Your Septic System

A highly efficient biological system which can effectively digest and disperse your household sewage and other organic wastes.

Properly designed, installed, and maintained, it should give you many years of trouble-free service. But, only if it is properly maintained.

How Does It Work?

A septic system is designed to condition untreated liquid household waste (sewage) so that it can be readily dispersed and percolated into the subsoil. Percolation through the soil accomplishes much of the final purification of the effluent, including the destruction of disease producing bacteria.

Your septic tank is the first step in the process of sewage conditioning. Without it, the untreated sewage would quickly clog the receiving soil and prevent the purification process of leaching and soil percolation.

Septic tanks Serve Three Functions

  • Removal of solids - As sewage enters the septic tank, its rate of flow is reduced so that the larger solids sink to the bottom or rise to the surface. These solids are retained in the tank, and the clarified effluent with suspended and dissolved solids is discharged.
  • Bacterial action - The solids and the liquids in the tank are partially decomposed by bacteria and other natural process. These bacteria are called anaerobic because they thrive in the absence of free oxygen. This decomposition of sewage under anaerobic conditions is termed "septic", hence the same of the system (and the cause of the odor).
  • Sludge & Scum Storage - Sludge is the accumulation of solids at the bottom of the tank, while scum is a partially submerged material of floating solids that may form at or near the surface. Space must be provided in the tank to store these residues during the intervals between cleaning. Otherwise the sludge and scum will eventually he scoured from the tank and will clog the leach field and receiving soil. Periodic cleaning of your tank is essential to its proper function.

Finally . . .

The treated effluent from the septic tank is discharged to the leach field where it percolates through suitable gravel and finally into the subsoil for further purification.

What can I do to Properly Maintain My Septic System?

  • Your tank should be pumped out at least every two to three years.
  • Do not flush bulky waste or grease into the system. It can plug the sewer and/or distribution lines.
  • Do not flush toxic materials into the system. Paint thinner, gasoline, pesticides, chlorine, drain cleaners, and other toxic substances can kill the naturally occurring bacteria in the tank and impair its functions.
  • Conserve water. Too much water can overload you system and adversely affect its function.
  • Don't allow vehicles or livestock on you leach field. The weight can compact the soil and/or break pipes.
  • Any soggy areas around the system, or disagreeable odors can be an indication of a system failure. Have it checked.
  • Don't use colored toilet paper, it does not break down in the tank as rapidly as white paper.
  • Minimize or eliminate use of sink "disposal" units which grids up food wastes and place a burden on your septic tank.
  • Don't stack firewood or place storage sheds or other structures over your system.