Although most people in urban areas are connected to their public sewer system, thousands of households in suburban and rural areas surrounding Atlanta still use septic systems.
Often homeowners do not know that they are on a septic system. Since these systems are underground and cannot be seen are often ignored until a crisis occurs.
A phrase I often hear is “We have never serviced our septic system because it has never given us any trouble.”
This is precisely the wrong approach. By the time a septic system problem is noticeable, it often results in replacement of the system or hooking up to the public sewer system. Both of these solutions typically cost thousands of dollars. To make matters worse, installation of a septic system requires tearing up of landscaping. Replacement of the landscaping is an additional cost. With this in mind it is a good idea to have some understanding of how septic systems work and how to maintain them.
How does my septic system work?
A septic system consists of two main parts. The first is the septic tank. The tank is typically made of concrete and is approximately 18 inches under ground. Everything that goes down your drains ends up in the tank. When the wastewater enters the tank it separates into layers. Greases and oils float to the top of the tank and are called the scum layer. Heavier materials settle to the bottom of the tank known as the sludge layer. The remainder of the water stays in the middle of the tank, where some biological treatment or digestion occurs.
Water from this middle area of the tank flows out into the second main part of the septic system, the drainage or absorption field. Although there are some more advanced systems on the market, the drainage field typically consists of a perforated pipe or tile or series of pipes or tiles surrounded by gravel and installed in a trench. The pipes are known as the field lines. Water from the septic tank flows into the field lines where it is distributed to the soil. As the water seeps through the soil it becomes purified.
How should I take care of my septic system?
A common failure of septic systems occurs when the solids in the bottom of the tank are allowed to build up too high. When this happens the solids enter the drainage field and clog the pipes. This condition often results in sewage flowing to the top of the ground. For this reason the best way to care for your septic system is to have the tank periodically pumped and inspected by a qualified septic contractor. The frequency with which a tank needs to be pumped depends upon the size of the tank and its usage, (typically determined by the number of people living in the house).
A good rule of thumb is to have your tank pumped and inspected every 3 to 5 years. Make sure that only household waste and toilet paper goes down your drains. Other materials, like paper towel, take too long to break down and can clog the septic system. Never dispose of toxic or hazardous chemicals in the septic system. These materials will kill the bacteria that help purify the water and break down the solids in the tank. Avoid use of garbage disposers on your septic system. Garbage disposers add excessive amounts of solids into the tank requiring more frequent pumping.
Immediately correct any leaking fixtures. A constant flow of water can saturate the soil around the field lines and result in a failed system. Use of water saving showerheads, low flow toilets, and front load clothes washers also reduce the amount of water entering the system. Never allow any vehicles to drive or park on the tank. Tank tops are typically concrete and can crack and collapse into the tank. Finally, never discharge sump pumps or roof drains into the septic tank.
If you are unsure whether or not you have a septic system call your county health department; someone there should be able to tell you.
About the Author
Featured
