordable rates? Dynamerican provides on-site wastewater management and treatment systems for residential and commercial properties. The highly trained and professional staff delivers optimal care for septic system. Using the sophisticated technology, Dynamerican provides accurate and guaranteed waste water treatment system options. Contact now for your own safety and good health.

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