|
What is an
onsite septic system? |
|
Half of all homes in North
Carolina use a septic system to handle and treat wastewater on
the residential lot. Most onsite septic systems consist of a
concrete tank that holds the solid wastes and a drain field.
Drain fields contain perforated pipes surrounded by gravel,
which allows liquid waste to be filtered through the soil and
treated by microorganisms. When working properly, septic systems
remove most pollutants, viruses and bacteria. |
Figure 3 of NC State
University’s SoilFacts publication entitled “Septic Systems and
Their Maintenance” (referenced in the additional resources
section below) |
|
Are septic
systems safe? |
|
If septic systems are properly installed, used and maintained,
yes, they are safe and provide a good mechanism for treating
human waste in areas not served by sanitary sewer systems. |
|
Failing system |
Septic tanks should be inspected and pumped every three to five
years depending on the size of the tank and the number of people
in the home. Unfortunately, this is a maintenance issue that is
often overlooked. Septic system failures can be costly for
homeowners, hazardous for residents, and a source of fecal
coliform and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in
groundwater and nearby streams. If improperly treated sewage
leaches into a nearby stream, those who come in contact with the
polluted waters risk contracting various infectious diseases.
Common illnesses that result from human contact with improperly
treated sewage can range from ear and eye infections, to
gastrointestinal ailments and even diseases like hepatitis.
Besides lack of maintenance,
improper use can cause septic tanks to fail. Often times,
septic systems fail because the bacteria and other organisms
that digest waste products are exposed to harmful chemicals. If
certain waste products enter the system or if too much water
enters the system at once, it can lead to a clogged system
or inadequate holding time before the waste product enters the
drainfield. The following constituents or practices can
contribute to septic tank failure:
-
Putting grease and fats down the drain
-
Using harsh household cleaners or rinsing down other toxic
chemicals (i.e. oil-based
paints, solvents, etc.)
-
Using garbage disposals
-
Using water
purification systems, hot
tubs, or other devices that have the potential to unleash
large volumes of water at a time
|
|
What can one
do to minimize the chances of septic system failure?
|
|
First, familiarize yourself with
where your drain field and tank are and how the system works.
One of the most important steps to maintaining a cost-efficient
and properly functioning septic system is to practice routine
maintenance and check-ups of your system. According to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency 2005 booklet “A Homeowner’s
Guide to Septic Systems,” there are four main factors that
influence how often you may need to have your septic system
pumped. These factors are:
-
The number of people in your household;
-
The amount of wastewater generated
(based on household and water
usage);
-
The volume of solids in the
wastewater (i.e. grease, other
materials fed down a disposal); and
-
The size of your septic tank.
|
|
Below are some steps you can take
to ensure your septic system is working properly.
-
Do not overload your system
with water. Conserve water by avoiding excessive
use and fixing leaky pipes and dripping faucets.
-
Have solids
pumped from the tank every three to five years.
[Maintenance schedules will depend on the size of the tank
and the number of users.]
-
Keep the
oil over the drain field
covered with grass or other shallow-rooted plants to prevent
erosion. Deep roots can clog systems. Maintain a healthy
stand of grass to prevent erosion and excessive infiltration
of water or ponding.
-
Do not drive on or otherwise compact eh soil above the drain
field.
-
Flush only toilet tissue and human wastes down the toilet.
-
Do no use toilet cleaners that hang in the tank.
-
Do not use a garbage disposal or put any of the following
down your drains:
-
Learn the signs
of a malfunctioning or failing system. Backed up water in
drains or toilets, abnormally green vegetation or soggy
areas over drain field and a foul smell all could indicate
system failure.
|
|
In addition to contacting your local health department for more
information, the following websites offer helpful tips and
advice on managing your on-site septic system:
U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
A Homeowner’s
Guide to Septic Systems
EPA-832-B-02-005
http://www.epa.gov/OW-OWM.html/septic/pubs/homeowner_guide_long.pdf
North
Carolina Cooperative Extension
Septic System
Owner’s Guide
http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/Soilfacts/AG-439-13/
North
Carolina Department of Natural Resources-Division of
Environmental Health
Information
on rules, maintenance and innovative systems
http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/osww_new/new1//index.htm
Maryland
Cooperative Extension
Septic
Systems and Their Maintenance
http://extension.umd.edu/environment/Water/files/septic.html
Virginia
Cooperative Extension
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/housing/448-400/448-400.html#L8
|
|
|
