May 9, 2019
How to Solve The Biggest Problems With Septic Tanks and Systems
Septic tanks and systems as a whole are a necessity for life outside city limits or where deep sewerage systems are not available. For those who need to install a new septic tank or septic system - or even if you already have one - it's important to understand how it works before you can solve any problems. With even just a small amount of knowledge, you can save large sums of money and avoid annoying (or messy!) malfunctions.
How Septic Systems Work
Septic systems generally consist of two main parts: a septic tank where solid waste settles to the bottom and a leach drain where the water disperses. In this article, we will tackle a bunch of information to understanding septic tanks and systems.
Septic Tank and Leach Drain
A septic tank must be filled with water before it is used. The water helps start the treatment of the sewage by the bacteria within it. The treatment by the bacteria turns the waste matter into a liquid substance- effluent (wastewater) and a solid substance- sludge.
How the entire process works:
During this waste removal process, wastewater passes into the septic tank where heavier solids sink to the bottom and undergo bacterial decomposition resulting in sludge, and lighter oils float to the top creating a film known as scum. From here, the remaining liquid flows into the leach drain where it will soak into the surrounding soil for natural filtration and treatment.
Leach Drain Size
The size of the leach drain is dependent on the density of the surrounding soil. Denser soil, such as clay, requires a larger leach drain. On the other hand, light soil, such as sand, may require a layer of fine-grained soil to improve filterability.
Some older septic systems contain only one tank, but most systems built since the late 80's consist of two. By having two tanks or a tank divided with a baffle into two sections (sample image below), most of the sludge stays in the first tank or section. In the second tank or section, the sewage undergoes further treatment to remove solid matter.
How to Tell if your Property Has a Septic Tank System
Every dwelling has toilets, but where does the waste go? Does it go into a septic tank and leach drain system on your property or does it get piped away from your property into a central wastewater system?
Without heading out to your yard to inspect you could check your property council rates for any deep sewerage charges that are not related to pumping from your property.
Your local council should also be able to give you a plan of their deep sewerage system. Alternatively you will need to do some inspecting outside your property. You must first locate the tank top, it will have some kind of cover on it. Whether it's a steal hatch or a concrete plug and newer versions will have a plastic cap on it.
Once found, remove the cover on both tanks, one is for separating solids and the other is for liquid waste going to the leach drain. Have a look what level the solids tank is at and if full of solids it will need to be pumped out. The second tank will have a outlet pipe going to the leach drain system, it's okay for the effluent level to be high enough to drain into the outlet pipe.
Disused Systems
If a house is placed into a central sewage system, the septic system needs to be decommissioned through pumping and removal. While there is no legal obligation to remove a system at the time of sewer hookup, it must be legally removed if the property is sold, the use is changed (opening a business), or if home extensions get too close.
Placement Of a New System
Once required government approvals are granted, a licensed contractor will determine the correct placement of the system. Placement is dependent on minimum clearance boundaries from groundwater sources, water supplies such as creeks or rivers, buildings, and open drainage channels. The system must also be situated away from areas where cars may drive, as the weight may damage the components.
Septic System Maintenance
Septic systems have a long lifespan, given that they are professionally installed and routinely maintained. Maintenance frequency depends on the number of people using the system. As a general guide, maintenance should be performed every eight years for a two person household and every four years for 4+ people
Problems with Septic Tanks
The septic tank will need to be checked if there are signs that it is not working properly.
Some signs that a tank is not working properly are:
- Liquid waste overflows from the inspection openings.
- Wet areas are seen at the top of the septic tank.
- There is a strong unpleasant smell near the septic tank.
- The grass around the tank is very green and growing well.
- The sewage in the toilet or the liquid waste from other fixtures flows away very slowly or not at all.
Problems with septic systems are usually the result of leach drain failure. This failure is usually caused by the surrounding soil becoming clogged.
As a result, the leach drain will fill with water and overflow causing sewage to back up into the house or soggy ground around the system. Both instances cause foul odors and can be a health hazard. These failures occur more frequently in older one tanks systems.
In the case of a clog, a contractor will have to pump out the leach drain and either replace the surrounding soil or install an additional run of leach drain close by.
Tips to Avoiding Septic Tank and System Failure
The government of Western Australia recommends the following tips to keep your system working correctly:
- Have the septic tanks pumped out regularly.
- Allow as little fat or grease as possible into the system which will reduce the leaching ability.
- Minimise and stagger water usage.
- Regularly switch the drain or soakwells in use if you have an alternating system.
- Do not dispose of non-biodegradable materials into your septic, e.g. plastics.
- Do not dispose of old medicines, large amounts of disinfectant (biocides) or other strong chemicals into the septic tank. These can kill the normal bacteria and interfere with the system.
- Bleaches and detergents have no adverse effects when used in moderation.
- Do not drive vehicles over the system which can cause them to collapse.
If you're planning on building an office or home where it's not connected to any main sewerage lines, contact us for a free quote on poly septic systems. A septic system is a private sewerage system that will handle all of the the sewerage needs you have in your new or existing buildings. It can be complicated to install. However, we've been manufacturing engineered poly products for decades, so we know what we're doing!
We also supply the whole kit, including lid, inlet and outlet 'T' pieces.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on June 22, 2017 and has been revamped and updated for the purpose of accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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