How to Take Care of Your Septic Tank System

The Septic Tank System like any machine that requires proper use and maintenance. This article provides information on the proper care and use of your septic Tank and Drainfield “Septic System”. At the very least, the Septic Tank needs to be pumped out every three to five years. If you decide to not maintain your Septic Tank System the following is what you can look forward to:

1. A falling Septic System can be a threat to your families health and the environment, especially your well for your drinking water supply or nearby recreational lake waters.

2.Reduced Property Value and has a negative experience with your neighbors.

3. A Septic System is expensive to repair and may require constant pumping of the septic tank, possible installation of a holding tank, or possibly you could have to MOVE OUT of Your HOUSE until the costly repairs are complete.

4. Messy back-ups of sewage into the house (ruining your hardwood or carpet) or sewage gases smells in your home.

The warning signs that you may have a problem with your Septic Systems Drainfield:

* Sewage water surfacing over the drainfield, sand filter or mound.

* Slow drainage of bathtubs, sinks and toilets, frequent back-ups, and water over the Septic Tank Lid.

* Lush green grass and wet to saturated soil over drainfield. Sewage smell and gas odors.

DO NOT DO THESE THINGS

* Add excessive amounts of caustic chemicals to the system. Normal household cleaners in moderate amounts won’t damage your Septic System, but concentrated or toxic chemicals may kill the good bacteria in the Septic System.

*Do not drive cars or machinery, park cars or machinery over top of the Septic Tank or Drainfield area.

* Do not put cooking oils, lard, fats or greases into the sink drain. Separate this fats and greases into a can or container and throw it away in the garbage as part of your household trash.

* Do not secondary bathrooms such as shop or garage bathrooms, motor homes or your gutter downspouts into the Septic Tank System.

* Do not Put baby diapers or WIPES,feminine products, or other materials containing non-biodegradable substances into the Septic Tank. (even if the baby wipes say flushable!! This is for homes on SEWER only)!

* Do not waste water by leaving the shower running for long periods time while waiting for it to warm up.

* Do not use high volumes of water on the same day. Spread out high volume water usage, use throughout the week. In other words DO NOT do all your laundry on Saturday and it is better to run the dishwashers and washing machine on separate day’s.

* Do not plant trees over or near the Septic Tank or the Drainfield, Mound System or Sandfilter box. Roots can intrude into the Septic Tank and baffles and clog or damage the Distribution Box and the the drainfield pipes.

* Most of the time, Septic Tank additives are not needed for residential Septic Tank Systems and these products should never replace the routine maintenance septic tank pumping schedule. Most of the time, these so called cleaners will cause the sludge and scum layer to be broken down into fine enough particles that they will be pushed out into the drainfield, which causes the drainfield lines to become clogged.

* Do not turn off the ATU (Aerobic Treatment Unit) Tank, even if you are going away on a vacation.

**Caution** Do not believe these sales people for the Septic Tank Cleaning enzymes! They will tell you that if you use their product, you will never have to pump your Septic Tank again…. The truth is that these products will break down the solids in the tank and they then are sent out to the drainfield. You might not have to pump your Septic Tank as often, but you will have to replace the drainfield instead! This is not a good trade off. Pumping your septic Tank every 3 years at approximately $400.00 or have your Septic System replaced for $10K ? Be responsible and pump the Septic Tank every 3 years!

DO THESE THINGS!

* Have a maintenance plan in place with your Septic Tank Pumping Professional ( www.LillySeptic.com) - If you have a screened outlet baffle, schedule your septic System Maintenance professional from Lilly’s to clean the screen on a yearly basis. This will prevent blocked screens causing a messy backup into the house.

* Properly use and maintain the system, which includes pumping the Septic Tank, inspecting the Septic system, bottle brushing the laterals (when recommended by your Septic Tank Pumping crew (www.LillySeptic.com), and other maintenance items recommended by your Septic System Service Technician.

* Divert surface water and roof runoff away from the septic tank and drainfield area.

* Install low flow toilets and laundry washing machines and other water conservation devices.

* Run the dishwashers and washing machine with full loads only and spread out the laundry throughout the week. It is best to run the Dishes and Laundry many times during the week rather than do all of the laundry on saturday. NO MORE WASH Day !

* Maintain records of your Septic Tank Pumping, Septic Tank lid and drainfiled location, (AS-Built Drawing) Septic System Inspections, maintenance, and any repairs done to the system.

* avoid construction of sheds or parking area’s in the drainfield area. Avoid having livestock in the area of the Septic Tank or drainfield as they can damage the lines.

* Make sure that the alarm is functioning properly for the pump and/or Sandfilter for pressure distribution systems with an audible and visual alarm to alert you to problems.

Lilly’s Septic Tank Pumping Service - Lisa McCullough http://www.LillySeptic.com Serving King County Homeowners since 1990. Septic Tank Pumping, Installation & Repairs for homeowners in King County including Maple Valley, Hobart, Issaquah, Sammamish, Enumclaw, Auburn, Covington, Kent, Black Diamond, Renton, Federal Way and all of King county.

King County Homeowners guide to How Septic Systems Work

by Lillys Septic Tank Pumping, Installation & Repair Service

The Septic Tank, Pump Tank and The Drainfield are what make up the Typical single family Septic System. Your Septic System will include the septic and pump tank (if a pressure system) that are concrete or fiberglass rectangles or cylindrical. The Tanks are buried and sit approximately one to two feet below the surface unless risers are installed that bring the lids to the surface for easy maintenance and pumping access. All of the drainswithin the home lead to the septic tank, so every drop of water that is used in the house goes into the septic tank.

When the wastewater enters the the tank it then separated into three parts, the scum layer which consists of fats, oils and greases.

The sludge layer that consists of the heavier solids that sink to the bottom and then the natural bacteria action produces digested sludge and dangerous gases. The mid water layer is simply suspended solid particles and wastewater.

Homes built up until about 1975 usually have single compartment 750 gallon Tanks and those built after 1975 typically will have a two compartment 900 to 1000 gallon tank. Homes built after 1990 will most likely be a pressure distribution system and will also have a 1000 gallon pump tank with a effluent pump to pressure the wastewater to the drainfield.

The Single Compartment Septic Tank:

There are some old wives tales or beliefs that “if a Septic Tank is working properly, you never have to pump it). This is absolutely false and negligent and will cost you thousands of dollars if you do not pump the septic tank regularly. Pumping should be performed every 3 years for a single compartment Tank and 3 to 5 for a 2 compartment Tank, depending on usage and habits.

If the Septic Tank is not pumped regularly the solids will accumulate until eventually they are pushed out the outlet pipe and into the drainfield. Because there is no wall for further treatment and separation, single compartment Tanks are at higher risk of this situation than a 2 compartment Tank. When Solids are pushed into the drainfield the soil and drain lines will become clogged and will not allow the water to dissipate into the soil, sending it to the surface or back into the house. This is when you will have raw sewage backed up into the bathtub or shower and the toilet, causing a health risk for your family. When the sewage water surfaces in the yard you are not only putting your family at risk, but you are risking your pets and neighbors as well. If the scum level reaches 24 inches you are risking the drainfield damage, that is why it is so important to inspect the Septic System yearly and pump a Single compartment Septic Tank every 3 years.

~Following is a cross section of the single compartment Septic Tank~

Typical single compartment Septic Tank

Double compartment septic tank anatomy:

All Septic Tanks need to be pumped every 3-5 years, depending on the tank size, the amount of solids entering the tank and the habits of the users. The only sure way to know is to have the Septic Tank inspected annually. By measuring the sludge and scum layer thickness it can be determined when the Septic Tank needs to be umped.

The Septic Tank should be pumped whenever the bottom of the scum layer is 12 inches thick. The scum layer can move to the second compartment through crossover baffle. The 2 compartment Tank has a wall in the center of the tank separating it into 2 compartments. The 1st compartment holds the 3 layers and the 2nd compartment should only be wastewater, although it often has scum and sludge as well at the end of the pumping schedule.

~The diagram below is a cross section of a 2 compartment Septic Tank~

Typical 2 compartment Septic Tank

Wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. While it has received some treatment in the tank, it is still unpleasant smelling and contains disease organisms, organic wastes and other pollutants. This effluent requires proper treatment and disposal otherwise there can be significant environmental and public health problems. Discharging effluent onto the ground or into surface and ground water is against Washington State Law and King County Board of Health Codes.

There are many different pretreatment units that are installed today to further treat the effluent prior to hitting round water. Lillys Septic System Service has diagrams and information on these pre treatment units at the website listed at the end of this article.

~ Following are some pictures of some plugged drainlines and surfacing sewage ~

This is what happens when you don't pump the Septic Tank every 3 to 5 years

When you have surfacing sewage, it is time to have the drainfield replaced!

Pump Tanks:

Most systems installed in King County since 2000 include a pump tank. The pump tank contains a submersible sewage pump, high water alarm float and on & off floats. If the system is hooked up to a timer the pump will be activated at specific times for a specific amount of time to pump the effluent out to the drainfield. If the system is on demand, whenever the water level rises and reaches the “on” float level the pump will be activated to pump the effluent to the drainfield, once the water level reaches the “off” float level the pump will turn off until the water rises again to the “on” float level. If you have a pump failure or plugged drainfield and the water cannot leave the Pump Tank a high water level alarm float is installed, if the water level rises to the alarm float an alarm will sound. Your alarm is located on the pump control panel on the side of the house near the septic tanks, under the kitchen sink or in the garage. The location of the alarm device should be known by the homeowner (see your as-built for information for details). Once this alarm is activated there is some emergency storage space before the wastewater over flows out the top of the lids or backs up into the house.  The alarm can be deactivated but will not solve the problem. You should immediately begin emergency water conservation measures and call a Lilly’s Septic Tank Service at 425-432-3084 to send a technician out to troubleshoot the situation.

~Following is a typical Pump Tank ~

typical pump tank

The Drainfield:

The drainfield is generally located in a stretch of lawn in the back or side yard of a property. The size and type of drainfield depends on the estimated daily wastewater use of the house hold, the more bedrooms a home has them larger the drainfield will need to be. The drainfield is mad up of gravel lined trenches with either corrugated pipes or pvc pipes with holes drilled for the water to disburse through. The water flows from the septic tank to a D-Box and is then directed evenly to each line in the field. the water flows out of the holes in the lines and into the gravel underneath, where it filters through to the soil where further treatment happens naturally prior to the water entering the ground water.

Your Septic System is your Largest underground investment.

Your septic System should be treated as though your home depends on it, It Does! The Septic Tanks and drainfield area should be protected from Cars being parked on it, any type of structure such as carports, decks sport courts or sheds. You will not want to put down any type of landscape plastic or allow farm animals to graze in the area as they can compact the soil creating possible drainfield failure or broken lines. The best solution over your septic system is simply lawn, roots from shrubs and trees can also be detrimental to the drainfield area as the roots can intrude into the lines or the septic tank and cause blockages. Your property will also require a “Reserve area” in case your Septic System fails and a new drainfield must be installed.

~Following is a diagram of a typical septic system~

typical septic system in king county

Lilly’s Septic Tank Service has been providing Expert Septic System Service to King county Homeowners since 1990 including - Maple Valley, Enumclaw, Black Diamond, Ravensdale, Covington, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Issaquah, Renton.

Learn more about your Septic Tank System at the Septic System and Drainfield Experts main website at:  www.LillySeptic.com

Septic System Do’s & Don’ts

Septic System Do’s

1. Inspect your septic tank annually - Septic Tanks should be pumped every three to five years. An inspection by you or Lilly’s Technician may show that you need to pump more or less often. Regular pumping ensures that solids will not flow from the septic tank into the drainfield. Solids  destroy the drainfield, and once a drainfield has failed, pumping will not bring it back to life.

2. Use less water - Reducing the amount of wastewater entering your Septic System may increase its life span, as excessive water is a major cause of system failure. Too much water from laundry, dishwasher, toilets, baths, and showers may not allow enough time for sludge and scum to separate, causing solids to pass out of the tank and into the drainfield, ultimately clogging the pipes. To reduce household water use:

• Limit the use of large water guzzling appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines.
• Use water-saving bathroom and kitchen fixtures (such as faucets, showerheads, and toilets).
• Spread laundry over the entire week and avoid all loads on one day.
• Fix all faucet and toilet leaks promptly.

3. Direct water from downspouts and roofs away from the drainfield - Additional water from these sources may prevent your drainfield from working properly.

4. Keep cars and trucks off the septic tank and drainfield areas -  This prevents pipes from breaking and soil from becoming compacted. Compacted soils can’t absorb water from the drainfield.

5. Use phosphate-free detergent - Phosphorus is harmful to the environment, as it can deplete oxygen which is vital to fish and other aquatic organisms. The use of phosphate-free detergents, also helps prevent algae problems in nearby lakes and streams.

6. Use non clay based Liquid Laundry/Dishwasher Detergent - Liquid Detergents do not crystalize like powders do and create blockages in the baffles.  Clay based detergents tend to create excess sludge in a Septic Tank.

7. Install risers for easier access. Risers from the tank lids to the soil surface to make maintenance easier and avoid digging charges when you pump your Septic Tank.

For more information about your Septic System and to schedule service contact us at:

Septic System Don’ts

1. Limit garbage disposal use - A garbage disposal adds solids and grease to your system, which could lead to drainfield failure.

2. Don’t use septic tank additives or “miracle” system cleaners - Some of these chemicals can actually harm your on-site sewage system by allowing solids to flow into and clog the drainfield. Some of these additives claim you never have to pump your Tank if you use them.  The reality is that you may not have to pump your Tank regularly but you’ll have to replace you Drainfield instead.  The chemicals can also contaminate ground and surface water. 

3. Don’t dispose of water from hot tubs into the on-site sewage system - Large volumes of water are harmful to the system, and the chlorine can destroy important bacteria in the system. Drain hot tubs onto the ground, away from the drainfield and not into a storm drain.

4. Don’t flush solid wastes into the septic system - These include diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, tampons, condoms and grease.

5. Don’t put strong chemicals, such as cleaning products, down the drain - Household chemicals, such as drain cleaners, paint thinners and floor cleaners, can destroy important bacteria in your septic tank and contaminate ground and surface water.

6. Don’t construct patios, carports or use landscaping plastic over the drainfield - Grass is the best cover for your septic tank and drainfield. Soil compaction and paving prevents oxygen from getting into the soil. This oxygen is needed by bacteria to break down and treat sewage.

 Septic System Do’s and Don’ts by Lilly’s Septic Service

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