Each year, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) holds SepticSmart Week with outreach activities to encourage homeowners and communities to care for and maintain their septic systems. September 18-22, 2017 is SepticSmart Week.
The EPA website lists the following “Top 10 Ways to Be a Good Septic Owner”:
1. Have your system inspected every three years by a qualified professional or according to your state/local health department’s recommendations
2. Have your septic tank pumped, when necessary, generally every three to five years
3. Avoid pouring harsh products (e.g., oils, grease, chemicals, paint, medications) down the drain
4. Discard non-degradable products in the trash (e.g., floss, disposable wipes, cat litter) instead
of flushing them
5. Keep cars and heavy vehicles parked away from the drainfield and tank
6. Follow the system manufacturer’s directions when using septic tank cleaners and additives
7. Repair leaks and use water efficient fixtures to avoid overloading the system
8. Maintain plants and vegetation near the system to ensure roots do not block drains
9. Use soaps and detergents that are low-suds, biodegradable, and low- or phosphate-free
10. Prevent system freezing during cold weather by inspecting and insulating vulnerable system parts (e.g., the inspection pipe and soil treatment area)
Scott Jessick, 20 year employee of RC Worst, notes that having a properly working effluent filter in the septic tank is a key element to a working septic system. Effluent filters prevent the discharge of large solids from a tank, improving quality and extending drainfield life. It works by filtering the effluent and screening solid materials. By removing solid materials it may extend the life of the pump by preventing plugging of the impeller. Introducing solids to the drainfield can also cause it to fail prematurely.
Erik Illum, an RC Worst expert in residential septic treatment systems, cites the importance of measuring the levels of sludge and scum in the tank. The sludge is the layer that forms when the solids fall to the bottom and the scum, typically oils and greases, is the layer that floats to the top of the tank. The measurements will help a homeowner make an informed decision on the right time to pump the tank. For the natural biological breakdown of solids to occur most efficiently in a septic it takes a little time for the scum and sludge layers to form. An anaerobic bacteria colony will also form that help breakdown solids. Pumping the tank too frequently can interfere with this natural process occurring in the tank.
Chris Worst, who represents the fourth generation of his family in the pumping business, stresses the importance of having a watertight septic tank. All systems are designed based on an expected amount of wastewater being introduced to the system. The addition of groundwater leaking into the system can also cause the drainfield to fail prematurely. Water not intended to enter the tank will add to the hydraulic flow of the tank sending more water to the drainfield than planned. It may also affect the tanks natural ability to settle out the tanks sludge and scum layers properly.
Looking for that peace of mind of knowing that your septic system is working properly and efficiently? Call us today at RC Worst & Company for any of your septic system questions.