Septic Tank Maintenance
A septic tank is an underground sewage-collection system. The tank itself is a watertight container constructed of a sound, durable material resistant to corrosion or decay. When choosing a septic tank, your selection should be determined by the number of bedrooms or fixture units to be served.
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
As the septic system is used, there is an accumulation of solids in the tank, which is sometimes referred to as sludge. The septic tank removes solids by holding wastewater in the tank for at least 24 hours, allowing the solids to settle and scum to rise to the top. This is accomplished by a series of baffles inside the tank. Up to 50 percent of the solids retained in the tank will decompose over time. Treated effluent water discharges from the tank to perforated drain pipes. From there, it drains to a constructed absorbtion or “leach” field.
How Often Should You Pump a septic tank?
This depends on the following:
- Capacity of septic tank
- Flow of wastewater ยท
- Volume of solids in wastewater
Water conservation practices in the home will help to limit the flow into the system. Use of an in-sink garbage disposal will increase the volume of solids. Care should be given to the type and amount of solids disposed of through a garbage disposal.
Septic Tank Maintenance
As you use your septic system, sludge will accumulate in the tank. Properly designed tanks have enough space for up to three years of safe accumulation. Once the sludge has reached this level, the separation of solids and scum no longer takes place, and sewage may overflow into the absorption area. This can be prevented by periodically pumping the accumulated sludge.
Safe Use of Septic Systems
Do not put substances such as motor oil, gasoline, paints, thinners, and pesticides in drains. These materials may pollute the groundwater and are toxic to the microorganisms that maintain an active septic system. Moderate use of household cleaners, disinfectants, detergents, or bleaches will do little harm to the system, but remember that where there is a high density of septic systems there may be a cumulative impact on groundwater from household cleaners.
Remember to consider the capacity of your septic system when installing new appliances or plumbing. Limit the water entering the tank. Use water-saving fixtures.
Avoid Septic Tank Additives Yeasts, bacteria, enzymes, and chemicals are sold with the claim of helping septic systems work better; however, there is no scientific evidence that additives are effective. In fact, some cleaners allow the solids in an overloaded tank to be re-suspended and clog the drainage lines.
Additives are not an alternative to proper maintenance and do not eliminate the need for routine pumping of a septic tank. Commercial biological additives are not necessary for restarting decomposition after pumping because the sludge residue contains active microorganisms.
To find more visit www.cahe.nmsu.edu who have an excellent research department.