Septic SystemsSeptic SystemsOut of sight and out of mind…Out of sight and out of mind…
until you smell them!until you smell them!
Developed by:Developed by:
Susan DonaldsonSusan Donaldson
University of Nevada Cooperative ExtensionUniversity of Nevada Cooperative Extension
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
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What we’ll coverWhat we’ll cover
Sources of household wastewater
Components of a septic system
Maintaining your septic system
Causes of septic system failure
Additives, bleach, and more
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Which of the following can Which of the following can lawfully be used to dispose of lawfully be used to dispose of household wastes?household wastes?
A cesspool
A pipe to the local ditch
A pond
A pipe to the storm drain system
DNRC, Mont.
How much water do YOU use per day?How much water do YOU use per day?
Showers12.6 gallons
Clothes Washers
15 gallons
Dishwashers1 gallon
Toilets20 gallons
Faucets11 gallons
Leaks10 gallons
Baths1.2 gallons
Misc.1.5 gallons
Components of a septic systemComponents of a septic system
A. Miller
Baffles
A. Miller
A. Miller
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Avoid products with the following Avoid products with the following warnings on the labels:warnings on the labels:
“Harmful if swallowed”
“Avoid contact with the skin”
“Do not get in open cuts or sores”
“If product comes in contact with eyes, call a physician immediately”
Always read the product label!
Where Where does the does the
liquid liquid effluent effluent
go?go?
A. Miller
The soil helps The soil helps filter the effluentfilter the effluent
A. Miller Mike Williams, Ever Green Septic Systems
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Engineered leach fieldsEngineered leach fields
Used when the site does not allow an in-ground leach field due to:
Soils that drain too slowly or too quickly
Areas with a high water table
Areas with shallow soils over bedrock
WSU Extension
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
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Do you know???Do you know??? Where your tank is?
How big it is?
When it was last pumped?
The location of your leach field?
DNRC, Montana
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Maintaining your septic systemMaintaining your septic system
PUMP YOUR TANK!
Keep your bacteria healthy and happy UNCE, Reno, Nev.
A. Miller
RisersRisers
WSU Extension
You can You can retrofit a retrofit a riser by riser by yourself, or yourself, or hire a hire a professionalprofessional
A. Miller
Suggested pumping interval Suggested pumping interval (years)(years)
Tank Size
(gallons)
1 2 3 4 5 6
1000 12 6 4 3 2 2
1250 16 8 5 3 3 2
1500 19 9 6 4 3 3
Number of people in your household
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To pump... or not to pumpTo pump... or not to pump
Pumping costs about $350 for the average 1250-gallon tank, every three years or so
A new leach field costs from $5,000+ for an in-ground system to as much as $25,000 for an engineered field
Which would you choose?
Spongy ground
Sewage at land surface
Sewage backing up into house
A. Miller
A. Miller
www.vdh.state.va.us
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Causes of system failureCauses of system failure
Pipe between house and tank is blocked or broken
Inlet/outlet tees blocked or broken
Plugged line between tank and leach field
Pump failure (for those systems with pumps)
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Causes of system failureCauses of system failure
Tank is blocked with solids, or has collapsed, or leaks
Drainfield is flooded
Drainfield is clogged with solids or roots
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What can I plant on or near What can I plant on or near my leach field?my leach field?
Grasses
Perennial and annual flowers
Many perennial groundcovers
All trees
Large shrubs
OK to plant: Avoid planting:
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Other causes of septic Other causes of septic failurefailure
Overloading. Use water sparingly. Do only full loads of wash at off-peak times, if possible, and try to limit the number of loads daily.
Placement in poorly draining area
Water leaks
Driving over the drainfield
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Other causes of septic Other causes of septic failurefailure
Pouring kitchen grease into drains
Failure to install according to septic codes
Flushing cigarette butts, sanitary napkins or other inorganic materials down the toilet
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Other causes of septic Other causes of septic failurefailure
Extensive use of garbage disposals
Tree roots clogging pipes - contact a septic contractor for repairs
Use of salts and chemicals from water softeners and washing machines
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What about additives?What about additives?
Enough bacteria are present in the tank from normal bodily wastes
Additives cost $$$ and may actually increase the solid material in the tank by producing inert ingredients
There is no substitute for pumping!
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What about bleach?What about bleach?
Normal use of recommended amounts of bleach in washing machines occasionally should not harm your system
Avoid flushing large quantities of bleach (1 gallon+) into the tank
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What about water softeners?What about water softeners?
Will salt brine harm septic tank bacteria?
Does the regeneration cycle flow rate cause solids to be carried over into the leach field?
Will the sodium in the brine affect soil structure and water percolation?
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Tips to keep your septic Tips to keep your septic system working wellsystem working well
Don’t water the leach field
Don’t flood the system with excessive water use
Keep excess solids out of the system and avoid flushing toxic chemicals down the drain
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Tips to keep your septic Tips to keep your septic system working wellsystem working well Avoid using your garbage disposal
to process large quantities of wastes
Regularly pump out the septic tank and inspect the physical components of the system
Don’t park or drive over the leach field
These tips will keep your system These tips will keep your system working properly for working properly for
generations.generations.
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HomeworkHomework
Map the location of your septic system. Assess your risk of problems or septic
system failure. Pump the system, if needed. Inspect the leach field area. Check for household water leaks. Read labels on household hazardous
products to determine if they are suitable for use with septic systems.
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