Drain Surgeon: Care of a Septic Tank

A septic tank that is installed and maintained properly should operate for years without problems. However, a tank that operates ineffectively can have far-reaching consequences for example property damage and pollution above and below service that give rise to all kinds of diseases.

There are many different kinds of septic tanks. We will however discuss a conventional gravity-flow septic system which consists of a septic tank, the drain field with it replacement area and the surrounding soil.

Wastewater from toilets, baths and the kitchen from into the container of the septic tank that is usually made of concrete, fibreglass or polyethylene.

Heavy solids gather at the bottom where it is partially decomposed by bacterial action. The lighter solids rise to the top where it forms a scum layer.

Every tank has inlet and outlet tees. Inlet tees controls incoming waste to ensure that the sludge is not disturbed excessively. Outlet tees keeps the solids in the tank. Solids that do not decompose should be removed by pumping it out otherwise they will overflow into the drain field. Normally this takes place every 3 to 5 years.

Tanks should have a place where they can be accessed to pump out the compartments.

Wastewater leaving the tank is partially treated but still has bacteria in. This water is known as effluent.

The drain field consists of perforated pipes laid in gravel-filled trenches in the soil. Wastewater flows through the gravel into the soil. Every drain field has a back-up area that must be maintained in case of emergency.

Final treatment is provided by the soil. Once the effluent has passed through the soil it is absorbed by the groundwater or by the root of plants. By this time the effluent has gone through various chemical and biological processes.

The soil works most effectively if it is dry and has plenty of oxygen. Signs that the soil is not functioning optimally are:

Odours
Sewage on the surface
Plumbing or septic tank backups
Slow-draining fixture
Gurgling sound in the plumbing system

Save water as far as possible. The more water you use the more water has to flow through the septic system.

Keep a record of the specifications and maintenance on your system.

Inspect your system once a year to ensure that the levels are in order and that all parts are functioning properly.

Inspect the drain field area and down slope every few months for odours, wet spots or surfacing sewage.

Pump out your system when needed not only in case of emergency.

Never flush harmful materials for example paper towels and cigarettes into your system. It is important to note that paint and pesticides can also be harmful to your system.

Ensure that water from your roof, driveways etc does not flow into your system.

Prevent vehicles, heavy equipment and livestock away from your system.
Landscaping should be done in such a manner as to ensure that it functions at its best. Concrete and plastic reduce evaporation and should not be used close to the septic system.

Never enter a septic tank as the poisonous gases and lack of oxygen can lead to accidental death.