FREQUENTLY ASKED QUETIONS ABOUT SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Why should a septic tank be cleaned?
A septic tank holds all of the solids that have been broken down. These solids will build up in the tank, causing many costly problems. If the septic tank is not pumped and cleaned regularly, solids will eventually pass into the absorption field. Solids will plug up the stone and soil in the absorption field, leading to premature septic failure. An overabundance of solids can also cause a sewage back-up into the house.
How often should my septic tank be cleaned?
It is recommended that the septic tank should be pumped and cleaned every two years. Usage in some households is greater, requiring more frequent pumping. Houses with garbage disposals often get pumped every year. It is very important that this maintenance is not neglected.
What size is my septic tank?
It is required by the State of Connecticut that the minimum capacity of a septic tank is 1,000 gallons. Most houses are anywhere from 1,000-1,500 gallons. Some older houses could have home-made septic tanks, which may be undersized by today's standards. The Town Hall may have records of the septic system. If not, the tank can be measured.
What can cause a septic system to fail?
SEPTIC DEFINITIONS
INLET BAFFLE
Delays the flow of waste from the house so the separating process in the tank is not disturbed.
OUTLET BAFFLE
Prevents floating solids (scum) from moving out of the tank into the leach-field.
DISTRIBUTION BOX
Allows the even flow of effluent to leachfield.
EFFLUENT
Filtered liquid which flows from the septic tank into the leachfield.
One of the most common causes of septic system failure is lack of maintenance. Not having your septic tank cleaned on a regular basis will greatly reduce the life of your system. Improper use may also cause a septic system to fail. There are also, unfortunately, some cases of an improper septic system design and installation.
Should I use additives and chemicals to prolong the life of my tank?
No. Most additives or chemicals do little to benefit your septic tank system. In fact, they can often be a hindrance to optimal performance. Regular maintenance is the best way to get the most out of your system.
A FEW SEPTIC SYSTEM TIPS...
- Have your septic tank cleaned on a regular basis.
- Dont let your toilet be a trash can. Do not put grease, napkins, tampons, plastics, cat litter, condoms, paint, diapers, or any chemicals into your system.
- Don't discharge a water treatment system or water softener into the septic system. These have multiple negative side effects. Some can deteriorate the concrete septic tank.
- Have risers installed on the septic tank if it is more than one foot below the ground surface. This will allow for easier maintenance.
- Conserve water to avoid overloading the septic system. Space out laundry throughout the week. Make sure that there are no leaky fixtures in the house.
- Don't use large amounts of laundry soaps, bleaches, or detergents. Excessive quantities will slow the break-down of the solids in the septic tank.
- Don't use chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. Use a drain snake to open drains.
- Don't use septic tank additives. They do not improve the break-down in the septic tank. They may have a negative effect on the septic system.
- Make sure to keep accurate records of the location and maintenance of the septic system.
- Keep your septic system area clean of trees and bushes. Roots from these can cause problems with the system.
- Don't drive any vehicles over the septic system.
- Make sure everyone in the house is educated on the proper use of a septic system.
