Frequently Asked Questions
HOW LONG DO SEPTIC SYSTEMS LAST
Septic systems are designed to provide long-term, effective treatment of household waste when operated and maintained properly. However, most systems that fail prematurely are due to improper maintenance. Less serious problems are usually with plumbing (such as pipe blockages from tree roots growing into the pipe). Sometimes, the septic tank, although durable, can deteriorate or have other structural problems. The most serious problems are the result of a clogged drainfield. Unfortunately, this is the most expensive to repair. Once the absorption field is clogged, it must be replaced.
WHAT SHOULDN’T I FLUSH DOWN THE TOILET?
FLUSHABLE WIPES may be flushable, but they will not break down- clogging your system and causing a thick, impenetrable mat in your tank. Dispose of these in the trash! Flush only human waste and toilet paper down the toilet—avoid flushing dental floss, cat litter (including “flushable” varieties), hair, Kleenex, cigarette butts, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, condoms, paper towels, static cling sheets, diapers, and disposable wipes. These items could clog your septic system components and cause a failure.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SEPTIC SYSTEMS FAILS? HOW CAN I TELL?
Usually when a septic system fails, the drainfield is not functioning properly. When a septic tank overflows, the effluent can pass to the drainfield, clogging up the pipes. This causes sinks and toilets to back up in the house. Other signs include: slow draining toilets and drains, an odor of sewage, wet area on or near the drainfield, or contaminated well water
HOW CAN I PREVENT A SEPTIC FAILURE?
Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance! If your system has been properly designed, sited, and installed, the rest is up to you. Inspect your system annually and pump as needed (usually every 3-5 years), avoid excess water use, and watch what you put down the drain and flush down the toilet.
CAN MY SEPTIC SYSTEM CONTAMINATE MY WELL AND NEARBY STREAMS AND WATER BODIES?
Yes, particularly if the effluent is not adequately treated, as in a failing system. Untreated effluent is a health hazard and can cause many human diseases. Once this untreated effluent enters the groundwater, you and your neighbor’s wells can be contaminated. Also, if this sewage reaches nearby streams or water bodies, shellfish beds and recreational swimming areas may also be jeopardized.
WHY IS MAINTENANCE SO IMPORTANT?
Septic tanks are mainly settling chambers. They allow time for solids and scum to separate out from wastewater, so clear liquid can safely go to the drainfield. Over time, the scum and sludge layers get thicker, leaving less space and time for the waste-water to settle before passing to the drainfield. There are limits to the amount of water septic systems can treat. For every gallon entering the tank, one gallon is pushed out. In some instances, too much water may back up into your house or overload the drainfield and surface in the yard. Large volumes of water in short periods of time may also not allow solids enough time to settle, and may be carried out to the drainfield, ultimately clogging the pipes.
I’VE HEARD THAT I SHOULDN’T USE A GARBAGE DISPOSAL OR WATER SOFTENER. WHY IS THAT?
Garbage disposals have a dramatic impact on how often you’ll need to pump your septic tank. Food particles usually are not digested by the bacteria and accumulate as scum. If a large amount of water enters the tank, it can then push the food particles into the drainfield, causing clogging. If you must use a garbage disposal, make sure your tank is pumped more frequently.
Water softeners are particularly common and often essential in our area, but the regular purging of the system pushes extra water and salts/sediments into the tank, and therefore the drainfield. Consider setting your softener on a less frequent purging cycle.
SHOULD I BE CAREFUL OF WHAT I POUR DOWN THE DRAIN?
Yes, many materials that are poured down the drain do not decompose and remain in the tank. In addition to minimal use of a garbage disposal (see question above), don’t pour grease, fats, and oils down the drain or place coffee grounds and egg shells in the disposal or down the drain. Keep chemicals out of your system.
I’VE BEEN IN MY HOUSE FOR 18 YEARS AND NEVER PUMPED MY SEPTIC TANK. WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
Over time sludge and scum build up in the septic tank and unless it is removed it will flow into the drainfield, clogging the soil pipes. Once a drainfield is clogged, it must be replaced. It is also possible that you could have a leak in the tank. In either case, you risk contaminating ground and surface water resources, which could affect you or your neighbor’s wells or nearby streams and other water bodies. And finally, you may eventually have a plumbing backup in your home.
HOW DO I KNOW MY SEPTIC SYSTEMS IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER
A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional.
CAN YOU TELL IF THE TANK NEEDS PUMPING WITHOUT DIGGING IT UP?
Unless you have risers installed, you will need to dig up the ground above the septic tank to inspect it. Risers give easy access to the septic system without disturbing the soil above the tank. By keeping maintenance records, you can have it pumped on a routine schedule, based on the previous years’ rate of solids accumulation.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE THE TANK PUMPED?
How often you need to pump depends on the size of the tank, the number of people in the household, and the amount and type of solids. A septic tank should be inspected annually to check for needed repairs and pumped.
WHAT IS A GREASE TRAP/GREASE INTERCEPTOR?
The name grease trap or grease interceptor is often used interchangeably. These devices are utilized to allow for the separation of fats, oils and greases in wastewater discharges from food service establishments and/or other type grease and oil generating establishments. Such traps or interceptors may be the “outdoor” or in-ground type normally 1,000 gallons capacity or greater, or the “under-the-counter” package units normally referred to as the under-the-counter grease traps.
