Caring for a Septic Tank.
Frequently Asked Questions ...
How does a septic tank work?
What to Put In, What to Keep Out ....
Routine Maintenance of a septic tank.
How often should I have my tank emptied?
Caring for the Soakaway.
How a Septic Tank Works.
A typical septic system contains two major components: a septic tank and the soakaway. Often, a distribution box is included as part of the system to separate the septic tank effluent evenly into a network of distribution lines that make up the soakaway.
The septic tank is usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, is typically buried and should be watertight. All septic tanks have baffles at the inlet and outlet to insure proper flow patterns.
Most septic tanks are single compartment, however a number of two-compartment tanks are also used.
While typically designed to hold a minimum of 750 to 1000 gallons of sewage, the size of the tank may vary depending upon the number of bedrooms and occupants in the home and to comply with local regulatory requirements.
The primary purpose of the septic tank is to separate the solids from the liquids and to promote partial breakdown of contaminants by microorganisms naturally present in the wastewater. The solids, known as sludge, collect on the bottom of the tank, while the scum floats on the top of the liquid. The sludge and scum remain in the tank and it is this that requires regular removal by pumping.
Solids that are allowed to pass from the septic tank may clog the soakaway. Keeping solids out of the soakaway not only prevents clogging, but also reduces potentially expensive repair or replacement costs and helps ensure the ability of the soil to effectively treat the septic tank effluent.
Therefore, an additional safeguard in keeping solids out of the soakaway is the use of effluent filters on the outlet of the septic tank.
The wastewater (effluent) coming out of the septic tank may contain many potentially disease-causing microorganisms and pollutants (i.e., nitrates, phosphates, chlorides). The effluent is passed on to the soakaway through a connecting pipe or distribution box.
The soakaway contains a series of underground perforated pipes. The effluent is distributed through the perforated pipes, exits through the holes in the pipes, and trickles through the rock or gravel where it is stored until absorbed by the soil.
The soakaway, which is located in the unsaturated zone of the soil, treats the wastewater through physical, chemical, and biological processes.
The soil also acts as a natural buffer to filter out many of the harmful bacteria, viruses, and excessive nutrients, effectively treating the wastewater as it passes through the unsaturated zone before it reaches the groundwater.
Wastewater contains nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, that in excessive amounts may pollute nearby waterways and groundwater supplies. Excessive nutrients in drinking water supplies can be harmful to human health and can degrade lakes and streams by enhancing weed growth and algal blooms.
However, the soil can retain many of these nutrients, which are eventually taken up by nearby vegetation.
You can download further information on the operation of Klargester Septic Tanks here:
Klargester Septic Tank Information.pdf (204k)
What to Put In, What to Keep Out ...
- Direct all wastewater from your home into the septic tank. This includes all sink, bath, shower, toilet, washing machine and dishwasher waste. Any of these waters can contain disease-causing microorganisms or environmental pollutants.
- Keep roof drains, cellar sump pump drains, and other rainwater or surface water drainage systems away from the soakaway field. Flooding of the soakaway field with excessive water will keep the soil from naturally cleansing the wastewater, which can lead to groundwater and/or nearby surface water pollution.
- Conserve water to avoid overloading the septic tank system. Be sure to repair any leaky taps or toilets. Use low-flow fixtures.
- Do not use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake to clear blockages.
- Do not use septic tank additives, commercial septic tank cleansers, yeast, sugar, etc. These products are not necessary and some may be harmful to your system.
- Use commercial bathroom cleaners and laundry detergents in moderation. Many people prefer to clean their toilets, showers, and baths with a mild detergent instead.
Routine Maintenance
Often overlooked or neglected is the fact that a septic system should have a regular check-up to prevent problems. You should have your septic system inspected every 1-2 years by a professional and your tank pumped when necessary.
The septic tank traps the solids in the wastewater and should be checked to determine whether or not it is time for it to be pumped out. The inspection port should be opened and the baffles (internal slabs or tees) should be checked to ensure that they are in good condition since the last check-up.
If you have a septic tank effluent filter, it should also be inspected. Effluent filters require periodic cleaning. Some filters are now equipped with alarm systems to alert the homeowner when the filter has become dirty and needs to be cleaned. Failure to keep the filter clean may result in a backup of wastewater in the home from a clogged filter.
Septic systems that have mechanical parts such as a pump should be inspected at least once a year or more frequently as recommended by the manufacturer.
The soakaway should be checked for sogginess or ponding, which indicates improper drainage, a clogged system, or excessive water use. The presence of damp or soggy areas or odors may indicate a leak in the system.
How often should I have my tank emptied?
A specific determination of when it’s time to pump out the solids can be made by having the depth of solids and level of scum buildup on top of the wastewater in the septic tank checked periodically.
Two factors affect how often you should have your septic tank pumped: Whether you need to have your tank pumped every year, once every five years, or some other time interval is affected by these factors.
The first factor is the size or capacity of the tank itself. If more people are living in the home than when the system was installed, or if new high water-use appliances or technologies such as a hot tub or whirlpool bath are now in use, then the capacity may be too small. The more people using a system, the faster the solids will accumulate in the tank, and the more frequently the tank will need to be pumped. Also, the additional surge of water from hot tubs and whirlpool baths may wash solids out of the tank and into the absorption field.
An inspection can determine whether the system is of adequate capacity to handle the volume of solids and flow from the number of people in the household and types of appliances used. A larger capacity system provides better treatment and requires less pumping.
To arrange to have your septic tank emptied, call us on 01544 230364
The second factor is the volume of solids in the wastewater. If you have a garbage disposal, for example, you will have to pump out your system more frequently than persons disposing of their food wastes through other means. The use of a garbage disposal may increase the amount of solids in the septic tank by as much as 50 percent. Excessively soiled clothes may add solids to your septic tank.
Sometimes, geographical location may also contribute to extra solids ending up in the septic tank. For example, systems in coastal areas may have an accumulation of sand in the septic tank from washing beach clothes.
Caring for the Soakaway
The soakaay generally does not require any maintenance. However, to protect and prolong it's life, you should follow these simple rules:
- Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage the absorption field.
- Do not drive or park over any part of your septic system. This can compact the soil and crush your system.
- Direct all wastewater from your home into the septic tank. This includes all sink, bath, shower, toilet, washing machine and dishwasher wastewaters. Any of these wastewaters can contain disease-causing microorganisms or environmental pollutants.
- Keep roof drains, cellar sump pump drains, and other rainwater or surface water drainage systems away from the soakaway area. Flooding of the soakaway with excessive water will keep the soil from naturally cleansing the wastewater, which can lead to groundwater and/or nearby surface water pollution.
For further details, or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Mayglothling Waste on our Head Office number, 01544 230364 or E-mail us by clicking HERE.