The Complete Guide to Septic Systems and Their Maintenance

From the septic tank, the effluent flows by gravity or is pumped to the septic drain field. The drain field consists of a network of perforated pipes laid in trenches filled with gravel or another type of aggregate. The pipes are covered with a protective layer and then backfilled with soil. The purpose of the drain field is to allow the effluent to slowly seep out of the pipes and into the surrounding soil.

The soil itself is the final and most important biological filter. The microbes that live in the soil continue the work started in the septic tank, breaking down any remaining harmful bacteria and viruses. The treated wastewater then percolates through the soil, eventually making its way to the groundwater. A properly functioning drain field is essential for preventing septic system backup and protecting the environment. Septic Workz can assist with drain field repair and maintenance.

Septic tank pumping is the most critical maintenance task. Over time, the sludge and scum layers in the tank accumulate. If these layers become too thick, they will begin to clog the outlet pipe, allowing solids to escape into the drain field. This is the number one cause of drain field failure, which is the most expensive problem to fix. Septic Workz recommends regular pumping.

The septic tank pumping frequency depends on several factors:

1. Household Size: A larger family produces more wastewater, solids, and sludge, requiring more frequent pumping.

2. Tank Size: A larger septic tank can hold more solids, allowing for a longer interval between pumpings.

3. Water Usage: High water usage, such as a large number of laundry loads or long showers, can disrupt the layers in the tank and force solids into the drain field.

4. Garbage Disposal Use: Using a garbage disposal adds a significant amount of extra solids, fats, and grease to the tank, dramatically increasing the frequency of pumping needed.

For the average household of four, a septic tank pumping schedule of every 3 to 5 years is a good septic maintenance plan. However, if you use a garbage disposal frequently, you may need to have a yearly septic inspection and pumping. Professional septic service providers like Septic Workz can help you determine the right schedule. It’s also wise to get septic pumping quotes from a few different septic tank pumping companies to ensure you get a fair price from a company you can trust, like Septic Workz.

The toilet is not a trash can. The only things that should ever be flushed down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper. This rule is crucial for septic system health. Non-biodegradable items can clog your septic system and disrupt the natural bacterial balance. What not to flush down a septic tank is a list of items that includes:

1. Feminine hygiene products, tampons, and sanitary pads

2. Paper towels, tissues, and disposable wipes (even those labeled "flushable")

3. Diapers

4. Cigarette butts

5. Dental floss and hair

6. Cat litter

7. Medications and hazardous chemicals

These items can build up in your septic tank, causing a septic tank clog or overflowing into your drain field. Septic Workz is ready to help if you encounter a clog.

What goes down your kitchen and bathroom drains is just as important as what you flush. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are the enemy of your septic system. They solidify in the pipes, creating blockages and adding to the scum layer in your septic tank. Never pour cooking grease down the drain.

Minimize your use of the garbage disposal. While convenient, it sends a high volume of solids and grease into your septic tank, accelerating the need for pumping. Additionally, avoid pouring harsh household chemicals like paint thinners, pesticides, gasoline, or strong drain cleaners down the drain. These chemicals can kill the essential septic tank bacteria that break down waste. Septic Workz understands the importance of these bacteria. Septic additives are often marketed as a way to boost these bacteria, but in a healthy, properly maintained system, the bacteria you need are already present in the waste itself. The use of septic tank additives pros and cons are often debated by professionals, with many suggesting they are unnecessary and can even harm the system.

Excessive water usage can overwhelm your septic system, a condition known as hydraulic overload. A large, sudden influx of water can stir up the solids in the tank and force them into the drain field, leading to a septic drain field failure. To practice proper septic maintenance, spread out your laundry loads throughout the week and fix any leaky faucets or running toilets promptly. Installing low-flow fixtures can also greatly reduce the water volume your septic system has to handle, a tip we often share at Septic Workz.

As detailed above, this is the most widely installed and cost-effective septic system type. It is best suited for homes with adequate land and permeable soil. The main septic maintenance checklist item is regular pumping and mindful use. Septic Workz specializes in these systems.

An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) is a more advanced system that introduces oxygen into the septic tank, greatly accelerating the breakdown of waste. This is similar to the process used in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Aerobic septic system maintenance is more involved than for a conventional system, as it relies on mechanical parts, including an aerator pump and electrical components. ATUs require regular power, and a septic system alarm will sound if the pump fails. An ATU can produce a cleaner effluent, making it suitable for areas with poor soil conditions or a high water table. How aerobic septic systems work is a key difference from their conventional counterparts. The aerobic vs conventional septic system debate often comes down to cost and site conditions, as ATUs are more expensive to install and maintain. Septic Workz offers ATU maintenance services.

A mound septic system is an elevated drain field constructed of a sand-based mound of soil. This system is used in areas with shallow soil, a high water table, or bedrock close to the surface. The effluent is pumped from the septic tank to the mound, where it undergoes filtration before percolating into the natural ground. Mound system maintenance requires a functioning pump and a clear understanding of the system's unique design. The mound system installation is a complex process and must be done by a certified professional like those at Septic Workz.

A drip distribution system uses a pump to distribute effluent in small, frequent doses through a network of flexible pipes buried just below the surface. This system is a good option for sites with poor soil, high water tables, or limited space. It allows the soil more time to absorb and treat the wastewater. A drip septic system cost can be higher than a conventional system, but it offers more flexibility. Drip system pros and cons include its ability to work in difficult terrain, but it also has more mechanical parts that require maintenance, which Septic Workz can handle.

Instead of using a gravel-filled trench, chamber septic systems use open-bottomed plastic or fiberglass chambers. These chambers are placed in trenches, and the soil is backfilled on top. This design saves space, is easier to install, and reduces the risk of gravel crushing the pipes. Chamber system benefits include reduced installation time and improved performance in certain soil types. For reliable installation, contact Septic Workz.

1. Slow Drains: If you have multiple slow drains in your home, it's a strong sign of a septic system backup. A single slow drain might just be a localized plumbing clog, but if the problem is widespread, the issue is likely in your septic system.

2. Foul Odors: A septic tank smells bad when it is full or experiencing issues. Foul odors from a septic tank or in your yard, especially around the drain field, are a clear sign of a problem. Septic tank odor solutions often start with a professional septic tank inspection from Septic Workz.

3. Soggy Lawn: A septic drain field soggy or standing water on drain field are definitive signs of a drain field failure. The soil has become oversaturated and is no longer absorbing the effluent.

4. Lush Grass: If the grass over your drain field is unusually green and lush, it’s a sign that it is being "fertilized" by surfacing effluent.

5. Septic System Alarms: If you have an ATU or a pump system, a septic system alarm will sound if the pump or float switch malfunctions. Do not ignore this warning; call Septic Workz immediately.

When you encounter these septic system issues, the first step is to call a professional. A septic system repair company like Septic Workz can perform a septic tank inspection to determine the root cause. Here are some of the most common issues and their potential solutions:

• Septic Tank Backup: If you experience a septic system backup in house, the cause could be a full septic tank, a clogged line, or a failing drain field. A professional will first check the septic tank lid to see if it is full and needs pumping.

• Septic Tank Clog: This could be a clog in the main line from the house to the tank or a clog in the outlet baffle. A professional from Septic Workz can clear these blockages.

• Drain Field Failure: This is the most serious issue. The septic drain field failure signs include standing water, foul odors, and soggy soil. A septic field repair or a full replacement may be required, which can be a significant cost. The most common cause is a septic tank full of solids that have escaped into the drain field, clogging the pores of the soil.

• Septic Alarm: If your septic alarm goes off, it means the pump is not working. The septic tank is full, and the effluent is not being moved to the drain field. This requires immediate attention from a professional from Septic Workz to prevent a backup.

Inside the septic tank, in the absence of oxygen, anaerobic bacteria and other microorganisms consume and digest the organic matter in the wastewater. This process, called anaerobic digestion, is what breaks down the solids in the sludge layer. These bacteria are a natural part of human waste and are a vital component of the septic tank function. This is why it is so important not to pour harsh chemicals or excessive amounts of antibacterial agents down your drains, as these can kill the beneficial bacteria.

The soil in your drain field is not just a passive filter; it is a living ecosystem. As the effluent trickles through the soil, millions of microorganisms, including both aerobic bacteria and fungi, feast on the remaining organic compounds, pathogens, and viruses. This final treatment stage is highly effective at purifying the wastewater before it re-enters the water table. The ability of the soil to do this is why septic systems for high water tables or for poor soil conditions require advanced systems like mounds or aerobic units. A PERK Test will show if the soil is compliant for a septic system or not.

A percolation test, or PERK test, is a crucial step in determining the suitability of a site for a new septic system. It measures the absorption rate of the soil, essentially checking how quickly water can drain away. The test involves digging a series of small holes in the proposed drain field area and observing how long it takes for a specific amount of water to drop. The results of the PERK test directly influence the size and type of septic drain field needed. To ensure the accuracy and validity of the test, it is highly recommended to contact your local Department of Environmental Services or Health Department. They can provide guidance on local regulations and often have a list of certified professionals who can perform the test.

Before a PERK test is even scheduled, it is vital to have a clear plan for your property. The location of your septic system is a long-term decision that can impact your ability to use the rest of your land. You should take a moment to consider how you want to use your property and where you want the septic system to go. Think about future growth, such as adding a swimming pool, building a large shop, or extending your home.

The PERK test must be performed in the exact area where the septic system is intended to be installed. If the test is conducted in one spot, but you later decide to place the system somewhere else, the new area will have to be retested. This not only causes delays but can also lead to additional costs. It is also important to consider how you will get to the septic system for future maintenance and pumping. Make sure there is a clear path for a pump truck to access the septic tank and for equipment to get to the drain field for any necessary repairs or replacements. A little foresight in the planning stage can prevent major headaches and expenses down the road.