Septic Systems

What Is a Septic System?

In areas where there may not be an option for connection to a municipal sewer line, some opt to have an onsite wastewater treatment system where all used water from the residence flows to be disposed of and treated before leaching into the environment. These buried wastewater treatment systems typically consist of septic tanks, various piping, treatment media, aerators, filters, and control panels for failure alerts. This process allows the wastewater to flow and filter through these components to treat the wastewater for parameters such as Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD), Alkalinity, pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN).

If you are unsure if an existing wastewater treatment system exists on your property, there are a few ways to locate the system. (1) Contact your local health department. (2) Review the documentation of when the residence was purchased, which indicates the location of the wastewater treatment system. (3) Contact a licensed wastewater treatment system inspector.

Septic tanks are designed to retain solids that accumulate over time. Some of these solids are byproducts of the wastewater treatment process, while others are materials that may not be capable of being processed, such as human hair. The solids must be retained in the septic tank and not released to the drain field. Excessive discharge of solids to the drain field can cause it to become clogged, which will then cause the effluent to lose efficiency in treatment and dispersal. If the problem persists, the drain field may need to be replaced.

Septic tank effluent filters are a relatively inexpensive way of preventing solids from being discharged into the septic field within a wastewater treatment system. Usually, they are installed at the septic tank outlet, collecting solids that may be discharged from the initial treatment process.

If you are considering using a septic tank effluent filter, check with your local public health authority to determine the installation and use requirements. Some authorities may require certification to NSF/ANSI 46: Evaluation of Components and Devices Used in Wastewater Treatment Systems.

Septic tanks are designed to retain solids that accumulate over time. Some of these solids are byproducts of the wastewater treatment process, while others are materials that may not be capable of being processed, such as human hair. The solids must be retained in the septic tank and not released to the drain field. Excessive discharge of solids to the drain field can cause it to become clogged, which will then cause the effluent to lose efficiency in treatment and dispersal. If the problem persists, the drain field may need to be replaced.

Septic tank effluent filters are a relatively inexpensive way of preventing solids from being discharged into the septic field within a wastewater treatment system. Usually, they are installed at the septic tank outlet, collecting solids that may be discharged from the initial treatment process.

If you are considering using a septic tank effluent filter, check with your local public health authority to determine the installation and use requirements. Some authorities may require certification to NSF/ANSI 46: Evaluation of Components and Devices Used in Wastewater Treatment Systems.

Dos and Don’ts for Septic Systems

• Do pay attention to when your septic system drains slowly. There may be an issue, and it is time for maintenance.
• Don’t use the garbage disposal as a dumping ground for food waste, grease, oil, cleaners, paint, or other solid items.
• Do find a record of where your septic system and tank are located on your property. Knowing where the system is allows you to visually inspect it to see if it is overloaded and flooding your yard.
• Remember to have the tank inspected and pumped out if the sludge waste is within 6 inches of the outlet. Solid waste in the tank cannot go into your septic system and should be removed from the tank by a licensed septic tank pumper.
• Remember to fix leaks and replace appliances and fixtures with low-water-use ones, which can promote the longevity of your septic system.