Although urban dwellings typically connect to the sewer system that is municipal, many rural and country homes are equipped with an septic system that is self-contained for the management of waste. In contrast to sewer systems, a one that is septic requires maintenance regularly due to the way in which it manages the waste. This can be costly when working through a waste management service however, you can make money out of maintaining your system by yourself.
The way Septic Systems Work
Septic systems comprise two main elements: a well, or septic tank, and the drain field. The most recent systems employ the septic tank in place of the well to improve efficiency, however older homes may still have wells. Although the concept is similar however, there are few minor differences in design that can cause different issues.
It is the Modern Septic Tank
The tank has direct connections to the main sewer line. In the event that you clean your toilet, or use your faucet then the waste water is released into the tank, where it is broken down through anaerobic bacteria. The process splits this waste in three distinct parts. Solid waste is disposed of towards the bottom, while lighter particles create scum at the top. When more sewage is being flushed into the tank the old water is pushed through drainpipes and then sucked without harm into the field.
Older Cesspool Wells
In older septic systems based on wells there is a huge brick-lined well that is covered with an earthen or concrete lid through which wastewater flows instead of an actual tank. After the well is in place the anaerobic bacteria begin feeding on the waste water. Scum and solid waste is formed on the surface. Contrary to tanks, which have pipes that lead to a drain field, the walls of the well contain small holes through which water seeps out to the ground. Since the process isn’t the same as that of septic tanks Cesspool wells are currently banned in some states.
Common Issues with Septic Systems
In general Septic systems require minimal maintenance during the course of one year and can be easy to forget about. This causes issues that could result in the sewage infiltrating your lawn or leaking into your home. Septic tank clogs and a full tank are two of the most frequently encountered issues you confront.
Clogged Cesspool Wells
Cesspool wells depend on bacteria to separate solid and liquid wastes however, this method isn’t completely efficient. With time, the pores within your cesspool can be blocked, which can cause the water to back up. If the cesspool is not cleaned the cesspool will need to be pumped frequently throughout the year. This could be the case even when there isn’t an abundance of solid waste at the bottom because of the inability for water to drain.
The symptom of the Full Septic Tank
If your tank is not cleaned each three or five years your septic tank can be filled with particles that the tank begins to overflow. The most harmful indication is a persistent, smell of rotting food close to the tank or within the bathroom. This smell of decay may be more evident during hot weather.
Another typical symptom is a slow draining or often blocked toilet. Drain cleaners and plungers can not be effective if the issue is connected to the septic tank and not a straightforward drain blockage. The continued usage of the toilet without cleansing the septic tank can cause overflows and damages to your house.
The third indication of a fully-filled septic tank is the presence of water in the area of the tank. In extreme instances the flooding could be visible as toilet paper or sewage. Plants in the flooded region could get sick or die with bald patches appearing in lawns and other aesthetic damages.
Septic Cleaning Methods
There are three methods to flush out your septic system. Each comes having its own pros and disadvantages. Be sure to verify your local and state laws prior to trying to empty the cesspool yourself.
Aeration
Chemical alternatives to cleaning out the cesspool. Aeration involves placing sulfuric acid in the tank or well. It breaks down solid debris and sludge and allows air to move through. This means that the waste gets dissolved, without pumping. The drawback to the method of sulfuric acid is that it can be destructive and can cause damage to the septic system if it is not employed in the right way.
Hydro-Jetting
Another method of alternative use in wells to cut down or eliminate the necessity for pumping is hydro-jetting. High-pressure blasts force to inject water in the earth near the base of the cesspool and breaks up the solids. This technique has the fastest rate of recovery for cleaning wells.
Pumping
The most commonly used method for clearing a cesspool involves using a huge pumping truck. This truck emptys the cesspool and then dumps it into a huge storage tank. According to CostHelper estimates, the cost for pumping is usually between $75 to $200, however tanks that are larger could cost more than $300. This figure doesn’t take into account other costs, like digging and filling up the ground over the tank. You can choose to dig the manhole cover on your own or hire a backhoe to handle bigger projects.
Pumping is regarded as the standard method to clean the septic tanks. It should be done at least every 2 to 4 years. Smaller tanks might require annual pumping if they are used often, while larger tanks that are rarely used must be pumped at minimum at least every 5 years. Be aware that in some states, it’s prohibited to pump the cesspool if you do not have the proper authorization.
Septic Maintenance
Although tanks and wells may be somewhat different, the same actions can be used to decrease your frequency of pumping, and also to maintain the general well-being of your system.
Preventative Maintenance
One of the most effective methods to keep your septic system running smoothly is to manage the substances that go into it. Since both septic and well tanks depend on bacteria for breaking down waste, many of the substances can’t be easily broken down , and might even kill beneficial bacteria. Examples of these substances include:
- Chemicals used in the household such as ammonia and antibacterial cleanser will kill bacteria and keep the sewage from breaking into pieces.
- Paper towels, diapers as well as other paper and hygiene products aren’t designed to be flushed. They could cause obstructions. Since they’re not designed to degrade as fast in the same way as toilet paper these items could remain in the septic tank until the next time when the pumping schedule.
- Grease becomes solid when it cools, and also has the ability to stick. Hair and other particles stick to it, but the grease will also line the pipe walls growing until it causes a blockage.
- Do not put bones or vegetable matter in your garbage disposal. This could release fat, grease, or other liquids insoluble in your septic tank.
- The laundry soaps that are powdered comprise an insoluble clay, which can cause blockages. Therefore, you should only use liquid detergents as often as you can.
It is also essential to not use excessive amounts of water at one time. Keep downspouts clear of the septic tank and make sure you do not run multiple water-intensive appliances simultaneously. No matter whether you have an septic tank or well The waste requires time to degrade and huge amounts of liquid in an incredibly short period of time could exceed the limit for your system.
Test Septic levels
Septic systems are constructed to collect and store waste. They must be cleaned periodically to avoid overflows or blocking. An easy test can be carried out using a stick that is long enough to reach the bottom of your tank or well. If it is dipped, and then examined the sludge level must be less than one-third that of the tanks height. If the stick indicates an elevated level, you’ll need to pump.
Baffle Clogs
Since septic tanks contain drain fields, maintaining them is a step that requires extra steps. For instance the front and rear baffles on a septic tanks must be cleared of sludge in order to avoid the possibility of a rupture. The most common signs of damaged baffles include lush vegetation or smells emanating out of the drainage field.
Additional Notes regarding Cesspool Lagoons
Another variation that is not as common of the cesspool is an above ground cesspool lagoon. This type of septic system is found mainly in areas where soil is not able to support a drainage field as municipal sewers aren’t in place. The waste water is then transferred into a small lagoon where oxygen and sunlight decompose the waste rapidly. There are certain procedures to follow when taking care of the cesspool lagoon.
Preventing Erosion
The ground that surrounds lagoons is a huge issue. To prevent this, it is recommended to plant short and sturdy plants around the edges of the lagoon to reduce erosion while not blocking the flow of air across the surface. Plants and trees that shed their leaves in autumn can also overshadow the lagoon and hinder adequate aeration. Therefore, do not plant them near your lagoon.
Maintenance
It could be necessary to drain the lagoon with backhoes if the level is approaching the highest embankment. Furthermore, the growth of shrubs in the lagoon can clog the system and can hinder the process of aeration. It is therefore essential to get rid of any saplings that are found in the lagoon even though they’re tiny or you’ll require an backhoe to secure your system.
Safety
Because of the open nature of cesspools, it is crucial to install fencing to keep children and animals from falling into. The enclosure should be sufficient to allow mows. It is also necessary to treat your lagoon annually by putting dunks in it, which can be purchased at the local extension office of your county. These tiny disks aid in preventing the growth of mosquitoes.
Additional Sources
The Environmental Protection Agency website contains extensive information about Septic systems, with details about the systems and programs that help you to finance your system.
El Dorado County, California website El Dorado County, California website provides a thorough description of septic tanks including a chart of how often to flush your tank according to the size of your tank and household.
