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Operation and Maintenance of a Septic
System
A property installed sewage disposal system,
consisting of a septic tank and absorption field, should,
with proper care and maintenance, provide many years of service.
The following information will assist you to enhance system
performance, and extend its useful life.
Surface Water
Do not allow roof drains to discharge to the septic tank or
surface waters to drain towards the area of the disposal system.
Water Usage
Excessive and unnecessary water usage should be avoided. If
automatic washers and dishwashers are used, Make sure full
loads are washed each time. Excessive use of water, such as
doing numerous washings ion one day, could flush solids from
the tank to the disposal field.
Garbage Disposal Units
Wastes from garbage disposal units are not easily digested
by bacteria in the septic tank and only add to the volume
of solids which must be removed by pumping the tank. Therefore,
the use of garbage disposal units is not recommended.
Operation
Moderate use of household drain solvents, cleaners, disinfectants,
etc. Should not interfere with the operation of the sewage
disposal system, however, indiscriminate use may cause problems.
Toilet paper substitutes, paper towels, newspaper, sanitary
napkins, etc. should not be flushed into the septic tank since
they will not readily decompose.
Starters and Cleaning
There is no need to use commercial “starters”,
“bacterial feeds”, or “cleaners” for
the septic tank or disposal field. Some additives can actually
create problems by causing solids to be carried into the absorption
system, resulting in soil clogging.
Inspection and Cleaning
The septic tank should be inspected at least once every 3
years, and the tank pumped out when necessary. As a minimum,
the tank should be cleaned every 4-5 years. Failure to pump
out a septic tank when required may result in sludge or scum
being carried over to the disposal field, resulting in soil
clogging and complete failure of the system. The tank should
not be washed or disinfected after pumping. The cleaning should
be preformed by professionals familiar with proper procedures
and having adequate equipment.
Traffic
Over Absorption System
The area above and near a soil absorption system should never
be used as a traffic area for vehicles, pedestrians or animals.
An accumulation of snow is important in order to maintain
a cover of natural insulation to prevent freezing. During
winter months, it is recommending that a snow fence or other
suitable barrier be placed around the absorption system to
discourage any traffic on the area. This will help maintain
a thicker layer of snow insulation.
Vegetation
The area over a disposal field should have a good vegetation
cover. However, shrubs or trees should not be planted over
the area in order to expose the ground cover to sunlight/heat.
Increased
Waste Loads
If the waste loads and volume of sewage entering the soil
absorption system are greater then that for which the system
was designed, failure of the field can occur. Contact the
local building department regarding enlargement, repair, load
reduction and/or replacement options.
Vents
and Accesses
During the winter, airtight caps should be securely fastened
on all clean-outs and monitoring pipes. These pipes should
also be filled with insulation plugs to help discourage the
escape of heat from the soil absorption system
Periodic
Occupancy
If the residence is used only periodically, or if extended
absences occur, freezing problems can develop in the winter.
Extra insulation (e.g., leaves, straw, sawdust, snow) over
the system can help reduce the freezing potential. When the
house/building will be vacant for and extended time periods,
and there is a potential for freezing, it is advisable to
have the septic tank emptied.
As-Built
Plans
A detailed diagram showing the exact location of the septic
tank and disposal field, along with the application, permit,
final approval, and photos of the installation should be kept
in the home/premises for future reference. This will assist
system location for servicing/repairs, and provide support
for ready sale financing.
You
can find out more information on septic systems
here. |
