Septic System 101

A Basic Guide to Your

Septic System

“Out of Sight...Out of Mind” This saying may never have been more true than with the household septic system. In fact, most people never consider their septic system until there is a problem.

This guide has been developed to help you prevent septic problems. It explains the basic parts of your septic system (drainpipes, septic tank, drainage area) and how they work, the problems that can occur when they are neglected, and how a little basic maintenance can help prevent major repair bills.

Drainpipes

[“Drainpipe n(1857): a pipe for drainage”] Not always considered part of the septic system, drainpipes serve a critical function. They carry the waste from sinks, baths, and toilets to the septic tank.

Over time, drainpipes accumulate waste. Their surfaces become covered with grease, soap and other materials. As build up occurs, pipes begin to lose diameter and water flow becomes restricted. This results in slow drains and clogged pipes.

Once a clog happens, the only remedy is dangerous caustic chemicals or expensive mechanical snaking. Unfortunately, these methods only partially open pipes, leaving them susceptible to further clogging.
 

Septic Tank

[Septic Tank n(ca1902): a tank in which the solid matter of continuously flowing sewage is disintegrated by bacteria”]

In other words, your septic tank is the heart of your septic system and functions as a miniature waste treatment plant

As waste enters the septic tank it separates into distinct layers:

• The top layer is known as the scum layer [“scum n: extraneous matter or impurities risen to or formed on the surface of a liquid often as a foul filmy covering”] and generally consists of digestible organic material.

• The middle layer consist of fairly clean water. It is from this layer that water leaves the septic tank and enters the drainage area.

•The bottom layer, also known as the sludge layer, [“sludge n: a muddy or slushy mass, deposit, or sediment (such) as precipitated solid matter produced by water and sewage treatment processes”] is made up primarily of inorganic and other indigestible materials.

In an efficiently operating system, the natural bacteria populations digest the scum layer and only clean water from the middle layer leaves the septic tank and passes into the drainage area.

In an efficiently operating system, the natural bacteria populations digest the scum layer and only clean water from the middle layer leaves the septic tank and passes into the drainage area.

In a problem trap, the scum layer or sludge layer becomes so large that solids are allowed out of the trap into the drainage area. This can happen for a number of reasons.

If the problem is excessive scum, it is most likely the result of insufficient bacterial populations. This can be a result of simple overloading where there are large numbers of bacteria but too much waste is entering the tank. It can also result from systematic destruction of the natural bacteria by the use of common household chemicals.

Chemicals such as bleach, toilet bowl sanitizers, acidic or caustic cleaners, drain openers, bathtub and grout cleansers, and others destroy bacteria, thus reducing the efficiency of your septic tank.

Unlike excessive scum, sludge buildup does not necessarily mean your system is not working properly. As we mentioned previously, sludge contains inorganic and other indigestible materials. These materials will continue to accumulate even in a properly working system and will need to be removed by a professional septic pumper
 

Drainage Area (Drain Fields, Leach Fields, Cesspools)

From leach fields to cesspools, there are many styles of drainage areas that all work on the same principle. They disperse the water leaving the septic tank over a large area so that it is better absorbed by the soil.

Usually a drainage area will consist of a pipe, or network of pipes, that are perforated to allow water to escape. These pipes often rest on varying layers of sand and gravel with the larger stones closer to the pipe.

Under normal conditions, the leach field only receives clean water from the septic tank but, as we have seen, in overload or inefficient conditions, solids are allowed to leave the septic tank and enter the leach field. These solids begin to quickly accumulate in the small pores of the sand and gravel, impeding water flow and water absorption into the soil. This can lead to further problems such as standing water, especially after rain, and excessive odor. If left untreated entirely, this condition will lead to complete failure of the septic system including ruined leach fields and overflowing septic tanks.

Replacement costs of leach fields vary significantly, but even the smallest systems will cost several thousand dollars to replace.
 

What Can You Do?

As we have seen, many problems can strike a neglected septic system. Fortunately, a little basic maintenance can go a long way toward preventing failure and keeping your system operating efficiently.

Do not overload your septic system. Limit the use of chemicals or better yet, use only septic system safe products including toilet paper, laundry soap, etc. Do not use garbage disposals or put kitchen grease into the drain. Do not flush cigarette butts, motor oil, hygiene products, etc.

Have your septic tank pumped regularly to remove accumulated sludge. This will also give your professional septic pumper the opportunity to inspect your tank for damage and other problems.

Treat your system monthly with one of CustomBio’s Professional Strength Septic System Treatments. CustomBio’s Septic Treatment products will reduce buildup in your drain pipes, insure adequate bacterial populations in your septic tank and help keep your drain field flowing freely.

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